By: Hammad Ishaq | AI/ML Engineer
Last verified on: December 15, 2025

1. Overview: What the Program Is

Abu Dhabi University Scholarships 2026 is a scholarship and financial aid programme administered by Abu Dhabi University, a leading accredited private university in the UAE with campuses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, and Al Dhafra.

The purpose of these scholarships is to:

• Support talented students financially to pursue higher education

• Promote academic excellence and leadership in the UAE and globally

• Reduce financial barriers for international and resident students

ADU’s scholarship offerings span multiple award categories, including 100% tuition waivers for top achievers and various partial fee waivers for continuing students and special groups.

2. Benefits & Funding

ADU scholarships may include:

Fully Funded or Major Waivers

• H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Scholarship: 100% waiver on tuition, application fee, registration fee, student services, and health services for top candidates.

• Chairman’s Scholarship (reported by secondary sources and not separately verified on the official ADU site): 100% tuition and major fee waivers for high-achieving international students (for example, students with 97%+ high school results).
  Note: Specific institutional documentation for this award is not clearly listed on the official ADU scholarship page.

Partial Tuition Waivers

• University Scholarship (UAE and GCC residents): 15%–50% tuition waivers based on academic performance

• Academic Scholarship: Approximately 20% tuition waiver for continuing students with a high CGPA

• Athletic Scholarship: Approximately 25% tuition waiver for student athletes

• Alumni Scholarship: Around 20% tuition waiver for ADU graduates pursuing postgraduate studies

• Merit-Based Graduate Scholarship: Around 25% tuition waiver for postgraduate applicants with strong undergraduate CGPA

Important note: The term “fully funded” in the ADU context generally refers to full tuition or major fee waivers. It does not officially include living cost stipends, accommodation, travel costs, or visa sponsorship. As of the last verification, these additional benefits are not specified on the official scholarship information.

3. Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility depends on the specific scholarship type.

Citizenship / Residency

• International students are eligible for many ADU scholarships, including Chairman’s and academic-based awards.

• University Scholarship is limited to UAE residents and GCC nationals (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman).

Academic Level

• Undergraduate: High school diploma with strong academic results

• Graduate (Master’s): Bachelor’s degree with a competitive CGPA (often around 3.5 or equivalent)

• PhD: Relevant graduate degree with a strong academic record

As of last verification, the official scholarship page does not specify detailed PhD-level scholarship eligibility requirements.

Performance

• Minimum CGPA requirements vary by scholarship.
  For example, the Academic Scholarship typically requires a CGPA of around 3.60 for two consecutive semesters.

Other Criteria

• Some programs require English language proficiency in line with UAE higher education regulations.

4. Timeline & Important Deadlines

Scholarship deadlines usually align with ADU admission deadlines and the academic calendar for the 2025–2026 academic year.

As of verification, there is no single universal deadline for all scholarships. Applicants should follow admission deadlines for their intended intake.

5. How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Choose Your Program

Select the undergraduate, master’s, or PhD program you want to study.

Step 2: Apply for Admission

Submit an online application for admission to Abu Dhabi University. Admission is required before scholarship consideration.

Step 3: Receive Student ID

After admission, ADU issues a student ID, which is required to access scholarship services.

Step 4: Access Scholarship Section

Log in to the student self-service portal using your ADU credentials.

Step 5: Select Eligible Scholarships

The system displays scholarships you qualify for. Choose the relevant option(s).

Step 6: Upload Documents

Upload all required documents as specified for the selected scholarship.

Step 7: Submit and Track

Submit your application and track updates through the student portal or official university communications.

6. Required Documents Checklist

(Exact requirements may vary by program and scholarship.)

• Completed ADU admission application

• High school certificate and transcripts (undergraduate applicants)

• Bachelor’s degree and transcripts (graduate and PhD applicants)

• Passport or valid ID copy

• English proficiency test results (if required)

As of verification, specific minimum test scores are not listed for each scholarship category.

• CV or resume (graduate/PhD applicants)

• Personal statement or motivation letter (if required)

• Recommendation letters (if requested)

• Evidence of leadership, extracurricular activities, or sports achievements (if applicable)

7. Selection Criteria & What Reviewers Look For

Scholarship decisions are generally based on:

• Academic excellence (GPA, grades, qualifications)

• Leadership qualities and extracurricular involvement

• Athletic achievements (for sports scholarships)

• Alignment with the chosen academic program

• Completeness and quality of submitted documents

Academic merit is the primary evaluation factor for most ADU scholarships.

8. Practical Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Apply as early as possible

• Maintain a high CGPA or strong academic record

• Write a clear and focused personal statement

• Provide strong recommendation letters

• Submit verified proof of leadership, volunteering, or athletic achievements

9. Official Links & Apply Now

• Official ADU Scholarships Page – detailed overview of scholarships
  (Scholarships information) https://www.adu.ac.ae/study/financials/scholarships Main Website

• ADU Financial Aid & Scholarships (Financials) – general finance support overview
  (Financial aid & scholarships) https://www.adu.ac.ae/study/financials/financial-aid Main Website

• ADU Main Apply Portal – start your application here
  (Apply to ADU) https://www.adu.ac.ae/admissions/how-to-apply Main Website

10. FAQs

Q1: Can all international students apply?
Yes. International students are eligible for most scholarships once admitted, except for awards restricted to UAE or GCC residents.

Q2: Is there a separate scholarship application form?
No. Scholarships are applied for through the ADU student portal after admission.

Q3: Does ADU cover living expenses or accommodation?
As of verification, ADU scholarships officially cover tuition and selected fees only. Living costs and accommodation are not guaranteed.

Q4: Are PhD students eligible?
The official scholarship page does not clearly define PhD-specific scholarships. Applicants should confirm with admissions or financial aid.

Q5: Can multiple scholarships be combined?
Generally, students are allowed one scholarship benefit at a time.

Disclaimer

Always verify deadlines, eligibility, and benefits directly with Abu Dhabi University or its admissions office, as scholarship policies may change between academic years or differ by program and campus.