Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) AI Research Internship Program 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- Oct 1
- 3 min read
If you are an ambitious undergraduate student passionate about artificial intelligence, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) offers an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in cutting-edge AI research. Applications for the 2026 Undergraduate Research Internship Program (UGRIP) are now open, providing a fully funded, four-week residency at MBZUAI’s Abu Dhabi campus.
🎓 UGRIP 2026 Summary
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Host Institution: Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)
Level: Undergraduate
Target Group: Undergraduate students in STEM disciplines
Fields of Study: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, Robotics, Computational Biology, Data Science
Value & Coverage:
Generous stipend
On-campus accommodation
Visa processing, round-trip airfare, and airport transfers
Comprehensive health insurance
Access to MBZUAI’s state-of-the-art facilities
Participation in social and cultural activities
Duration: 4 weeks (June–July 2026; exact dates to be confirmed)
Application Deadline: February 28, 2026 (5 p.m. GST)
Start Date: June 2026 (exact dates to be confirmed)
Eligible To: Undergraduate students worldwide
🧠 UGRIP Overview
The Undergraduate Research Internship Program (UGRIP) at MBZUAI is a flagship experiential AI research internship designed for undergraduates worldwide. Launched in 2023, UGRIP offers participants a unique opportunity to advance their research careers, connect with leading AI experts, and experience life in the UAE. Interns are embedded in faculty-led research teams, working on high-impact projects across core AI disciplines. Past projects have included developing models for brain tumor detection, creating automated systems for media bias detection, designing interactive music generation systems, advancing machine translation for dialectal Arabic, and building early-stage brain-machine interface frameworks.
🌟 Benefits
Fully Funded Experience: All expenses, including travel, accommodation, and insurance, are covered.
Mentorship: Receive guidance from world-renowned AI faculty.
Networking: Collaborate with high-caliber students from around the globe.
Professional Development: Engage in social and cultural activities, enhancing your global perspective.
Access to Facilities: Utilize MBZUAI’s state-of-the-art research labs and resources.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Academic Standing: Penultimate-year undergraduate student in a STEM-related major, graduating after August 2026.
Academic Performance: Minimum CGPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent.
English Proficiency: Valid certificate of English proficiency (TOEFL iBT ≥90, IELTS Academic ≥6.5, EmSAT English ≥1550), or official letter from university confirming English as the medium of instruction.
Documentation:
Enrollment letter from university registrar showing admission date, program duration, and expected graduation date.
Official academic transcript listing all courses, grades, and credit hours.
Valid color passport copy (minimum one-year validity).
Statement of Purpose essay detailing motivation for applying, personal and academic background, standout achievements, goals as a prospective UGRIP participant, and preferred career path.
📝 Application Procedure
Prepare Documents: Ensure all required documents (Above) are in English or include certified translations. Academic documents must carry official stamps and signatures.
Submit Online Application: Complete the application form available on the official MBZUAI UGRIP website.
Review Process: Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis during the admission cycle.
Admission Decision: Notification of admission decisions will be sent by April 1, 2026 (11 p.m. GST).
📅 Important Dates
Applications Open: January 1, 2026 (8 a.m. GST)
Applications Close: February 28, 2026 (5 p.m. GST)
Admission Decision Notification: April 1, 2026 (11 p.m. GST)
Internship Dates: June–July 2026 (exact dates to be confirmed)
💡 Why Choose UGRIP at MBZUAI?
World-Class Institution: MBZUAI is the world’s first graduate-level, research-based university dedicated entirely to artificial intelligence.
Top Rankings: Ranked among the top 10 globally in AI, computer vision, machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics.
Diverse Community: An active supporter of women in STEM, with 28% of students being women, and a diverse international student body representing more than 60 countries.
Career Opportunities: Many interns choose to continue their studies at MBZUAI by pursuing master’s or Ph.D. programs in AI-related fields.
If you are a driven undergraduate student eager to delve into the world of AI research, the MBZUAI UGRIP 2026 offers an unparalleled opportunity to enhance your academic and professional journey. Prepare your application early, highlight your achievements, and take the first step towards a transformative experience in the heart of the UAE's innovation hub.
