Yes. Please see program specific pages for further information on how many recommendations are required.

No, applicants can only apply to one program per intake.

No. Your application will be considered incomplete if the English language proficiency component is not included in your submission by the application deadline.

Yes, we welcome students from diverse backgrounds and nationalities.

Visit Admissions for details on how to apply for different programs, including general requirements, application processes, and important dates.

Funding opportunities vary by program. Undergraduate applicants may be eligible for scholarships, subject to the terms and criteria of the applicable scholarship program.

For graduate applicants, funding opportunities may be available through faculty-supported research projects and other funding mechanisms, depending on the program, faculty availability, and applicant qualifications.

Applicants should review the admissions page for their intended program for detailed information on tuition, cost of attendance, scholarships, funding opportunities, eligibility requirements, and applicable terms and conditions.

No, there is no age limit.

Yes. Applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of AED 200 upon submission of their application.

Applicants may qualify for a waiver if they meet one of the following conditions:

• Full exemption: Completed a degree entirely taught and assessed in English at a university located in a country where English is both an official language and the dominant language of instruction in higher education. This includes:
  • American Samoa, Australia, Botswana, Canada (excluding Quebec), Fiji, Ghana, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
• Conditional exemption: If your degree was completed in another country, you may still request an exemption if you can provide official documentation (on University letterhead, signed by an academic official) confirming that your entire program of study was taught and assessed in English.

Please note: MOI (Medium of Instruction) Letter: Provisionally accepted at the time of application submission, subject to review and verification. If not approved, students will be required to submit an approved ELP test score within the deadline specified by the Admissions team.

Yes, transcripts must be translated into English before submission. Both the original transcript and official English translation are requested.

All applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English through one of the following:

• IELTS Academic: Minimum overall score of 6.5
• TOEFL iBT: Minimum score 90 (new scale: 4.5)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Minimum overall score of 60
• Cambridge C1 Advanced: Minimum score of 180
• Cambridge C2 Proficiency: Minimum score of 200
• Duolingo English Test*: Minimum score of 120

*Provisionally accepted at the time of application submission only when access to IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge is limited (supporting evidence may be requested).

Important: English language proficiency requirements must be met as part of the application process. Applicants should ensure all required test scores or waiver documentation are submitted with their application by the application submission deadline.

All shortlisted applicants are invited to participate in an online interview with MBZUAI faculty members as part of the admissions evaluation process.

The interview provides an opportunity for applicants to discuss their academic background, achievements, motivation for studying at MBZUAI, and interest in artificial intelligence and related fields. It also includes a technical component designed to assess communication skills, critical thinking, problem-solving ability, mathematical readiness, and overall preparedness for a rigorous academic environment.

The interview is a mandatory component of the admissions process and forms an important part of the overall application review.

The 2027 fall semester begins in mid-August 2027.

Applicants should first review the requirements, deadlines, and admissions information for their intended program. For questions about programs and eligibility, contact recruitment@mbzuai.ac.ae. For questions regarding an existing application, supporting documents, or application status, contact admissions@mbzuai.ac.ae