Written by The UAE is an exciting place for expats who want to further their education. Known for its high-quality schools and universities, the UAE draws students from around the world. For expats, scholarships can make a big difference, helping to cover tuition and other costs.
These scholarships are available from various sources, including universities, private foundations, and government programs. They are designed to support international students in different fields of study and at different stages of their education, from bachelor’s degrees to advanced studies. By offering financial assistance, these scholarships help make higher education more accessible and affordable.
For expats, securing a scholarship not only eases the financial strain but also provides opportunities to be part of a diverse and vibrant academic community. With different types of scholarships available, students can find options that suit their academic interests and financial situations.
What Are Scholarships for Expats?
Scholarships for expats are financial awards given to international students who are studying in a country that’s not their home. These scholarships help cover the costs of education, such as tuition fees, books, and living expenses. They are offered by various organizations, including universities, private companies, and government bodies.
The main goal of these scholarships is to support students who might struggle to pay for their education on their own. They are available for students at different levels, from those just starting their undergraduate studies to those pursuing advanced degrees. Scholarships can vary greatly in terms of the amount of money they offer and the criteria needed to qualify. Some may be based on academic performance, while others might consider financial need or specific talents and achievements.
For expats, these scholarships can make studying abroad more affordable and less stressful. They provide a chance to attend quality schools without the heavy financial burden. Scholarships can also open doors to new experiences and connections in the host country, enriching the educational journey.
Scholarships for expats play a crucial role in making higher education more accessible for international students, allowing them to focus on their studies and make the most of their time abroad.
How Do Scholarships for Expats Work?
Applying for Scholarships
Scholarships for expats work by providing financial help to international students who want to study abroad. To get a scholarship, students usually need to apply by submitting an application form. This often includes details about their academic background, financial situation, and sometimes personal achievements. Some scholarships might also require essays or letters of recommendation.
Criteria and Selection
Each scholarship has its own set of criteria. For example, some may look for students with high grades or special talents, while others may focus on financial need. There are also scholarships for specific fields of study or particular nationalities. The organization offering the scholarship reviews applications and chooses students based on these criteria.
Receiving the Funds
If a student is awarded a scholarship, the funds are usually applied directly to their school expenses. This can include paying for tuition, textbooks, and sometimes even living costs. In some cases, students might receive the money directly to their bank account to manage their expenses.
Renewal and Duration
Many scholarships are not one-time awards but are renewable. This means students might get the scholarship for multiple years, as long as they meet certain conditions, like maintaining good academic performance. Each scholarship has specific rules about how long it lasts and what students need to do to keep it.
Scholarships for expats help make studying abroad more affordable and accessible. By covering part of the cost of education, they allow international students to focus on their studies and enjoy their time in a new country.
10 Scholarships in UAE for Expats
1. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Scholarships
The Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Scholarships are designed to help talented students who need financial support to advance their education. Named after the UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, these scholarships are aimed at both undergraduate and postgraduate students from around the world.
Eligibility and Application
To apply for these scholarships, students need to demonstrate strong academic performance and a clear commitment to their chosen field of study. The application process typically involves filling out an application form and providing academic records. Applicants might also need to submit a personal statement or essay outlining their achievements and future goals. This helps the foundation assess the student’s potential and fit for the scholarship.
Coverage and Benefits
The Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Scholarships cover a range of educational expenses. This usually includes tuition fees, textbooks, and sometimes even living costs. By covering these expenses, the scholarship aims to lessen the financial burden on students so they can focus more on their studies. Additionally, the scholarship provides access to resources that can help students succeed academically and professionally.
2. Abu Dhabi University Scholarships
Abu Dhabi University offers a range of scholarships designed to help students from around the world pursue their education. These scholarships aim to make high-quality education more accessible by providing financial support to students who show academic promise or have special talents.
Eligibility and Application
The scholarships at Abu Dhabi University are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. To apply, students generally need to demonstrate strong academic performance. Each scholarship may have specific criteria, such as a minimum GPA or particular achievements in extracurricular activities. The application process involves filling out an application form and providing necessary documents, like academic transcripts and sometimes personal statements. This helps the university understand each applicant’s background and qualifications.
Coverage and Benefits
Abu Dhabi University scholarships help cover various costs associated with studying. This typically includes tuition fees and, in some cases, textbooks and other related expenses. The goal is to reduce the financial load on students so they can concentrate on their studies and make the most of their time at the university.
In addition to financial support, some scholarships may offer additional benefits. This can include opportunities for academic and professional development, such as workshops, internships, and networking events. These extras help students gain valuable experience and build connections that can be useful in their future careers.
Abu Dhabi University scholarships provide valuable assistance to international students, making it easier for them to focus on their education and succeed in their chosen fields. With these scholarships, students can enjoy a high-quality education while managing their financial responsibilities more effectively.
3. Al Qasimi Foundation Grants
The Al Qasimi Foundation offers grants to support students from international backgrounds who want to pursue their education in the UAE. These grants aim to make higher education more accessible by providing financial help to students who need it.
Eligibility and Application
The grants are available for various levels of study, including undergraduate and postgraduate programs. To qualify, students usually need to have strong academic records and demonstrate financial need. The application process involves filling out a form and submitting required documents, such as academic transcripts and proof of financial situation. Sometimes, applicants may also need to provide a personal statement or essay explaining their goals and how the grant would help them achieve them.
Coverage and Benefits
The Al Qasimi Foundation grants cover a range of educational expenses. This often includes tuition fees and, in some cases, other costs like textbooks and living expenses. The aim is to ease the financial burden on students so they can focus more on their studies without worrying about how to pay for their education.
In addition to financial support, the Al Qasimi Foundation grants may offer other benefits. This can include access to workshops, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities. These extras help students gain valuable skills and connect with others in their field of study, which can be beneficial for their future careers.
The Al Qasimi Foundation grants provide essential financial aid to international students, helping them to take full advantage of the educational opportunities available in the UAE. By reducing financial stress, these grants allow students to concentrate on their studies and make the most of their time at university.
4. American University of Sharjah (AUS) Scholarships
The American University of Sharjah (AUS) offers scholarships to help students from around the world afford their education. These scholarships are designed to support both undergraduate and graduate students who excel academically or need financial assistance.
Eligibility and Application
AUS scholarships are available to international students who meet specific academic standards. To be considered, students typically need to have a strong academic record, which includes good grades and test scores. The application process usually involves filling out an application form and submitting relevant documents like transcripts and sometimes letters of recommendation. Students may also need to write a personal statement or essay explaining their academic achievements and future goals.
Coverage and Benefits
The scholarships provided by AUS can cover various costs related to education. This often includes tuition fees, and in some cases, additional expenses such as textbooks and other materials. By covering these costs, the scholarships aim to lessen the financial burden on students, allowing them to focus more on their studies and academic pursuits.
In addition to financial help, AUS scholarships may offer other benefits. Recipients might gain access to special academic resources, networking events, and opportunities for personal and professional development. These additional benefits can help students make the most of their time at university and prepare for their future careers.
5. University of Sharjah Scholarships
The University of Sharjah offers a variety of scholarships to help students from different backgrounds afford their education. These scholarships are aimed at both undergraduate and graduate students who show strong academic potential or need financial support.
Eligibility and Application
To apply for a scholarship at the University of Sharjah, students typically need to have a good academic record. This means having high grades and test scores. The application process involves filling out a form and submitting important documents like academic transcripts and proof of financial need. Some scholarships might also require a personal statement or essay where students explain their academic goals and achievements. This helps the university understand each applicant’s background and qualifications.
Coverage and Benefits
The scholarships offered by the University of Sharjah cover different types of educational expenses. Most commonly, they help with tuition fees, and in some cases, they might also cover costs for textbooks and other school supplies. The goal is to reduce the financial burden on students so they can concentrate on their studies and make the most of their time at the university.
Besides financial assistance, some scholarships may come with additional benefits. These can include access to special academic programs, mentorship opportunities, and networking events. These extras provide students with valuable experiences and connections that can support their future careers.
6. Heriot-Watt University Dubai Scholarships
Heriot-Watt University Dubai offers scholarships to help students from around the world cover the costs of their education. These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students who demonstrate strong academic performance or financial need.
Eligibility and Application
To apply for a scholarship at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, students need to show they have good academic results. This usually means having high grades and strong test scores. The application process involves filling out an application form and submitting documents like academic transcripts and proof of financial need. In some cases, students might also need to write a personal statement or essay about their achievements and future plans. This helps the university understand each applicant’s background and qualifications.
Coverage and Benefits
The scholarships at Heriot-Watt University Dubai help cover various education-related expenses. Most commonly, they pay for tuition fees, which can significantly reduce the cost of attending the university. In some cases, scholarships might also cover additional expenses, like textbooks and other study materials.
Apart from financial support, these scholarships may come with extra benefits. For example, students might gain access to special academic programs, networking events, or career development resources. These added benefits help students make the most of their time at university and prepare for their future careers.
7. University of Dubai Scholarships
The University of Dubai offers scholarships to help students from around the world pay for their education. These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate programs and are designed to assist students who have good academic records or financial needs.
Eligibility and Application
To apply for a scholarship at the University of Dubai, students need to have strong academic achievements, such as good grades and test scores. The application process generally involves completing a form and providing documents like academic transcripts. Some scholarships might also require a personal statement or essay where students describe their educational goals and how the scholarship will help them. This information helps the university evaluate each applicant’s suitability for the scholarship.
Coverage and Benefits
University of Dubai scholarships help cover various costs associated with studying. Most commonly, they provide financial assistance for tuition fees, which can ease the overall expense of attending the university. In some cases, the scholarships might also cover additional costs, such as textbooks and other study materials.
In addition to financial aid, some scholarships may offer extra benefits. These can include access to special academic resources, career development workshops, and networking opportunities. These additional perks help students gain valuable experiences and make connections that can benefit their future careers.
The University of Dubai scholarships make it easier for international students to afford their education. By providing financial support and additional resources, these scholarships allow students to focus on their studies and fully take advantage of the educational opportunities at the university.
8. Dubai Scholarship Program
The Dubai Scholarship Program is designed to help international students cover the costs of studying in Dubai. This program aims to make higher education more affordable by providing financial assistance to students from various backgrounds.
Eligibility and Application
To be considered for a Dubai Scholarship, students usually need to show strong academic performance, which means having good grades and test scores. The application process involves filling out an application form and submitting important documents such as academic records and proof of financial need. Sometimes, students might also need to provide a personal statement or essay explaining their goals and how the scholarship will support their studies. This helps the program organizers understand each applicant’s situation and achievements.
Coverage and Benefits
The Dubai Scholarship Program helps with different types of education-related expenses. Most often, the scholarships cover tuition fees, which can significantly reduce the cost of attending a university in Dubai. In some cases, the scholarships might also help with additional expenses like textbooks, study materials, and even living costs.
In addition to financial support, the scholarship program may offer other benefits. These can include access to academic resources, professional development opportunities, and networking events. These extra benefits help students gain valuable experience and build connections that can be useful for their future careers.
The Dubai Scholarship Program provides crucial financial support to international students, making it easier for them to study in Dubai. By easing the financial burden, the program allows students to focus on their education and take full advantage of the opportunities available in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
9. British University in Dubai Scholarships
The British University in Dubai offers scholarships to help international students afford their education in Dubai. These scholarships aim to support students who excel academically or need financial assistance to pursue their studies.
Eligibility and Application
To apply for a scholarship at the British University in Dubai, students generally need to show strong academic performance. This usually means having high grades and test scores. The application process involves filling out a form and providing documents like academic transcripts and proof of financial need. Some scholarships may also require a personal statement or essay where students explain their achievements, goals, and how the scholarship will help them. This helps the university understand each applicant’s background and qualifications.
Coverage and Benefits
The scholarships at the British University in Dubai cover various educational expenses. Most commonly, they help with tuition fees, which can significantly reduce the cost of attending the university. In some cases, scholarships might also cover additional costs such as textbooks and other study materials.
Besides financial aid, these scholarships may come with extra benefits. For example, students might gain access to special academic programs, career development workshops, and networking events. These additional resources help students build valuable skills and connections that can be useful in their future careers.
British University in Dubai scholarships provide essential support to international students by making education more affordable. By covering tuition fees and offering extra benefits, these scholarships allow students to focus on their studies and make the most of their time at the university.
10. RIT Dubai Scholarships
RIT Dubai offers scholarships to help international students manage the costs of their education. These scholarships are available for students pursuing undergraduate and graduate programs, aiming to support those who show strong academic abilities or need financial assistance.
Eligibility and Application
To be eligible for an RIT Dubai scholarship, students typically need to have excellent academic records. This includes good grades and high test scores. The application process involves filling out an application form and providing key documents like academic transcripts. Some scholarships may also require a personal statement or essay where students outline their achievements, goals, and how the scholarship would benefit them. This helps the university understand the student’s background and why they deserve the scholarship.
Coverage and Benefits
RIT Dubai scholarships primarily cover tuition fees, which helps reduce the financial burden of attending the university. In some cases, the scholarships might also cover additional costs such as textbooks and study materials. This financial support allows students to focus more on their studies and less on how to pay for their education.
In addition to financial aid, some scholarships at RIT Dubai may offer extra benefits. These can include access to academic resources, career development programs, and networking opportunities. These extras help students gain valuable skills and make connections that can be useful for their future careers.
Overall, RIT Dubai scholarships provide important support to international students by making higher education more affordable. By covering tuition fees and offering additional resources, these scholarships enable students to concentrate on their studies and fully benefit from the opportunities available at RIT Dubai.