Khalifa University PhD Scholarships in UAE 2026 | Fully Funded Opportunities
Higher education linked with world-class research is often the sharpest ticket to a flourishing future, and nowhere is that illustrated better than the United Arab Emirates, a nation engineered for swift action, bold vision, and relentless invention. Within this landscape, Khalifa University has surged to the vanguard, unleashing pioneering research and inventive programs that are distinctively reshaping the contours of knowledge and societal advancement.
This month, Khalifa offered a fresh invitation—PhD Scholarships for Spring 2026—welcoming graduate students from all over the globe and from right at home to dive into a fully funded doctoral dream.
These perks aren’t just a piecemeal list; they add up to 100% free, worry-free education. Scholarships cover the entire bill for tuition, a generous monthly living grant, comfy on-campus housing, full medical coverage, a visa, a plane ticket to Abu Dhabi, and money for conferences plus hands-on research in top labs. Thanks to this generous package, you’ll push the envelope in places like engineering, health care, computer science, mathematics, and the physical sciences.
Later in this article, we’ll map out every detail—who can apply, what goodies they’ll land, the research tracks you can join, and the simple steps to submit your application.
Why Choose Khalifa University?
Khalifa University enjoys worldwide respect for its relentless pursuit of cutting-edge research, groundbreaking innovation, and teaching of the highest quality. Situated in Abu Dhabi, the institution sits proudly among the UAE’s and the wider Arab world’s university elite. Powered by strategic partnerships with foremost global research institutes, industry leaders, and innovation centers, the campus attracts talented young people eager to forge outstanding careers in science, technology, or medicine.
Key Details of the PhD Scholarships 2026
Application Deadline: September 15, 2025
Application Fee: AED 200
Nationality: Open to all nationalities (international and domestic students).
Funding Coverage: Full or partial (depending on merit and availability).
Scholarship Benefits
The Khalifa University PhD Scholarship offers one of the most generous funding packages in the region. Students can expect:
- Full tuition fee coverage (no cost of education).
- Monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
- Free accommodation or housing allowance.
- Comprehensive medical insurance.
- Visa and travel support for international students.
- Conference and research internship opportunities to gain global exposure.
Eligibility Requirements
Khalifa University maintains high academic standards to ensure only qualified candidates are selected. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- For PhD with Master’s Degree:
- Bachelor’s degree with a CGPA of 3.0/4.0.
- Master’s degree with a CGPA of 3.25/4.0.
- For Direct PhD (No Master’s Degree):
- Bachelor’s degree with a CGPA of 3.5/4.0.
- GRE quantitative score of 150 or higher.
- English Language Proficiency:
- iBT TOEFL 91, IELTS 6.5, or EmSAT English 1550.
Available PhD Programs
Khalifa University offers a wide range of PhD programs across three major colleges:
- 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
Application Process
Applying for the Khalifa University PhD Scholarship 2026 involves several steps. Here’s a simplified guide:
- Prepare Required Documents:
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and/or Master’s).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume.
- Statement of Purpose (research interests and goals).
- Recommendation letters (usually 2-3).
- English proficiency test results.
- GRE scores (if required).
- Online Application:
- Visit the official Khalifa University website.
- Create an account and complete the online application form.
- Upload all required documents.
- Application Fee: Pay AED 200 (non-refundable).
- Review and Submit: Double-check the application before final submission.
- Selection Process: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews or additional assessments.
Register from here and confirm your account via email.
Official Website
Tips for a Strong Application
- Connect Your Background to the Program: Describe—briefly but precisely—how the training and experiences that brought you to this moment fit Khalifa University’s agenda.
- Select Referees Thoughtfully: Pick faculty and researchers who can write perceptively about your attitude in the lab and in the seminar room, not just your scores or grades.
- Craft Your Statement of Purpose: Use this one-page narrative to clarify your aspirations, your commitment to research, and the particular links between your plans and what Khalifa University offers.
- Plan and Gather Materials Early: Start compiling transcripts, recommenders, proof of English proficiency, and GRE scores well before the deadlines. Trials, not surprises, should characterize your preparation.
The Khalifa University PhD Scholarships for the academic year of 2026 provide exceptional, fully-funded support to promising scholars everywhere. Candidates will find cutting-edge laboratories, thoughtfully designed academic programs, and collaborative peers across multiple disciplines, making this the moment to move forward in engineering, computer science, medicine, or mathematics.
To turn that ambition into reality, submit your completed application by September 15, 2025. Let’s turn today’s research vision into tomorrow’s systematic impact.
