Khalifa University PhD Scholarships for Spring 2026

Applications are now open for Khalifa University’s PhD programs for Spring 2026, offering opportunities for advanced research in engineering, medicine, computing, mathematics, and sciences. The deadline to apply is September 15, 2025. These programs are supported by comprehensive merit-based scholarships that cover full or partial tuition, monthly stipends, accommodation, medical insurance, and additional benefits like conference participation and research internships.

Both international and domestic applicants with a relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree are eligible to apply, with specific academic and English proficiency requirements. An application fee of AED 200 (inclusive of VAT) is required. You can also check PhD positions here

Key Details

• Application Deadline: September 15, 2025
• Fields of Study: Engineering, Medicine, Computing, Mathematics, Physical Sciences
• Scholarship Types: Full or partial funding, including tuition, stipend, accommodation, medical insurance, visa/travel support, and conference/internship opportunities (subject to funding)
• Eligibility:
  • With Master’s: Bachelor’s (CGPA 3.0/4.0) + Master’s (CGPA 3.25/4.0)
  • Direct PhD (No Master’s): Bachelor’s (CGPA 3.5/4.0) + GRE quantitative score of 150
  • English Proficiency: iBT TOEFL 91, IELTS 6.5, or EmSAT English 1550
• Application Fee: AED 200 (inclusive of VAT)
• Study Modes: Full-time (9–12 credit hours/semester) or part-time (6 credit hours/semester)
• Nationality: No restrictions

Available PhD Programs

Khalifa University offers a variety of PhD programs across multiple disciplines, designed to foster advanced knowledge and cutting-edge research in engineering, medicine, security, science, and technology. Below are the available programs:

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

• PhD in Chemistry
• PhD in Earth Sciences
• PhD in Physics
• PhD in Aerospace Engineering
• PhD in Chemical Engineering
• PhD in Civil Engineering
• PhD in Electrical Engineering
• PhD in Engineering Systems and Management
• PhD in Materials Science and Engineering
• PhD in Mechanical Engineering
• PhD in Nuclear Engineering
• PhD in Petroleum Engineering

Also check: Biozentrum PhD Fellowships

College of Computing and Mathematical Sciences

• PhD in Mathematics
• PhD in Computer Science
• PhD in Computer and Information Engineering
• PhD in Robotics

College of Medicine and Health Sciences

• PhD in Biomedical Engineering
• PhD in Biomedical Sciences
• PhD in Molecular Life Sciences
• PhD in Public Health

Check this: The Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarships at University of West London

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for a PhD program at Khalifa University:

Step 1: Choose Your Program

Select the PhD program that aligns with your academic and research interests from the list above. Each program is tailored to provide specialized knowledge and opportunities to address global challenges through innovative research.

Step 2: Review Admission Requirements

Ensure you meet the minimum admission criteria based on your academic background:

For Applicants with a Master’s Degree

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0 (or equivalent, e.g., upper second-class honors from a UK-style degree).
• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum CGPA of 3.25/4.0 from a reputable accredited institution.

For Direct PhD Applicants (No Master’s Degree)

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum CGPA of 3.5/4.0 from a reputable accredited institution.
• Minimum quantitative score of 150 on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test, taken at a test center (GRE Home Edition is not accepted). All three sections of the GRE must be attempted.

Also check: Charles Darwin University RTP Scholarships For MS and PhD

English Language Proficiency

Applicants must provide one of the following:

• iBT TOEFL score of 91 (taken at a test center; Home Edition not accepted).
• Academic IELTS score of 6.5.
• EmSAT English score of 1550.

Exemptions: Native English speakers from countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, or graduates from English-medium institutions with a minimum IELTS score of 6.0, TOEFL score of 79, or EmSAT English score of 1400 at the time of their prior degree admission, may be exempt. Submit relevant documentation to request an exemption.

Additional Requirements

• Two referee recommendations (submitted via online form).
• Statement of Purpose (500–1,000 words).
• Research Statement (500–1,000 words).
• Admission interview.

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Statement of Purpose Guidelines

Your Statement of Purpose should include:

• An introduction to your interests and motivations.
• Reasons for choosing the PhD program at Khalifa University.
• Goals for your studies and specific issues you aim to address.
• How this qualification aligns with your career aspirations.
• Relevant academic and professional experiences.
• Any additional relevant information.

Research Statement Guidelines

Your Research Statement should cover:

• Your research interests and goals.
• Relevant experience (e.g., studies, projects, publications).
• A proposed research project or one you find inspiring.
  Tip: Review Khalifa University’s Institutional Research Priorities before drafting your Research Statement.

Required Documents

Upload the following documents to the online application portal:

• Certified copy of Bachelor’s/Master’s degree certificate (as applicable).
• Equivalency certificate from the UAE Ministry of Education for degrees from non-UAE institutions (apply early, as this process takes time).
• Official transcript with grading scale.
• English proficiency score (IELTS, TOEFL, or EmSAT).
• GRE score report (for direct PhD applicants; use institutional code 0822).
• Detailed CV.
• Statement of Purpose (500–1,000 words).
• Research Statement (500–1,000 words).
• Passport-style photograph (white background).
• Copy of valid passport (and UAE visa for international residents in the UAE).
• UAE Family Book (Khulasat Al Qaid) for UAE nationals.
• Valid UAE national ID card (for UAE residents).
• Application fee: AED 200 (inclusive of VAT).

Study in Japan: OIST Fully Funded PhD Program 2025/2026

Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered. All documents become the property of Khalifa University and will not be returned. Official documents must be submitted before registering for classes.

Degree Recognition for Non-UAE Degrees

Applicants with degrees from outside the UAE must obtain a Recognition of University Certificates from the UAE Ministry of Education. Visit the UAE Ministry of Education website to start the process early, including attestation, notarization, and translation if required.

Step 3: Explore Scholarship Opportunities

Khalifa University offers merit-based scholarships for international and domestic students, covering:

• Full or partial tuition fees.
• Monthly stipend.
• Textbooks.
• Accommodation.
• Medical insurance.
• Visa processing and travel support (for students abroad).
• Conference participation and international research internships (subject to funding).
• Teaching experience and career development opportunities.

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Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, field of study, and alignment with the university’s research priorities. No separate scholarship application is required—eligibility is assessed during the admission process. Recipients must maintain a strong CGPA and meet program progress requirements.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

• Visit the Khalifa University application portal.
• Complete all required sections of the application.
• Upload all documents as PDF, Word, or scanned image files on the application Status Page.
• Pay the AED 200 application fee.

Important Notes

• The GRE is required only for direct PhD applicants (Bachelor’s to PhD). Visit www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about for details.
• Ensure all documents are clear and legible when uploaded.
• Start the UAE Ministry of Education equivalency process early if you hold a non-UAE degree.
• Accepted applicants must submit official documents before registering for classes to avoid cancellation.