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Undergraduate admissions
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General requirements
Candidates for MBZUAI’s undergraduate program must have successfully completed, or be in the final year of completing, a recognized secondary/high school qualification with a minimum overall average of 90% or equivalent, depending on the curriculum and competitiveness of the admissions cycle.
Official high school transcripts and graduation certificates are required as part of the application process. Students in their final year of high school may apply using predicted or interim transcripts alongside all previous high school report cards but must submit final official documents prior to enrollment.
Students educated outside the UAE, as well as graduates of private schools in the UAE following foreign curricula, may be required to obtain a UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) Equivalency/Recognition Certificate in accordance with applicable UAE higher education regulations.
Competitive Admission Profile
In addition to meeting the general academic eligibility criteria, applicants are expected to demonstrate strong potential across several key areas considered during the holistic admissions review process.
Mathematical fluency
Students should demonstrate this fluency through strong performance in mathematics and science courses, with mathematics taken as a subject during the final years of secondary education, preferably at the most advanced level offered by their school. Optionally, applicants may further demonstrate this fluency through strong performance on quantitative standardized tests such as SAT Math.
Effective communication skills
Strong communication skills can be showcased through high school excellence in subjects such as English, as well as involvement in debating or theater, both in class and through extracurricular activities. Students may also submit a brief video outlining their interest in MBZUAI's program, their goals, and how they plan to apply their knowledge.
Leadership and/or entrepreneurial aptitude
Leadership skills and entrepreneurial spirit are critical to thrive in our program. Students can demonstrate this through leadership roles in school activities, volunteering initiatives, or involvement in businesses or enterprises.
Computer programming familiarity
Previous coding experience is not required to enter the program. If coding competency can be demonstrated through GitHub or other open-source engagement, it will give the student a competitive advantage for admission and potentially exempt you from elementary programming courses.
English proficiency
All applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English through one of the following accepted exams with the specified required minimum overall score:
- IELTS Academic: 6.5
- TOEFL iBT: 90/4.5
- PTE Academic: 60
- Cambridge C1 Advanced: 180
- Cambridge C2 Proficiency: 200
- Duolingo English Test: 120
A valid* proof of ELP must be submitted at the time of application. Applications without ELP documentation will remain incomplete and will not progress to the next steps.
*English language proficiency test results are valid for 2 years from the test date.
Application process
Important dates
| Application portal opens | ED* deadline | ED offer decisions | Final (RD**) deadline | RD offer decisions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 September, 2026 (8a.m. GST) |
1 November, 2026 (5p.m. GST) |
15 January, 2027 (5p.m. GST) |
1 February, 2027 (5p.m. GST) |
1 April, 2027 (5p.m. GST) |
Early Decision (ED) provides applicants with an earlier admissions decision. All Early Decision (ED) and Regular Decision (RD) applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged. Applicants who receive an Early Decision offer may secure their place by accepting the offer within the specified timeframe. For inquiries, please email admission@mbzuai.ac.ae. Admission is highly competitive, and space in the incoming cohort is limited.
Scholarships
At MBZUAI, we believe that financial barriers should not stand in the way of talent. Both merit-based and needs-based scholarships are available, covering up to 100% of tuition and cost of attendance. Some seats will be sponsored by our industry partners, giving students direct exposure to AI leaders and innovators.
Tuition fees are $45,000 per annum, with an additional cost of attendance. To find out more, please contact ai.ug@mbzuai.ac.ae.
Students may refer to the University Catalogue for more information regarding their financial entitlements and obligations.
Exceptional talents
As an elite AI program, we are looking for exceptional talents who have an extraordinary track record of achievement in various domains:
STEM competitions:
International Mathematics Olympiad, International Olympiad in Informatics, International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI), International Physics Olympiad (IPhO), International Biology Olympiad (IBO), International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL), World Robot Olympiad (WRO)USA Computing Olympiad, International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), American Mathematics Competition (AMC), USA Computing Olympiad (USACO), or other international/national level STEM competitions.
Business and innovation competitions:
Entrepreneurship competitions, founder/startup achievements, or business case competitions.
Arts, humanities and high performing athletes:
World Schools Debating Championship, major arts exhibitions, musical achievements, or a sustained record of achievement in elite sports.