Khalifa University Spring 2026 Postgraduate Scholarships

If you’re an ambitious postgraduate researcher aiming to pursue a PhD within a globally top-ranked, research-intensive university in the UAE, Khalifa University’s Spring 2026 Scholarships are now open for all nationalities.

Khalifa University of Science and Technology (KU), based in Abu Dhabi, invites applications for its Spring 2026 PhD admission cycle. These scholarships are merit-based and designed to eliminate financial barriers, inviting global talent to join one of the region’s leading institutions for innovation and research. Interested candidates must apply by 15 September 2025.

🎓 Scholarship Summary

• Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates—at Khalifa University’s campuses

• Level: PhD (Doctoral Pastgraduate Studies)

• Target Group: International applicants (and UAE nationals) holding a Master’s degree—or exceptional Bachelor’s graduates applying for a Direct PhD path

• Field of Study: Broad: Engineering, Sciences, Medicine, Computing, Robotics, Public Health, and more

• Value & Coverage:

  • Full tuition coverage

  • Monthly living stipend

  • Health insurance

  • Research support including conference travel; possibly textbooks, visa, and accommodation support

• Duration: Typical PhD period (up to 3–4 years), with travel and research funding included in package

• Application Deadline: 15 September 2025

• Start Date: Spring 2026 intake (likely January)

📚 Scholarship Overview

Khalifa University’s scholarship packages are designed to attract exceptional global scholars and support their doctoral journey comprehensively:

• Financial Support: Covers full tuition, living stipends, health insurance, and possibly accommodation, visa, textbooks, and travel

• Research and Mobility Support: Funding often includes conference participation and research-related expenses

• Qualified Academic Environment: KU’s research-intensive setting ensures fellows benefit from interdisciplinary and cutting-edge support across engineering, medicine, computing, materials science, and public health

• Global Engagement: The university maintains strong research partnerships worldwide, offering exposure to international collaboration and scholarship

🎁 Benefits

• Financial Security: Full coverage of study and living costs allows scholars to fully dedicate themselves to research

• Academic Excellence: KU’s world-class facilities and global research environment elevate your doctoral journey

• Holistic Research Support: Funds extend beyond tuition to empower active participation in the global scholarly community

• Inclusive Access: Scholarships are open to all nationalities, supporting global talent diversity

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy:

1. Academic Requirements:

   • With Master’s Degree: Bachelor’s (CGPA ≥ 3.0/4.0) plus Master’s (CGPA ≥ 3.25/4.0) in a relevant field

   • Direct PhD Applicants (without Master’s): Bachelor’s with CGPA ≥ 3.5/4.0 needed, along with a GRE General Test quantitative score of ≥ 150; all sections attempted

2. English Language Proficiency:

   • TOEFL iBT ≥ 91 (not Home Edition), or IELTS ≥ 6.5, or EmSAT English ≥ 1550

   • Exemptions apply if native English speaker or degree from English-medium institution

3. Additional Application Requirements:

   • Two referee recommendations

   • Statement of Purpose (500–1,000 words)

   • Research Statement (for PhD applicants)

   • Admission Interview

📝 Application Procedure

1. Apply Online via KU’s postgraduate admissions portal

2. Complete and upload:

   • Academic transcripts and degree certificates

   • English proficiency scores (TOEFL/IELTS/EmSAT)

   • GRE scores (for direct PhD applicants only)

   • CV, Statement of Purpose, Research Statement

   • Two recommendation letters

   • Any additional documents like passport copy, visa documents, etc. depending on your citizenship status

3. Interview Stage: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online or in-person interview as part of admissions review

⭐ Why it Matters

The Khalifa University Spring 2026 Scholarships stand out for their comprehensive support, inclusivity, and alignment with global research excellence. These scholarships empower doctoral candidates—regardless of nationality—to engage deeply in high-impact research, supported by one of the Middle East’s most prestigious institutions and its global networks.

Official Link

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