Khalifa University offers highly competitive, merit-based PhD scholarships to outstanding students. Applicants should indicate their interest in scholarship consideration when submitting their admission application.
Applications for Spring 2027 admission to PhD programs only will be open from 3 August 2026 to 31 August 2026.
Benefits
Depending on the scholarship awarded, benefits may include:
Full or partial tuition fee coverage
Monthly stipend
Enrollment in pension (UAE national only)
Textbooks
Accommodation
Medical insurance
Visa processing support and travel assistance to/from the UAE (for students residing abroad)
Support for participation in conferences (subject to funding)
International research internship (subject to funding)
Teaching experience and career development
Requirements
Regular PhD (For applicants with a Master’s degree)
Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0 out of 4.0, or equivalent (e.g. an upper second-class honors in a UK-style degree, from a reputable accredited institution).
Completion of a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum CGPA of 3.25 out of 4.0 or equivalent from a reputable accredited institution.
Direct PhD (For applicants without a Master’s degree)
Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.5 out of 4.0 or equivalent from a reputable accredited institution.
A minimum quantitative score of 150 in the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (The test must be taken at a test center as the GRE Home Edition is not accepted). Applicants must attempt all three sections of the GRE.
Requirements for Both Regular & Direct PhD Applicants
A minimum level of English proficiency in the form of either:
iBT TOEFL (internet-based test) score of 91 (The test must be taken at a test center as the TOEFL iBT Home Edition is not accepted) or equivalent,or
Overall academic IELTS score of 6.5, or
A minimum of two referee recommendations (provided via online form).
Statement of purpose (500-1,000 words).
Research statement (500-1,000 words).
Admission interview.
Method of Application
For More Information,
Visit the Official Webpage
Application Deadline: August 31, 2026.