Dubai is home to a wide range of educational institutions, from international schools to globally recognised universities. As tuition fees continue to rise, students and parents actively search for scholarships that can reduce the financial burden. Whether you are studying in school, planning for undergraduate studies, or seeking a postgraduate or research opportunity, Dubai offers multiple scholarship options through universities, government-linked institutions, charity foundations, and community organisations.
This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step method on how to find and apply for scholarships in Dubai. It highlights where to search, eligibility conditions, application procedures, timelines, and tips to improve your chances of receiving funding.
Overview Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Who Can Apply | School students, undergraduates, postgraduates, working professionals |
| Type of Scholarships | Merit-based, need-based, talent, sports, STEM, research |
| Offered By | Dubai universities, government foundations, schools, charities |
| Application Mode | Online, offline (school admin), or email submissions |
| Funding Coverage | Partial or full tuition support, stipends (select programmes) |
Purpose of This Guide
The objective of this guide is to help students and families:
- Identify scholarship opportunities available in Dubai.
- Understand where and how to search for scholarships.
- Learn the correct application process.
- Prepare strong applications with complete documentation.
- Maximise success rates by using a structured approach.
Where To Find Scholarships in Dubai
1. University Official Websites
Most universities in Dubai publish updated scholarship information every academic year. Look under sections such as:
- Scholarships
- Financial Aid
- International Student Support
- Merit Awards
Common universities offering scholarships include:
- Khalifa University
- UAE University
- Zayed University
- MBZUAI
- Heriot-Watt University Dubai
- University of Dubai
- Middlesex University Dubai
2. Dubai Government and Education Portals
Dubai’s education authorities often release scholarship updates through:
- KHDA announcements
- Dubai Cares programmes
- Dubai government scholarship initiatives
- UAE Ministry of Education grants
3. School Circulars and Student Portals
Private and Indian curriculum schools in Dubai release annual scholarship notifications for:
- Academic toppers
- Low-income families
- Sports achievers
- Talent awards
4. Charity and Community Organisations
Several charitable foundations support students facing financial challenges:
- Beit Al Khair Society
- Dar Al Ber Society
- Dubai Charity Association
- Indian Community Associations
5. Online Scholarship Platforms
Some global portals provide updates on UAE-based scholarships and deadlines.
6. Social Media Announcements
Universities frequently post scholarship announcements on:
- Twitter (X)
Following verified university accounts helps you stay updated.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Criteria
- Minimum grade requirements (varies by institution, usually 75% to 95%)
- Strong performance in specific subjects for STEM scholarships
- High GPA for university-level scholarships
Financial Criteria (for need-based applications)
- Income proof of parents or sponsor
- Bank statements
- Hardship documents (salary reduction, job loss)
Documentation Requirements
- Passport and Emirates ID copies
- Academic transcripts
- Certificates (sports, art, extracurricular achievements)
- Recommendation letters (higher education)
- Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose
- Fee invoices (for school-level relief)
Programme-Specific Conditions
- Some scholarships apply only to new admissions
- Others apply to existing students with strong performance
- Continued funding requires maintaining minimum grades
Estimated Scholarship Amounts
| Scholarship Type | Coverage | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Merit-Based | Tuition discount | 10% to 100% |
| Need-Based | Fee relief | AED 1,500 to AED 15,000 |
| STEM/Research | Fully funded | Tuition + stipend |
| Talent | Partial fee support | 10% to 50% |
When to Apply
| Stage | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Announcement | January to April |
| Application Window | February to June |
| Verification | 2–4 weeks |
| Interviews/Trials | March to July |
| Final Approval | April to August |
| Enrollment or Fee Adjustment | Start of academic term |
How To Apply For Scholarships in Dubai (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Identify the Right Scholarship
Start by checking:
- University websites
- School portals
- Community organisations
- KHDA and government announcements
Shortlist scholarships based on your level (school, UG, PG) and your strengths.
Step 2: Review Eligibility Criteria
Check academic requirements, financial conditions, documentation lists, and specific rules.
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
Gather the following:
- Academic records
- ID documents
- Recommendation letters
- Achievement certificates
- Statement of Purpose
- Financial proofs (if needed)
Organise documents according to the scholarship’s checklist.
Step 4: Register and Apply Online
Submit your application through:
- Official university portals
- School administration offices
- Charity organisation websites
Ensure accurate data entry and complete uploads.
Step 5: Attend Interview or Assessment
Many scholarships require:
- Academic interviews
- Skill tests
- Sports trials
- Project evaluations
Prepare thoroughly in advance.
Step 6: Track Application Status
Follow up through:
- Email notifications
- Student portals
- School offices
Step 7: Receive Final Decision
Once approved, the scholarship amount or fee waiver is applied to the student’s account or upcoming term fee.
Step 8: Maintain Performance
Renewal often depends on:
- Good grades
- Attendance
- Discipline
- Participation in scholarship-related activities
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Apply early to avoid missing deadlines.
- Write strong SOPs explaining your goals.
- Maintain excellent grades.
- Highlight extracurricular achievements.
- Keep documents updated.
- Apply for multiple scholarships.
Why It Matters
Finding and applying for scholarships in Dubai helps:
- Reduce overall education expenses.
- Support families dealing with financial challenges.
- Recognise and reward talented students.
- Provide opportunities for higher education and career growth.
- Ensure equal access to quality education in a competitive environment.
Final Takeaway
Dubai offers a wide range of scholarships for students at all levels. By understanding where to look, how to prepare documents, and how to apply correctly, students can significantly improve their chances of receiving financial assistance. Early planning, proper documentation, and consistent academic performance are key factors in securing scholarships in Dubai.
FAQs
1. Are scholarships available for expatriate students in Dubai?
Yes, many schools and universities offer merit-based and need-based scholarships for expatriates.
2. Can school students apply for scholarships?
Yes, several private and Indian curriculum schools provide annual fee waivers and merit awards.
3. Do Dubai universities offer fully funded scholarships?
Yes, institutions like MBZUAI, Khalifa University, and UAEU offer fully funded options for eligible students.