If you’re a student—or a parent of one—living in Abu Dhabi and looking for financial support for education in 2025, you’ll be glad to know there are some great scholarship opportunities available. Whether you’re a UAE national or an expat, several universities, government bodies, and private institutions are offering funding to help make education more affordable.
Scholarships for UAE Nationals
UAE citizens benefit from generous support when it comes to higher education. Many programs are backed by the government or large national organizations.
1. ADEK Scholarship Program
Run by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, this scholarship supports top-performing Emirati students. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, and even travel costs—whether you’re studying in the UAE or abroad. If you’re planning to major in areas like engineering, medicine, or AI, this is one to look at.
- Program: RizeUp Scholarship Program
- Covers: Full tuition for top-tier universities abroad, especially in the US, UK, and Australia.
- Eligibility: Emirati students with strong academic records and leadership qualities.
2. Mubadala Scholarship
This is a fantastic option for Emiratis accepted into top universities around the world. The program doesn’t just fund your studies—it also connects you with internship and job opportunities at Mubadala and its partner companies.
- Target group: UAE nationals with excellent academic standing.
- Benefits: Full coverage, mentorship, internship placement in Mubadala subsidiaries.
- Focus: STEM, business, finance, tech, and law.
- Bonus: Opportunities to work with global partners post-graduation.
3. ADNOC Scholarship Program
For students interested in the energy sector, ADNOC offers full support for those studying engineering and other technical fields. The program often leads to guaranteed jobs after graduation, which is a major plus.
- Who it’s for: High-performing Emirati students pursuing STEM, engineering, business, and economics.
- Covers: Full tuition, living expenses, international travel, internship placement.
- Available for: Undergraduate & postgraduate studies (domestic and international).
Scholarships for Expats in Abu Dhabi
While government scholarships are mostly reserved for nationals, there are still solid options for expat students—especially through private universities and schools.
1. Khalifa University Scholarships
Khalifa University welcomes both UAE residents and international students with merit-based scholarships. If you’re interested in science, technology, or engineering, this is one of the best-funded options in the country.
- Who it’s for: Expats pursuing undergrad/postgrad degrees in science, tech, or engineering
- Covers: Full/partial tuition, monthly stipend (for postgrad), on-campus housing
2. NYU Abu Dhabi Financial Aid & Merit Awards
NYUAD offers generous financial packages, including full tuition for outstanding students. These are open to all nationalities, and the university has a strong global reputation.
- Open to: Exceptional expat and international students accepted to NYUAD.
- Covers: Full tuition, travel, living expenses, and laptop grant.
- Highly competitive and includes global networking opportunities.
3. Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
This French university in the UAE provides scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Awards are based on academic performance and can cover a significant part of your tuition.
- Scholarships Offered: Academic excellence and financial aid for expat students.
- Covers: Partial to full tuition fees.
- Majors: Humanities, law, business, and international relations.
4. Aldar Education Scholarships
Aldar Education runs several high-performing private schools across Abu Dhabi. They offer academic scholarships to top students in high school, helping families manage tuition while encouraging excellence.
- Offered to: Students entering Grade 6 / Year 7 and above, Open to new applicants only (not current Aldar students).
- Covers: 20% discount on tuition fees annually until graduation
- Fields: Engineering, science, IT, and healthcare.
What are the tips for Applying Scholarships in Abu Dhabi?
- Start early – Many scholarships open applications early in the year. Don’t wait until the last minute.
- Maintain a strong GPA – Most programs are merit-based, so academic performance matters.
- Prepare documents – Be ready with transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements.
- Look beyond tuition – Some scholarships also cover living costs, travel, and offer mentorship or job placements.
Abu Dhabi’s significant investment in education has opened up more opportunities for UAE nationals pursuing international studies or expat students seeking to reduce tuition costs in 2025, making it a promising destination for education. With the right planning and a strong application, you can unlock some of the most generous educational opportunities in the region.
