Khalifa University International Undergraduate Scholarship

The Khalifa University International Undergraduate Scholarship is a merit-based financial aid program offered by Khalifa University of Science and Technology (KU) to academically talented international students pursuing a Bachelor's degree in the UAE. It is part of KU's broader undergraduate scholarship structure, which separately supports UAE National students and International students through different scholarship tracks.

Unlike scholarships that require a standalone application form, eligibility for this scholarship is automatically assessed as part of the regular undergraduate admission process. There is no separate scholarship application to complete.

Key features of the scholarship include:

• Merit-Based, Tiered Structure: International students are evaluated and placed into one of five scholarship tiers (Tier I to Tier V) based on academic merit and other factors aligned with KU's strategic priorities.
• No Guarantee at Minimum Eligibility: Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria for admission does not automatically guarantee a scholarship award; placement into a tier depends on the overall strength of the applicant pool each year.
• Automatic Assessment: Scholarship eligibility is reviewed during the admission process itself, so applicants do not need to submit a separate scholarship application or form.
• Limited Slots: The number of available scholarship slots for international students is limited each intake, making the scholarship competitive.

Maximum Award per Student (by Tier)

For comparison, the separate scholarship track for UAE National students and children of Emirati mothers offers full tuition coverage, free university accommodation, free weekly transportation, and textbooks - benefits not extended to the International Student scholarship track.

Duration of the Award

• Full-Time Enrollment Required: The scholarship is available only to students enrolled in undergraduate programs on a full-time basis.
• Continued Eligibility: While the official KU page does not publish a detailed semester-by-semester renewal policy for the International Student scholarship, continued enrollment in good academic standing is generally required to retain any university-administered scholarship benefit.
• Subject to Change: Khalifa University explicitly reserves the right to make changes to the published scholarship benefits, tier structure, and conditions without prior notice.

Type of Expense Covered

Application Process

• No Separate Scholarship Form: Scholarship eligibility is assessed automatically as part of the standard undergraduate admission process; applicants do not submit a distinct scholarship application.
• Apply for Admission First: Students must complete and submit the regular Khalifa University undergraduate application, including all required academic transcripts, English proficiency results, and supporting documents.
• Merit-Based Tier Mapping: Once an application is reviewed, KU evaluates the applicant's academic merit and other relevant factors to determine which scholarship tier (if any) the student is mapped to.
• Single Annual Intake: Khalifa University primarily admits undergraduate students through one major intake per year - the Fall semester (August) - so scholarship assessment is tied to that admission cycle.

Eligibility & Document Requirements

• High School Completion: Applicants must have graduated from high school no later than two years prior to the current application year.
• EmSAT Requirements (for UAE-educated applicants): Minimum scores typically include Math 1250, Physics 1000, Computer Science 800 (Java, C++, or Python), Arabic 700, one elective from Chemistry or Biology at 800, and English 1400, depending on the specific program.
• English Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency through an academic IELTS score of at least 6.0 out of 9.0, a TOEFL iBT score of at least 79, an EmSAT English score, or another Ministry of Education-approved equivalent test.
• International Applicants (non-UAE high schools): External, internationally recognized examinations are required, such as a minimum of 8 IGCSE subjects with grade C or better (including Math, Physics, and Chemistry) plus 3 AS/A-Level subjects, or equivalent qualifications such as AP or IB results.
• Standard Application Documents: Academic transcripts and certificates, a valid passport copy, a passport-style photograph, and (where applicable) a valid UAE visa copy for residents.
• Application Deadlines: Applications must be submitted by the deadline published on the official Khalifa University admissions website for the relevant intake; late applications are not considered.

• Meeting Minimums Isn't a Guarantee: Satisfying the minimum eligibility requirements for admission does not guarantee placement into any scholarship tier — award decisions depend on the relative strength of each year's applicant pool.
• Separate Tracks by Nationality: Khalifa University maintains distinct scholarship structures for UAE National students (and children of Emirati mothers), International students, and students sponsored by External Sponsors (e.g., ADNOC, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior).
• External Sponsor Scholarships: Students may also separately seek funding through external sponsors who partner with KU; these have their own independent application processes managed directly by the sponsoring organization, not by KU's scholarship office.
• Right to Change Terms: Khalifa University explicitly states it reserves the right to modify published scholarship benefits and conditions at any time, without prior notice.