Undergraduate Scholarships in the UAE for IGCSE, A Levels & IB Students
Why the UAE is a key scholarship destination for international school students
The UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other emirates) is a major hub for IGCSE, A Level and IB schools and hosts numerous international branch campuses and local universities. Tuition is high, but there is a growing ecosystem of merit and need‑based scholarships that can significantly reduce costs for regional and expatriate families.
1. University of Birmingham Dubai, Heriot‑Watt Dubai, Middlesex Dubai & Other Branch Campuses
Most popular for:
Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Law and Media degrees at British branch campuses in Dubai.
Coverage
- Many branch campuses offer:
- Merit scholarships based on A Level / IB performance (e.g. 10–50% tuition discounts).
- Early‑bird discounts and alumni/family waivers.
Eligibility
- Strong grades at A Levels / IB / equivalent.
- Meeting programme‑specific entry requirements.
How to apply
- Apply for admission, then:
- Either be automatically assessed for merit awards based on grades.
- Or submit a separate scholarship form with transcripts and supporting documents.
Duration
- Usually valid for first year with renewal options linked to GPA.
2. American University in Dubai (AUD), American University of Sharjah (AUS) & US‑style Institutions
Most popular for:
US‑style Business, Engineering, Architecture and Liberal Arts degrees.
Coverage
- AUD, AUS and similar institutions offer:
- Academic merit scholarships (up to 50–100% tuition for top achievers).
- Athletic and talent scholarships.
- Need‑based grants in some cases.
Eligibility
- Very strong school grades (A Levels / IB / US High School).
- Good English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
- Sometimes portfolio or talent evidence (e.g. for Architecture, Arts, Sports).
How many & odds
- Full scholarships are highly competitive; partial awards are more common.
How to apply
- Apply for admission, then complete:
- University’s scholarship application (essays, references).
- Financial aid forms for need‑based support.
Deadline & duration
- Deadlines are typically several months before term; some awards are first‑come, first‑served.
- Scholarships are usually annual and renewable.
3. Khalifa University, UAEU & Other Abu Dhabi Universities
Most popular for:
Engineering, Sciences and Health programmes at Khalifa University, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and others.
Coverage
- Some public universities provide:
- Full tuition scholarships for high‑achieving students (especially in STEM).
- Monthly stipends and accommodation, often for UAE nationals, with limited options for expatriates.
Eligibility
- Excellent academic records and alignment with national priority fields.
- For many full awards, UAE citizenship is required; expatriates usually access partial merit scholarships only.
4. Private University & Corporate Scholarships in the UAE
Most popular for:
Business, IT, Hospitality and Design programmes at private universities and colleges across the UAE.
Coverage
- Partial scholarships, often 10–50% of tuition, for:
- High‑achieving new entrants.
- Students with strong co‑curricular or leadership records.
How to apply
- Check each institution’s scholarship page and apply with:
- Academic transcripts
- Recommendation letters
- Personal statement or essays
What % of fees do UAE scholarships cover?
- Full scholarships at public or flagship institutions are typically reserved for UAE nationals.
- Expat and international students more commonly secure partial scholarships (10–50%), which can still save USD 3,000–15,000 per year depending on the university.
Eligibility, odds and timing
- Eligibility: strong academic profiles, English proficiency and sometimes portfolio/talent.
- Odds: full coverage is rare for expatriates; partial awards are very realistic for A/A* or IB 36+ students.
- Timing: application and scholarship deadlines often come earlier than local school term dates; plan 12–18 months ahead.
How Tutopiya supports UAE‑based families
Tutopiya works with many students in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, helping them:
- Maximise IGCSE, A Level and IB results to qualify for higher‑tier scholarships.
- Compare UAE branch campus scholarships against studying in home countries or other regional hubs.
- Prepare for admissions tests and scholarship interviews where required.
If you’re in the UAE or considering it as a destination, we can help you quantify the real scholarship odds and build a balanced application list.
Written by
Tutopiya Team
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