Khalifa University PhD Scholarship 2027
Between Cycles
Overview
The Khalifa University PhD Scholarship funds international PhD students at Khalifa University in the United Arab Emirates through a tier system. The PhD has two paths. The Research Path pays a higher stipend and carries a commitment to work for the university after graduation, and the Study Path pays less and has no work commitment. Tuition support ranges from full coverage to a 25%, 50% or 75% waiver, and medical insurance and flights are included for full-time international students. For the full list of benefits, see what the scholarship covers.
What to know before applying
There is no separate scholarship application. You indicate your interest when you apply for admission, and the university places you in a tier based on academic merit and research potential. For the regular PhD you need a Bachelor’s CGPA of 3.0 and a Master’s CGPA of 3.25 out of 4.0. For the direct PhD you need a Bachelor’s CGPA of 3.5 and a GRE quantitative score of at least 150. English requirements are TOEFL iBT 91 or academic IELTS 6.5.
Expect two referee recommendations, a statement of purpose, a research statement and an admission interview. The application fee is AED 200, and you apply through the Khalifa University application portal. Some Study Path tiers also accept part-time students. If you are a Chinese national, see the CSC-Khalifa University Joint PhD Scholarship. You can also compare the KAIST International Scholarship, the Australian Awards Scholarship and more PhD scholarships.
Timeline notes
Khalifa University lists no fixed scholarship deadline, because awards are decided through admission. Postgraduate admissions open and close by intake, and the university lets you ask to be notified when they reopen. See the application deadline section for the current status.
About the Khalifa University PhD Scholarship
The Khalifa University PhD Scholarship is a partially funded scholarship offered by Khalifa University for study in United Arab Emirates. The scholarship supports students pursuing PhD studies in Not communicated. Recipients receive Research Path Tier I: basic monthly stipend of AED 20,000. Study Path Tier I: monthly stipend of AED 4,000. Other tiers vary for a duration of Not communicated.
Eligible applicants: Qualified international students admitted to a PhD programme. Full-time study is required, except that some Study Path tiers also allow part-time study. UAE nationals have a separate graduate scholarship. Academic standing: Regular PhD: Bachelor's CGPA of 3.0 and Master's CGPA of 3.25 out of 4.0. Direct PhD: Bachelor's CGPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 and a GRE quantitative score of at least 150.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and align with the Khalifa University PhD Scholarship selection criteria, this represents a valuable opportunity to advance your education with financial assistance. Read the sections below carefully to understand the benefits, eligibility, application process, and deadline before applying.
Scholarship Benefits & What's Covered
Selected recipients of the Khalifa University PhD Scholarship receive a comprehensive funding package. Here's what the scholarship covers:
- Stipend and allowances: Research Path Tier I: basic monthly stipend of AED 20,000. Study Path Tier I: monthly stipend of AED 4,000. Other tiers vary
- Tuition fees: Yes, full coverage in some tiers and 25%, 50% or 75% waivers in others
- Accommodation: Free university accommodation for eligible full-time students only
- Airfare / travel: Yes, mobilization and demobilization flights for full-time overseas international students
- Health insurance: Yes, for full-time international students sponsored by Khalifa University
- Family / dependants: Not communicated
- Program duration: Not communicated
- Number of awards per year: Limited number of slots
The scholarship is classified as Partially Funded. Recipients receive substantial financial support, but should plan to supplement with personal or family contributions for uncovered expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Khalifa University PhD Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements. Applications from ineligible candidates are automatically rejected, so review these carefully before applying.
Academic requirements
- Minimum degree level: Regular PhD: Master's degree in a relevant discipline. Direct PhD: Bachelor's degree
- Academic standing: Regular PhD: Bachelor's CGPA of 3.0 and Master's CGPA of 3.25 out of 4.0. Direct PhD: Bachelor's CGPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 and a GRE quantitative score of at least 150
- Academic background: Placement in a tier depends on academic merit, research potential and other factors. The PhD has a Research Path with a work commitment and a Study Path without one
- Fields of study: Not communicated
Nationality & residency
- Eligible countries: Qualified international students admitted to a PhD programme. Full-time study is required, except that some Study Path tiers also allow part-time study. UAE nationals have a separate graduate scholarship
- Residency: Not communicated
Language requirements
- Language of instruction: English
- Language test: Yes, TOEFL iBT 91 or academic IELTS 6.5 (EmSAT results are also accepted)
- Minimum score: IELTS 6.5 overall or TOEFL iBT 91
Other requirements
- Age: Not communicated
- Gender: Not communicated
How to Apply for the Khalifa University PhD Scholarship
Applications for the Khalifa University PhD Scholarship are submitted through the official channels of Khalifa University. Follow these steps to submit a strong application:
Step 1: Verify eligibility. Confirm you meet every requirement listed above, particularly nationality, academic level, and language proficiency. Applications from ineligible candidates are automatically rejected without review.
Step 2: Prepare required documents. You will need to submit: Certified degree certificates, UAE Ministry of Education equivalency certificate for degrees from outside the UAE, official transcripts showing the grading scale, English test certificate, GRE report for direct PhD applicants, detailed CV, statement of purpose and research statement of 500 to 1,000 words each, passport-style photo, copy of valid passport. An admission interview and an application fee of AED 200 apply. Prepare each document carefully, reviewers typically shortlist based on document quality and completeness.
Step 3: Secure reference letters. Yes, 2 referee recommendations submitted through an online form. Contact your referees early. References take time to prepare.
Step 4: Submit the application. Complete the application on the official portal before the deadline. The application deadline for this scholarship is To be announced. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
Step 5: Await response. Shortlisting typically takes 4–8 weeks after the deadline. Successful candidates are invited to interview or additional assessment. Final decisions are announced 3–6 months after the application deadline.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Khalifa University PhD Scholarship is To be announced. Application window: To be announced.
We strongly recommend starting your application at least 6–8 weeks before the deadline to allow sufficient time for document preparation, reference letter requests, and revisions to your personal statement. Rushed applications are visibly weaker and reduce your chance of shortlisting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Khalifa University PhD Scholarship fully funded?
The scholarship is classified as Partially Funded. See the Benefits section above for a detailed breakdown of what's covered and what recipients must pay for themselves.
Who can apply for the Khalifa University PhD Scholarship?
Applicants must be from Qualified international students admitted to a PhD programme. Full-time study is required, except that some Study Path tiers also allow part-time study. UAE nationals have a separate graduate scholarship. Additionally, applicants must hold Regular PhD: Master's degree in a relevant discipline. Direct PhD: Bachelor's degree. Full eligibility criteria including language, age, and academic requirements are detailed in the Eligibility section above.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the Khalifa University PhD Scholarship is To be announced. Late applications are not accepted, so aim to submit at least 2 weeks in advance.
Is there a bond or return obligation?
Research Path students must work for Khalifa University after graduating, for a period matching their study. Study Path students have no work commitment.
Where do I apply?
Apply directly on the official portal: Application Link. ScholarshipSpace does not process applications on their behalf.