Discover the best Scholarships in UAE for Indian students in 2025. This comprehensive guide covers eligibility, benefits, top universities, financial support options, application tips, and FAQs to help Indian students study in the UAE with scholarships.

Find the most popular UAE scholarships available for Indian students across various fields.

Studying in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become a top choice for Indian students seeking world-class education, global exposure, modern infrastructure, and excellent career opportunities. With universities like Khalifa University, University of Dubai, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), and American University of Sharjah ranking globally, the UAE is now considered a premium education hub. However, the cost of studying in the UAE can be high for many Indian families. This is where scholarships in the UAE for Indian students play a crucial role.

This detailed guide explores the best scholarships in the UAE for Indian students, covering fully funded and partially funded options, university-specific scholarships, government scholarships, private sector scholarships, eligibility criteria, application tips, benefits, and FAQs.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a deep understanding of which scholarship suits you best and how to apply effectively.

Table of Contents

Why UAE Is a Top Study Destination for Indian Students

Before diving into the scholarships, it’s important to understand why the UAE has become one of the most popular study destinations:

1. Proximity to India

Only 3–4 hours flight time, making the UAE easily accessible for Indian families.

2. High Quality of Education

The UAE offers globally recognized degrees with partnerships from top universities in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.

3. Tax-Free Economy & Employment Opportunities

Students can work part-time and apply for full-time jobs after graduation in a tax-free environment.

4. Cultural Comfort

Large Indian community, Indian restaurants, religious centers, and festivals celebrated widely.

5. Scholarships & Financial Support

Many UAE universities offer special scholarships exclusively for Indian students.

Top Scholarships in UAE for Indian Students

Here are the top scholarship programs that Indian students can apply for, along with detailed benefits, eligibility, coverage, and application processes.

1. Khalifa University Scholarship for Indian Students

Khalifa University is one of the UAE’s top-ranked institutions, known for engineering, science, technology, artificial intelligence, and medical programs.
It offers fully funded scholarships for international students, including Indians.

Types of Scholarships

KU Scholarship
Graduate Research/Teaching Assistant (GRTA) Scholarship
Merit-Based Scholarships

Benefits

100% tuition fee waiver
Monthly stipend
Medical insurance
Support for research and conference travel
Accommodation (depending on program)

Eligibility

High academic performance (85%+ in 12th & strong GPA in bachelor’s)
IELTS/TOEFL scores
Program-specific requirements
Research interest (for graduate programs)

Why It Is Best for Indian Students

Fully funded opportunities with excellent research facilities make it ideal, especially for engineering and STEM fields.

2. United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) International Scholarship

UAEU provides some of the most generous Scholarships in UAE in the country.

Scholarship Types

Full Tuition Scholarship
Partial Tuition Scholarship
Chancellor’s Scholarship
College of Graduate Studies Scholarship

Benefits

Full or 50% tuition coverage
Monthly stipends (for postgraduate research students)
Research funding opportunities

Eligibility

Minimum 90% in higher secondary school
English proficiency
Entrance exam / interview (program-wise)

Why Indian Students Prefer UAEU

Affordable living, government-backed institution, and strong academic reputation.

3. University of Dubai Scholarship for Indian Students

The University of Dubai offers merit-based and need-based Scholarships in UAE for international students.

Scholarship Categories

Merit Scholarship (based on % in 12th or bachelor’s)
UD Alumni Scholarship
International Student Scholarship
MBA Scholarships

Benefits

50–100% tuition fee reduction
Internship support
Corporate partnerships for job placements

Eligibility

85% or above for higher scholarships
Strong extracurricular profile
Required English language proficiency

Why It Is Popular With Indian Students

Strong business, management, and technology programs with high employability.

4. American University of Sharjah (AUS) Scholarships in UAE

AUS is known for academic excellence and offers multiple scholarships:

Benefits

Full or partial tuition fee waivers
Tuition remission for high achievers
Financial need-based grants

Eligibility

Strong academic record
Financial background (for grants)
English proficiency

Why AUS Scholarships Are Attractive

Prestigious institution, strong global ranking, and a highly diverse student population with many Indian students.

5. Middlesex University Dubai Scholarships in UAE

Popular among Indian students for business, computer science, and media programs.

Scholarship Types

International Study Grant
Academic Excellence Scholarships
Special Indian Student Scholarship

Benefits

20–50% tuition fee reduction
Scholarship for all years (renewable)

Eligibility

Based on academic score
Supporting documents
Interview (sometimes)

6. Abu Dhabi University Scholarship for Indian Students

Scholarship Programs

President’s Scholarship
University Scholarship
Academic Scholarships
Athlete Scholarships

Benefits

Up to 100% tuition fee waiver
Renewable yearly if academic performance maintained

Eligibility

95%+ in high school for full scholarship
Strong academic performance
English test scores

7. Canadian University Dubai Scholarships in UAE

Although Canadian-based, the campus is located in Dubai and offers numerous Scholarships in UAE.

Scholarships Available

Academic Excellence
Sports Scholarship
Financial Hardship Scholarship

Benefits

Up to 50% tuition waiver
Multi-year scholarship

Eligibility

Strong academic background and extracurricular achievements.

8. Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) Scholarships in UAE

DIAC collaborates with several partner institutions to offer Scholarships in UAE for international students.

Benefits

Tuition fee discounts
Grants
Financial aid programs

Eligibility

Varies by institution within DIAC.

9. Zayed University International Scholarships in UAE

A government-backed university offering generous merit Scholarships in UAE.

Benefits

Full or partial tuition waiver
Best suited for undergraduate programs

Eligibility

High academic scores and English proficiency.

10. Masdar Institute Scholarships in UAE (Energy & AI Programs)

Particularly beneficial for Indian students interested in sustainable energy or AI.

Benefits

Fully funded scholarship
Monthly stipend
Travel support
Research facilities

11. Indian High School (IHS) UAE Scholarships

These are special Scholarships in UAE offered for Indian expatriate students, but Indian students from India can also apply in some categories.

Benefits

Tuition fee reduction
Merit-based & need-based support

12. UAE Government Education Grant Programs

Some programs offer tuition support for international students.

Benefits

Full/partial tuition
Research support
Living allowances (limited programs)

13. Corporate Scholarships for Indian Students in UAE

Some large companies offer academic support for Indian students:

Emirates Group
ADNOC
Etisalat
DP World
Landmark Group

Benefits

Funding
Internship & job opportunities

Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships in UAE for Indian Students

While criteria vary by university and scholarship type, the general requirements include:

Academic Requirements

85–95% in Class 12 for undergraduate scholarships
7.5+ CGPA for postgraduate
Strong academic track record

English Proficiency

IELTS or TOEFL scores
Some universities accept MOI (medium of instruction)

Documents Required

Passport copy
Academic transcripts
SOP / Motivation Letter
LORs
CV
Scholarship application form

Special Eligibility Notes

Research scholarships require proposals
Some scholarships require entrance exams or interviews

Scholarship Benefits for Indian Students in UAE

1. Tuition Fee Coverage

Ranges from 20% to 100% depending on scholarship type.

2. Monthly Stipends

Offered mainly in fully funded programs.

3. Hostel & Living Support

Provided in selective scholarships.

4. Internship Opportunities

Helps build career readiness.

5. Visa Assistance

Some universities help with visa processing.

6. Career Support After Graduation

High employment rate in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

How to Apply for Scholarships in UAE: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Research the Right Scholarship

Identify the universities and programs aligned with your academic goals.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Ensure your transcripts, passport, and certificates are updated.

Step 3: Write a Strong Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Highlight:

Your achievements
Academic goals
Why UAE
Why this scholarship matters

Step 4: Submit Application Before Deadline

Most deadlines fall between:

March–June (Fall intake)
October–January (Spring intake)

Step 5: Attend Interviews (if required)

Step 6: Receive Offer Letter & Scholarship Confirmation

Pro Tip:

Apply early because Scholarships in UAE are competitive.

Mistakes Indian Students Should Avoid When Applying

Applying close to deadlines
Submitting incomplete documents
Weak SOP or essay
Ignoring university guidelines
Not preparing for interviews
Overlooking financial planning

Also Read: Which Canadian Scholarships Are Available for International Students in 2025?

Sources

ku.ac.ae

American University of Sharjah

FAQs

1. Can Indian students get fully funded Scholarships in UAE?

Yes, universities like Khalifa University, UAE University, and Masdar Institute offer fully funded scholarships for Indian students.

2. Is IELTS required for scholarships in UAE?

Yes, most universities require IELTS or TOEFL, but some accept Medium of Instruction (MOI).

3. What is the cost of studying in the UAE without a scholarship?

Tuition ranges from AED 35,000 to AED 90,000 per year depending on the program.

4. Which Scholarships in UAE is easiest to get?

Merit-based Scholarships in UAE in private universities such as Middlesex University Dubai are comparatively easier.

5. Can I work while studying in the UAE?

Yes, international students can work part-time in approved zones.

6. Do Indian students need a study visa?

Yes, a student residence visa is required, usually arranged through the university.

7. Are Scholarships in UAE renewable every year?

Most Scholarships in UAE are renewable if you maintain a certain GPA.

8. Which courses offer maximum Scholarships in UAE?

Engineering, AI, computer science, business management, and energy studies.