Scholarships in Dubai: Achieve Your Dubai Study Dreams with Scholarships!

Thinking of studying in Dubai? You're not alone. The city has become a top choice for Indian students seeking a global education. While the cost of tuition and living can seem high, scholarships in Dubai are a game-changer. What if you could study at a world-class university with a scholarship that covers not just your tuition, but also your living expenses and even your flight?

This isn't a pipe dream. Top universities and government bodies in the UAE offer fully-funded scholarships that can make your study abroad journey virtually free. This guide will walk you through the types of scholarships available, the benefits they offer, and how to apply, so you can turn your Dubai study dream into a reality.

Types of Scholarships in Dubai for International Students ?

There are multiple scholarships in Dubai categorised into government-funded, non-government, and institution-specific scholarships. These opportunities aim to make higher education more accessible and affordable while fostering academic excellence and diversity.

• Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded to students for exceptional academic achievements and high standardised test scores, these scholarships can cover part or all of your tuition fees.
• Need-Based Scholarships: Designed for students with financial need, these scholarships make education accessible by covering tuition fees and other related costs.
• Sports Scholarships: Given to talented athletes, these scholarships allow you to balance academic and athletic pursuits simultaneously.
• Research Scholarships: These scholarships support students interested in research by providing financial assistance for research projects and advanced studies.
• Cultural Scholarships: Promote cultural exchange by awarding scholarships to students from diverse nationalities and backgrounds.
• Women in STEM Scholarships: Encourage gender diversity in STEM fields with scholarships exclusively for women pursuing STEM degrees.
• Industry Partnership Scholarships: In collaboration with leading industries, these scholarships may include internships or cooperative education programs for a practical experience.
• Community Impact Scholarships: Awarded to students with a strong commitment to community service and making a positive societal impact.
• Alumni Scholarships: Exclusively for graduates of partner institutions, these scholarships foster a sense of community among international students and alumni.
• Government Scholarships: Supported by UAE government initiatives, these scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs for international students.

Government Scholarships in Dubai

Indian students looking for government scholarships in Dubai should focus their search on top public universities, as the most generous funding is typically offered through these institutions rather than a centralised government programme. Institutions like Khalifa University and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) offer fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, living stipends, health insurance, and even travel costs for high-achieving international students. These prestigious scholarships in Dubai are highly competitive and are a direct pathway for Indian students to pursue a world-class education in fields like AI and engineering without the financial burden.

University Specific Scholarships in Dubai

Dubai hosts a series of public and private universities in Dubai that offer their own scholarships and financial aid for international students. These scholarships cover a wide range of costs, from full tuition fees to a certain amount paid every year. Each scholarship has its own set of rules and regulations that are to be followed by applicants applying.

Let’s give you a list of university-specific scholarships in Dubai:

Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) Scholarships: The H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Scholarship is a highly competitive, merit-based award for new high school graduates. To be eligible, you must have achieved a minimum of a 90% average and plan to enrol in an undergraduate programme at Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) in the same year you graduate.

This prestigious scholarship covers your full tuition fees and admission costs, ensuring you can focus on your studies at HBMSU all the way to graduation.

American University in Dubai (AUD) Scholarships: The AUD university offers a slew of scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate programmes, like the H.H.H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarship for Undergraduate Study, the Gebran Tueni Media Scholarship, the Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication Scholarship, the William Jefferson Clinton Scholarship at AUD, the ICT Funds Scholarship for Undergraduate Admissions, and the AUD School Partnership Initiative (ASPI) and AUD Senior Scholarship. Each scholarship is specific to a programme and has its own eligibility criteria and deadlines.

BITS Pilani Dubai Campus Scholarships: BITS Pilani offers merit-based scholarships ranging from 10% to 75% on tuition and hostel fees. These scholarships are awarded based on your performance in the BITSAT or your high school scores. To renew your scholarship for the second year, you'll need to maintain a strong academic record, typically a CGPA of 9 or higher.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai Scholarships: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai Campus offers a variety of scholarships to help students achieve their academic dreams. These awards are based on merit, financial need, leadership, and extracurricular achievements, making a quality education more accessible for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

To remain eligible, you must maintain a strong academic record with a minimum 7 CGPA and have no academic backlogs or disciplinary issues. The scholarship for one-year programmes is a tuition fee waiver for that first year only. Keep in mind that for postgraduate programmes, the scholarship is for the entire programme fee and cannot be extended.

Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus Scholarships: Heriot-Watt University Dubai offers a variety of scholarships to help students manage their educational costs. These scholarships, including the Future Made for Success Scholarship and the Undergraduate/Postgraduate Merit Scholarships, are based on merit, academic performance, and other specific criteria.

It's important to note that you can only receive one scholarship, though you may qualify for multiple discounts. All scholarships are for your first year of study at the Dubai campus only and cannot be transferred to other Heriot-Watt locations. You must apply using the university's scholarship request form, and all decisions are final.

Canadian University Dubai (CUD) Scholarships: Canadian University Dubai (CUD) offers a range of scholarships designed to help students overcome financial barriers and reward academic excellence. These scholarships are open to all nationalities, provided you meet the admission and scholarship criteria.

To be eligible, you must be a full-time student taking four or more courses per semester, and you must maintain the required CGPA for your specific scholarship. You can apply for multiple scholarships but will only be awarded the one with the highest value. These scholarships apply only to tuition fees during regular semesters.

University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) Scholarships: The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) offers a variety of scholarships to help new and continuing students with tuition costs. These scholarships, which include Academic Merit Scholarships and Sports Scholarships, provide a fixed percentage discount on your tuition fees.

It's important to know that you can only receive one scholarship at a time, and it's not transferable to the University of Wollongong's Australian campus.

Private and Foundation Scholarships in Dubai

For Indian students, private and foundation-based scholarships in Dubai are a fantastic alternative to government-backed programmes. These awards are typically offered by private universities, corporations, or non-profit foundations. While they don't have the wide reach of a government scholarship, they are often incredibly generous and targeted towards specific fields or individuals.

Here are the private scholarships in Dubai for Indian students:

Al Qasimi Foundation's Doctoral Research Grants: The Al Qasimi Foundation offers Doctoral Research Grants to PhD students who want to conduct research in the UAE. This grant is designed to support scholars in various fields whose work can inform policy in the country.

It's a great opportunity for Indian students, as the grant is very generous. It covers all your field research expenses in the UAE, including a return flight, furnished housing for up to a year, a stipend for living costs, and additional support for your research.

ICT International Fund (at University of Dubai): The ICT Fund helps educational institutions create top-quality courses in telecommunications and IT to nurture local talent. It provides funding for up to five years, covering a maximum of 75% of expenses for universities and research institutes, or 50% for companies. To be eligible, institutions must be a legal entity with majority UAE ownership.

Eligibility Criteria for Applying to Scholarships to Study in Dubai for Indian Students

To apply for Dubai Scholarships for international students, Indian students need to meet certain eligibility requirements that focus on academic performance and financial need. Knowing these criteria can help you navigate the application process more effectively and boost your chances of receiving support.

• Academic Performance: Maintain high academic standards with excellent grades or standardised test scores.
• University Enrollment: Must be accepted or currently enrolled at a recognised Dubai-based university or institution.
• Nationality: Scholarships are generally available to international students, including Indian nationals.
• English Language Proficiency: Non-native speakers may need to provide TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate language skills.
• Specific Criteria: Some scholarships require enrollment in specific programs or fields of study.
• Financial Need: Certain scholarships are need-based and require proof of financial inability.
• Supporting Documents: Submit required documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
• Research Proposals: For research-focused scholarships, provide a detailed research proposal and necessary approvals (for doctoral studies).

How to Apply for Scholarships to Study in Dubai?

Applying for scholarships in Dubai involves a strategic approach to ensure you meet all requirements and stand out from other candidates. By following a step-by-step process, you can enhance your chances of securing financial support for your studies.

• Research Scholarships: Begin by exploring various scholarships available in Dubai. Identify those that align with your academic and career goals. Understand their eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and required documentation.
• Check Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the specific requirements for each scholarship. Verify academic qualifications, financial need, and any other criteria outlined by the scholarship provider.
• Gather Documents: Prepare all necessary documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, proof of financial need, and a well-crafted resume or CV.
• Write Personal Statements/Essays: Draft compelling personal statements or essays that highlight your achievements, goals, and how the scholarship will help you. Tailor each essay to the specific scholarship’s focus.
• Submit Applications: Complete and submit your applications before the deadlines. Ensure that all required documents are included and formatted according to the guidelines.
• Prepare for Interviews: If required, practice for interviews by reviewing common questions and preparing responses that showcase your strengths and experiences.
• Proofread and Review: Carefully proofread your application materials to correct any errors and ensure clarity.
• Follow Up: After submission, check the status of your application and follow any additional instructions provided by the scholarship committee.

Scholarships in Dubai offer a fantastic opportunity to ease the financial burden of your studies while giving you access to a world-class education. With a variety of options, including both government and non-government scholarships, you can find support for various fields and academic levels. These scholarships help with tuition and living costs and provide valuable networking opportunities and cultural experiences.

Ready to take the next step in your academic journey? AECC experts will guide you through the entire application process. Contact us today to start your journey and turn your academic dreams into a reality.