Introduction
India is a land of diversity, where people from different religions, social backgrounds, age groups, belief systems, and geographies are all connected by one common thread—our culture. This is something the world celebrates our nation for. Yet, stepping out always introduces us to what lies beyond, and that is exactly what many students seek when they opt for foreign education.
In light of this, Dubai stands as a beacon of cultural and racial diversity today. With an estimated population of 10 million and only 12% being actual Emiratis, studying here offers a vibrant, fast-growing hub that promises both global exposure and professional opportunities. It is only natural, then, for many Indian students to be drawn towards the UAE, a destination much closer to home compared to the far West, yet one that delivers world-class education and stands proudly as a gateway between the East and the West.
Such dreams, however, require thoughtful funding and careful budgeting. It is therefore essential to understand the wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs offered by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), making these aspirations even more accessible and achievable. Let’s explore further to help you take that next step with clarity and confidence.
Types of Scholarships Available in the UAE
Whether you are an undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD student, the UAE offers a scholarship for all grades. These are broadly categorised below:
Government Scholarships in the UAE
Considered to be the most prestigious and, in fact, competitive, these are funded directly by the government. These include:
- H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Scholarship: Available to deserving international students at institutions such as the American University in Dubai. It is a merit- and need-based scholarship designed to support high-achieving students from around the world in pursuing undergraduate studies. This is open to all nationalities, including Indian students who can demonstrate a score of 90% and above in high school and the need for financial assistance. You must apply through AUD’s scholarship portal for this, and the decision is subject to the Scholarship Committee’s approval for a partial or full tuition fee waiver for each academic year.
- Scholarships in Abu Dhabi (TAMM) and UAE University (UAEU): TAMM is a digital platform that provides access to various government services, including information on scholarships and fellowships. It serves as a gateway to opportunities provided by different institutions and government entities in Abu Dhabi to UAE nationals, residents, and international students. On the other hand, UAEU is located in Al Ain, which is one of the most prestigious public research universities, and it offers a range of scholarships to support international students in their academic pursuits. Also open to all international students, including those from India.
Non-Government Scholarships in the UAE
Indian students are also supported in their higher education in the country through various private organisations and even corporate entities that extend financial grants and fellowship opportunities. These are:
- Industry-funded fellowships and CSR initiatives: Under this segment, scholarships such as the Al Jalila Foundation are covered, which are dedicated to students in the medical science field. You can also explore scholarship opportunities such as the Emirates Foundation – Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Higher Education Grant and the Tamaiaz Award.
- Merit-based awards by NGOs and educational foundations: This also brings you dedicated scholarships for women in aerospace or related science fields, such as the Zonta International – Amelia Earhart Fellowship. You can also look into options such as Al Qasimi Foundation Scholarships under this category. These are based on academic merit, research proposals, or financial needs and may even involve a separate application procedure through the sponsoring organisation to check if you qualify or not.
University-Specific Scholarships in the UAE
Several UAE universities have scholarships that are dedicated to Indian and international students.
- The 125 Scholarship (University of Birmingham): An exclusive award granted on an invitation-only basis, it marks the 125 years of impact of the institution ever since Queen Victoria granted them the Royal Charter. Under this, 125 high-achieving, future-focused individuals will be granted the scholarship for the September 2025 intake.
- Chancellor’s Academic Merit Scholarship (University of Birmingham): An academic merit scholarship that covers all the years of your course, including the year you spend studying in the UK as part of a student exchange programme. However, if your final year or master’s year is in the UK, like in BSc Biomedical Science, MSci Biomedical Science, MEng Mechanical Engineering, or MEng Computer Science and Software Engineering, then it won’t apply for that year. For postgraduate programmes, the scholarship is granted based on your bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) grades. The scholarship will cover your full tuition fee, whether you choose a full-time or part-time course. But if you’re applying for the MSc Mental Health programme, it will only apply to your first year.
- Future Made for Success Scholarship (Heriot-Watt University): A discount of AED 7,000 will be granted to students (foundation, undergraduate, or postgraduate) who applied and submitted the tuition fee deposits by 31st May 2025 for the September 2025 intake. The grant will be distributed equally across the instalment plan for the first year of study. Notably, this scholarship cannot be combined with the Engineering Scholars Award.
- Engineering Scholars Award (Edinburgh Business School): A scholarship grant of AED 25,000 will be provided to undergraduate engineering applicants who are targeting the September 2025 intake and have paid the tuition fee deposit by or before 17th May 2025. To avail of the discount, students are expected to pay 10% of their tuition fee as a non-refundable amount in advance. The award is equally distributed across the instalment plan for the first year of study. Also, you must have received either a conditional or an unconditional offer letter.
- Tomorrow’s Leaders MBA Scholarships (Edinburgh Business School): Offering up to 50% of tuition fee discount, it is designed for aspiring business leaders who have worked a minimum of five years full-time and demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and potential, with a strong vision for the future. For this, applicants must have paid the deposit by 31st August 2025 to secure their place for the September 2025 intake, should be self-funded, fill out a separate form with an 800-word essay, and be shortlisted as an applicant.
- Full Advance Fee Payment Discount (Heriot-Watt University): A discount of 3% of the net annual tuition fee will be awarded to any student who pays their net annual tuition fees in full before 1st September 2025 for the September 2025 intake or before 1st January 2026 for the January intake. Also, students who pay 10% of their fee initially to confirm their place and then choose to pay the full fee will also be eligible for this discount.
- Academic Excellence Scholarship (Middlesex University Dubai): This scholarship grants you up to 50% off your tuition fee and is open to domestic UAE applicants for the September 2025 intake. Applicants must have deposited AED 3,000 to receive this grant. The scholarship is awarded each year of study at Middlesex University Dubai.
- Postgraduate/Master’s Study Grant (Middlesex University Dubai): Students in the UAE are eligible for a grant of 10% on all postgraduate programmes as part of this. Students choosing to study any MBA or MA Human Resource Management and Development programme are eligible for a 20% professional study grant for the September 2025 intake.
- Merit Scholarship A (SP Jain University Dubai): It is granted to students who want to pursue the Master of Global Business or Global MBA programs and can demonstrate high academic scores in 10th, 12th, and each year of undergraduate studies. High entrance test scores are also considered, and graduates of top-ranked institutions are welcome. Alternatively, your interview performance, past job at top-ranked companies, and exceptional postgraduate work/certifications, such as a Chartered Accountant, are also preferred.
- Merit Scholarship B (SP Jain University Dubai): To be eligible for this scholarship, students must show high aptitude test scores, high interview performance, and any other parameters as determined at the time of admission.
Minimum Score Range for Merit Scholarship in Category B:
| Entrance Test | Scholarship Amount | Minimum Score Required |
|---|---|---|
| CAT (percentile) | Up to USD 5,000 | 90–94 |
| Up to USD 10,000 | 95 and above | |
| GMAT (score) | Up to USD 5,000 | 670–700 |
| Up to USD 10,000 | 710 and above | |
| GRE (score) | Up to USD 5,000 | 325–328 |
| Up to USD 10,000 | 329 and above | |
| SPJAT (score) | Up to USD 5,000 | 80–89 |
| Up to USD 10,000 | 90 and above |
- Diversity Scholarships (SP Jain University): This scholarship is in place for students from underrepresented countries or regions who may qualify for special international scholarships. For courses like the Master of Global Business and Global MBA, this scholarship ensures a truly global experience.
- The SP Jain President’s Scholarship Award: Open to Indian citizens who are applying for the Global MBA programme, this scholarship aims to nurture exceptional talent and empower future leaders. It supports meritorious Indian students with high leadership potential and a remarkable academic and professional track record. The two scholarship categories are:
- USD 32,500 Merit Scholarship: The applicant must meet 4 of the 6 criteria and should maintain a minimum of 3.5 CGPA to retain the scholarship.
- USD 16,000 Merit Scholarship: The applicant must meet 3 of the 6 criteria and, to retain this scholarship, must maintain a minimum CGPA of 3.3.
- Amity Scholarship (Amity University Dubai): Under this, all students applying from outside the UAE are eligible for a 20% bursary for the entire duration of the degree.
- New Student’s Academic Merit Scholarship (University of Wollongong, Dubai): It covers 15% to 50% of the tuition fees for each trimester, and the scholarship categories available to students are 50%, 25%, or 15%. This doesn’t include the costs incurred for textbooks, excursions, accommodation, or living expenses of any kind. Also, it is granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Academic Merit Scholarship (University of Wollongong, Dubai): This covers 15% to 25% of your tuition fee each trimester and doesn’t include the money spent on textbooks, excursions, accommodation, living expenses, or any other costs involved in undertaking study. This is open to new (entry-level) students of all nationalities.
- Undergraduate Academic Scholarship (Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai): This is an academic scholarship which is based on your performance in high school, and the scholarship grant goes up to 45%.
| High School Percentage | Scholarship Awarded |
|---|---|
| 80% – 84.99% | 5% |
| 85% – 89.99% | 15% |
| 90% – 94.99% | 25% |
| 95% – 97.99% | 35% |
| > 98% | 45% |
- Dean’s Scholarship (Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai): 30% for outstanding performance in core subjects.
| Department | Relevant (Core) Subject |
|---|---|
| Engineering | Maths / Physics / Chemistry |
| Computing | ICT / Computer Sciences / Maths |
| Business | Business Studies / Economics / Accounting / English |
| Psychology | Statistics / Psychology / Social Sciences |
- Tiger Journey Scholarship (Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai): This is offered at a flat 20% (50 seats) scale for students who score 90% and above and meet the required English and placement test requirements.
- c) Global Tigers Scholarship (Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai): This scholarship is renewable for each academic year and provides you with a 40% scholarship (10 seats) on the first-year tuition fee. It is only offered to new students.
- Graduate Academic Scholarship (Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai):
- Teaching Assistantship (Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai): This offers you a chance to work alongside professors from specific departments, where you will assist the chairs of departments in academic-related tasks. This gives selected students up to a 50% scholarship and the opportunity to learn and develop their careers.
- Academic Scholarship: Offers up to 30% for students with excellent academic records based on the cumulative GPA of the undergraduate degree. The criteria are as follows:
| CGPA of Undergraduate Degree | Scholarship Value |
|---|---|
| 3.0 – 3.4 | 10% |
| ≥ 3.4 | 20% |
| ≥ 3.6 | 30% |
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- Global Tigers Scholarship (New students only): Provides you with a 30% scholarship on your tuition fee for the first semester. This is granted to a limited number of international students (20 seats) every academic year and can be maintained based on your academic achievement.
- Emirates Aviation University:
- Chancellor’s Scholarship: Students get up to a 100% tuition waiver through this scholarship. Eligibility entails scoring 95% or above in the undergraduate programme, or a CGPA of 3.8 or above in a postgraduate course.
- Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship: This provides you with a 50% scholarship. To qualify, you need to have scored 90% in the undergraduate programme or have a CGPA of 3.5 in the postgraduate programme.
- Hult Business School: This scholarship offers anywhere between 15% and 30% discounts on the tuition fee based on academic merit and your performance during the interview.
- Istituto Marangoni: Open to expatriate residents or international students, this scholarship offers financial support to students pursuing a career in fashion, design, art, fragrances and cosmetics. It is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. For long-duration courses, the deduction granted is up to AED 20,000, and for professional courses, it goes up to AED 5,000.
Financial Support: Scholarship Funding in the UAE
Scholarships in the UAE offer financial relief to many international students. While the granted discounts may vary, with some providing partial and others full scholarships to Indian students based on merit, financial need, or even extracurricular achievements, they typically cover only academic costs. Expenses such as textbooks, lodging, travel, and more are usually not included and must be managed by the student. Therefore, it is important to understand what life in the UAE looks like for full-time Indian students in terms of affordability:
Approximate expense costs:
| Expense Item | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (single room) | AED 3,250 (low) – AED 4,500 (high) |
| Grocery | AED 1,000 |
| Recreation and entertainment | AED 600 |
| Mobile (10GB + calls) | AED 1,920 (upfront), AED 160 monthly |
| Travel (taxi) | AED 500 |
| Monthly spend (excluding visa) | AED 5,510 – AED 6,760 |
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students Applying for Scholarships in the UAE
It is often that students look for the right scholarship in order to qualify for them, but what is also essential is to ensure that you apply such that your success chances become a sure thing. For this, below are some factors you must consider to secure admission with a scholarship:
- Merit-Based Scholarships: To ensure your academic excellence, you must have secured a minimum of 85% or equivalent in your previous education. Also, high scores in standardised language proficiency tests (IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, etc.).
- Financial Need-Based Scholarships: Your household income certificate and bank statements/income certificates to prove your financial standing.
- Merit in Extracurricular Activities Scholarships: Certificates to prove your achievement in sports, arts, leadership, or community service.
- Valid Passport and Student Visa: You must have a valid passport that isn’t expiring anytime soon and also be eligible to apply for and secure a UAE student visa.
- Personal Statement/Essay and Letters of Recommendation: A written statement that explains your background, goals, and why you deserve the scholarship, along with academic/professional references that are needed in case of some scholarship grants.
- Timely Application: To qualify for a scholarship, it is also essential that you file everything before the designated deadlines.
Application Process for UAE Scholarships
The process to apply for a scholarship in the UAE involves the following steps:
- Research about the scholarships: You must explore university websites and scholarship portals (private and government) to identify which options best suit your requirements and profile. This is also the time when you must double-check the eligibility, benefits, and deadlines.
- Prepare your documents: Gather necessary documents, which include transcripts, passport, IELTS scores, personal statement, LORs, and financial documents.
- Fill out the scholarship form: Complete the form online or offline, as preferred by the university.
- Apply for Admission: Most, but not all, scholarships require you to first hold an offer of admission, and then you can proceed with the application.
- Submit the Documents before the Deadline: Submit your application along with all the required documents before the deadline.
- Attend Interview (if required): Some scholarships may involve an interview as part of the shortlisting and finalising process.
- Await Decision: The committee will evaluate your application and announce the results via email or their official portal.
- Accept Scholarship: Once you receive the offer, confirm your acceptance and fulfil/meet any conditions or documentation required by the university.
Conclusion
Studying in Dubai is something that many scholars seek these days; however, scholarships are a means through which this aspiration becomes more achievable. Moreover, since the UAE offers scholarships on various bases, there is room for everyone to acquire higher-grade learning and education, one that can set them apart from the crowd and help them establish a career. The key is to start early, start right, research thoroughly, and present a strong application. For that, we are certain this article will help you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Indeed, 100% scholarships are available in the UAE, but these remain highly competitive and often come with very strict eligibility criteria. These scholarships include Khalifa University Scholarships, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) Scholarships, and more.
Some of the nations that certainly provide 100% scholarships to Indian international students are:
- The United Kingdom (Example: Chevening Scholarships for Master’s, Commonwealth Scholarships for Master’s and PhDs, and more)
- The United Arab Emirates (Example: Khalifa University Scholarships, etc.)
- Ireland (Example: Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships)
To secure a scholarship in Dubai, you must follow the steps below:
- Research about the Scholarships
- Prepare your documents
- Fill Scholarship Form
- Apply for Admission
- Submit the Documents before the Deadline
- Attend Interview (if required)
- Await Decision
- Accept Scholarship (and fulfil any/all pending documentation requirements).
However, for more detailed information and expert guidance, absolutely free of cost, contact us today!
