The American University in Dubai Scholarships 2026 offer highly competitive, merit-based funding. Get the full details on the AUD full-tuition awards, including the H.H. Sheikh Mohammed and DEWA scholarships for international students.
Dubai. The city of endless opportunity. High-rise buildings, global business, and top-tier education. It is the perfect place to launch a global career, but let’s be honest: it is also one of the most expensive cities in the world. If you’re a student from Pakistan, India, or Africa, you might look at the tuition fees (which can exceed AED 100,000 per year, or around $27,000 USD) and feel completely blocked.
This is where the American University in Dubai Scholarships 2026 comes in. AUD doesn’t offer just one scholarship; they offer a collection of awards. A few of these are fully funded and life-changing. We are going to focus on those high-value, full-coverage scholarships and show you the exact academic level you need to be considered.
What are the American University in Dubai Scholarships?
The American University in Dubai (AUD) Scholarships are a series of merit-based and need-based financial awards designed to attract high-achieving local and international students for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
These scholarships are generally categorized into two types:
- High-Value Awards: These offer full or nearly full coverage (100% tuition, plus stipends/dorms). These are extremely competitive and usually require a near-perfect academic record (like the H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Scholarship).
- Partial Waivers: These offer 25% to 50% tuition discounts. These are more common and are often based purely on your GPA or alumni status.
The AUD Advantage
Studying at AUD, especially on a scholarship, gives you immense advantages:
- American Education: You receive a genuinely American-style education right in the heart of the Middle East. This system is known globally for producing graduates who are critical thinkers and highly employable.
- A Global Network: With students from over 100 countries, your classmates are your network. This is not just a classroom—it’s an international hub that opens doors globally.
- Internships in a Global Hub: Dubai is a massive center for finance, logistics, media, and technology. Being located here means you have direct access to top multinational companies for internships and, ultimately, jobs.
Scholarship Benefits Full vs. Partial Coverage
It’s crucial to understand the difference in coverage. The term “scholarship” at AUD covers a wide range of benefits.
The Best Near-Fully Funded Undergraduate Awards
These are the game-changers that will make your study dream financially viable:
| Scholarship Name | Coverage Details | Key Target |
| H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarship | Partial or Full (up to 100%) Tuition Waiver. Maintained until graduation. | All Nationalities with 90%+ academic average and demonstrated financial need. |
| The Gebran Tueni Media Scholarship | Full Waiver of Tuition, Dorms, and Visa Charges for one academic year, renewable until graduation. | Lebanese Nationals with excellent high school grades and a creative portfolio. |
| DEWA Intilaq Scholarship | Full Tuition Waiver, AED 6,500 Monthly Allowance, Medical Insurance. | UAE Nationals only (but fully comprehensive). |
| ICT Funds Scholarship | Full Tuition Waiver until graduation, plus a Monthly Allowance. | UAE Nationals in Computer/Electrical Engineering. |
The Reality Check
Even if you win the H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Scholarship (a partial or full tuition waiver), Dubai is expensive. The average annual undergraduate tuition fee alone is over AED 100,000.
Here is the financial reality you must be prepared for:
1. Most Scholarships are Tuition-Only
- The majority of AUD scholarships (including the H.H. Sheikh Mohammed, which is the main international one) do not automatically cover living expenses. They are tuition waivers.
- You must budget for housing, food, transport, and utilities, which can be AED 3,800 to AED 8,000 per month (approximately $1,000 – $2,200 USD). This is a huge amount of money you must have saved up or secured from family.
2. Visa and Insurance Costs
- AUD’s annual health insurance and student visa costs are your responsibility, unless specifically covered by an award (like the Gebran Tueni scholarship).
- Student Visa: Approx. AED 2,000 to AED 3,500 annually.
- Mandatory Health Insurance: Approx. AED 2,500 to AED 3,500 annually.
- The Gebran Tueni scholarship is the best exception here for non-UAE nationals, as it covers tuition, dorms, and visa charges.
3. Flight and Initial Costs
- You must pay for your airfare to Dubai.
- You need upfront cash for the first month’s rent deposit, utilities, and getting settled before any potential monthly stipend (if you win one of the rare stipends) is dispersed.
Mentor’s Tip: If you win a tuition-only award, you have defeated the biggest enemy (the AED 100k tuition fee). You now must focus on demonstrating enough financial support (proof of funds) to the UAE government for your visa application.
Top Scholarships You Can Apply For Today — Updated Daily!
Eligibility Criteria: The High-Bar Requirements
AUD scholarships are highly merit-based. You need excellent high school or university grades to be considered.
General Eligibility for Top Undergraduate Awards (H.H. Sheikh Mohammed)
- Nationality: Open to all nationalities.
- Academic Average: Must have at least a 90% grade average (or equivalent) in high school. This is the minimum; competition often demands higher grades.
- Financial Need: For the H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Scholarship, you must typically demonstrate insufficiency to fund your educational expenses.
- Renewal: Once awarded, you must maintain a high CGPA (often 3.5 or higher) at AUD to keep the scholarship for subsequent years.
Eligibility for Master’s Awards
- AUD Alumni Waiver: Must be an AUD alumnus accepted into an AUD graduate program.
- School of Education Waiver: Must be accepted into the program AND provide proof of current employment as a teacher, teacher assistant, or school administrator.
Eligible Fields of Study
The good news is that most scholarships at AUD are not restricted by major.
- All Subjects are Available: You may choose any undergraduate or master’s program offered by the university.
- Exceptions: A few scholarships are subject-specific:
- Gebran Tueni/MBRSC: Specific to the Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication.
- ICT Funds: Specific to Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering.
Application Timeline & Deadlines
AUD has a rolling admission process (Fall/Spring intakes), but scholarships have strict, separate deadlines.
- First Step: You must first be accepted into AUD and receive your AUD ID number before you can apply for a scholarship.
- Fall Semester Intake (Best for Scholarships):
- Admission Applications: Early submissions are preferred (around March/April 2026).
- Scholarship Deadline: Scholarship deadlines are typically in May to July for the Fall semester (e.g., the MBRSC deadline was July 7, 2025).
Action Plan for 2026:
- December 2025/January 2026: Apply for Admission to AUD immediately. Secure your AUD ID.
- March – May 2026: The scholarship portals for the major awards (H.H. Sheikh Mohammed) will open. Submit your scholarship application as soon as the portal is live.
Selection Process: More Than Just Grades
The AUD selection committee is looking for a complete profile:
- Exceptional Grades: Your high school or undergraduate GPA/percentage is the primary filter (must be 90%+ for top awards).
- Financial Need (H.H. Sheikh Mohammed): This award requires evidence of financial need alongside high grades. Be prepared to submit your parents’ salary certificates, bank statements, and a compelling statement explaining why you need the funding.
- Portfolio and Interview (Media/Communication): For communication and media awards, a strong portfolio of creative work and passing a personal interview are mandatory.
- Leadership/Extracurriculars: While not always required, highlighting leadership roles, volunteer work, or significant achievements will make your profile stand out against other applicants with perfect grades.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Remember: Admission first, Scholarship second.
Step 1: Complete the AUD Admission Application
- Go to the official AUD Admissions portal:
https://applyonline.aud.edu/ - Complete the entire application and submit your passport copy and academic transcripts.
- Pay the application fee (approx. AED 420).
- Receive your official AUD ID Number.
Step 2: Access the Scholarship Portal
- Once you have your AUD ID, you can log into the separate Online Scholarship Application Portal on the AUD website.
Step 3: Choose Your Target Scholarship
- Identify the fully-funded or highest-value scholarship you qualify for (e.g., H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Scholarship).
Step 4: Prepare and Upload Documents
- Upload your final academic documents (with translation if necessary).
- Crucial: Gather and upload the required financial documents (Salary certificates for parents, bank statements, etc.) to prove financial need for specific awards.
- Upload your CV (English or French).
Step 5: Write the Statement of Need/Request Letter
- For the H.H. Sheikh Mohammed and Senior Scholarships, a personal letter is essential. State clearly why you are academically suitable and why you need the financial support.
Step 6: Review and Submit
- Submit the application before the scholarship deadline (likely May/July 2026 for Fall entry).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming Full Coverage: The biggest error is believing the scholarship covers everything. Budget realistically for living costs even with a full tuition waiver.
- Ignoring the 90% Rule: Do not apply for the top merit scholarships if your high school average is below 90% (or equivalent). It’s an immediate filter.
- Not Proving Need: For need-based awards, simply saying you are poor is not enough. You must upload verified financial documents (salary slips, tax returns) as proof.
- Late Submission: The scholarship deadlines are often earlier than the general admission deadlines. Missing the cut-off by even one hour means waiting a full year.
What is the main fully funded scholarship at American University in Dubai (AUD)?
The top fully funded award is the H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarship, offering a 100% tuition waiver until graduation. It is merit-based and requires financial need documentation.
Are the AUD scholarships open to all nationalities?
Yes. Major scholarships like the H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Scholarship are open to all international students. However, some awards (like DEWA or ICT Funds) are only for UAE nationals.
What high school grade average is required for the top AUD scholarships?
Applicants must have a minimum of 90% high school average or the equivalent in their education system to qualify for the highest-value awards.
Do AUD scholarships cover living costs and accommodation?
No. Scholarships mainly cover tuition fees. Students must fund their own living expenses, food, and accommodation.
What is the first step to apply for the American University in Dubai Scholarships 2026?
The first step is to apply for admission to AUD and get an official AUD ID number. Only after admission can students submit the scholarship application online.
Final Advice
The American University in Dubai Scholarships 2026 represent a difficult but achievable goal. Dubai is expensive, but securing a full-tuition waiver from AUD is worth its weight in gold.
You must be exceptionally disciplined and focused. Get your admission secured first, aim for a 90%+ academic average, and prepare your financial documents now. Your dream of a world-class, debt-free education in Dubai is within reach!
Official Source Link
Always refer to the official university source for the exact dates and document requirements:
Official AUD Scholarships Page: https://www.aud.edu/admissions/scholarships/
Dr. Zahra Hasan
Ph.D. Scholar at UMT • Educationist • Research Writer at ScholarshipAlert4u
Dr. Zahra Hasan is a committed educationist and researcher focusing on academic development, higher-education challenges, and scholarship accessibility. She creates research-driven content for ScholarshipAlert4u, helping students find genuine,meaningful scholarship opportunities with confidence and clarity.
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