Khalifa University Announces Fully Funded PhD Scholarships for 2026

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Khalifa University has opened applications for its fully funded PhD scholarships for the academic year 2026. The scholarships are available to both international students and UAE nationals seeking to pursue doctoral studies in a range of scientific and engineering disciplines. The program aims to attract top talent to contribute to the UAE's growing research and innovation ecosystem.

Comprehensive Funding Package

The Khalifa University PhD scholarship is a fully funded opportunity, designed to remove financial barriers for exceptional students. The scholarship covers:

Full tuition fees Free textbooks Free accommodation Medical insurance Flight coverage UAE visa fee coverage Monthly stipends

This comprehensive package ensures that students can focus entirely on their research and academic pursuits without financial worries.

Diverse Range of PhD Programs

Khalifa University offers a wide array of PhD programs across its various colleges. These include:

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences:

PhD in Chemistry PhD in Earth Sciences PhD in Physics PhD in Aerospace Engineering PhD in Chemical Engineering PhD in Civil Engineering PhD in Electrical Engineering PhD in Engineering Systems and Management PhD in Materials Science and Engineering PhD in Mechanical Engineering PhD in Nuclear Engineering PhD in Petroleum Engineering

College of Computing and Mathematical Sciences:

PhD in Mathematics PhD in Computer Science PhD in Computer and Information Engineering PhD in Robotics

College of Medicine and Health Sciences:

PhD in Biomedical Engineering PhD in Biomedical Sciences PhD in Molecular Life Sciences PhD in Public Health

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet specific academic requirements to be considered for the scholarship. The criteria vary slightly depending on whether the applicant holds an MSc degree.

For Applicants with an MSc Degree:

Bachelor’s Degree: Completion in a relevant discipline with a minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0 (or equivalent) from an accredited institution. Master’s Degree: Completion in a relevant discipline with a minimum CGPA of 3.25/4.0 (or equivalent) from an accredited institution.

For Applicants without an MSc Degree (Direct PhD):

Bachelor’s Degree: Completion in a relevant discipline with a minimum CGPA of 3.5/4.0 (or equivalent) from an accredited institution. GRE: Minimum quantitative score of 150 (must be taken at a test center; Home Edition not accepted). All three sections of the GRE must be attempted.

English Proficiency (for all applicants):

iBT TOEFL: Score of 91 (must be taken at a test center; Home Edition not accepted), or equivalent. Academic IELTS: Overall score of 6.5. EmSAT English: Score of 1550.

The English Language Test may be waived if the applicant is a native English speaker or has completed their Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an English-medium institution.

Required Documents

Applicants are required to submit the following documents as part of their application:

Degrees and Certificates UAE Ministry of Education Equivalency Certificate (if applicable) Official Transcripts English Proficiency Score (IELTS/TOEFL/EmSAT) GRE Score Report (if applicable) CV Passport Photo Passport & UAE Visa (if applicable) Family Book (UAE Nationals) UAE ID (if applicable) Statement of Purpose Research Statement (PhD applicants) Two Recommendation Letters

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.

Application Process and Deadline

The application process is entirely online. Interested candidates should visit the Khalifa University website to access the application portal and complete all required sections, uploading the necessary documents. The deadline for applications is September 15, 2025, for the Spring 2026 intake.

Expert Perspective

Dr. Aisha Al-Salami, a professor of higher education policy at UAE University, emphasizes the strategic importance of such scholarships. "Investments in higher education and research, particularly through fully funded scholarships, are crucial for the UAE's long-term development. These initiatives not only attract bright minds from around the world but also foster a culture of innovation and knowledge creation within the country. This aligns perfectly with the UAE's vision of becoming a global hub for science and technology."

Historical Context and Current Trends

The Khalifa University PhD scholarship program builds upon the UAE's growing commitment to education and research. Over the past two decades, the UAE has significantly increased its investment in higher education, establishing world-class universities and research institutions. This commitment is reflected in the increasing number of scholarships and research grants available to both domestic and international students. The program also addresses the global trend of increasing demand for highly skilled professionals in STEM fields, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and healthcare.

Looking Ahead

The Khalifa University PhD Scholarship represents a significant opportunity for aspiring researchers to pursue their academic goals in a cutting-edge environment. By providing comprehensive financial support and access to world-class resources, Khalifa University aims to cultivate the next generation of innovators and leaders who will contribute to the advancement of science and technology in the UAE and beyond.