How to Get Admission in MBZUAI (Mohamed bin Zayed University of AI)

What MBZUAI is

The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is a research university in Abu Dhabi dedicated entirely to artificial intelligence. Its core offering is graduate study — master's (M.Sc.) and PhD programmes across AI fields such as machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, robotics, and statistics and data science — and it teaches in English. The university has more recently introduced an undergraduate AI degree as well.

This guide focuses on the graduate route, which is what MBZUAI is best known for. The exact programmes, requirements and deadlines are on the university's official admissions pages and change each cycle.

Choose a graduate programme and check eligibility

Identify whether you are applying for a master's or a PhD and the specific AI specialisation you want. Graduate applicants are assessed on their prior degree (typically in a relevant quantitative or computing field), academic record, and programme-specific requirements.

Because MBZUAI is research-intensive, your background in mathematics, programming and relevant coursework matters for AI programmes. Read the specific programme's requirements on the official site, as they differ between master's and PhD and can change.

• Decide on master's (M.Sc.) or PhD and the AI specialisation
• Confirm your prior degree fits the programme's background expectations
• Prepare academic transcripts and your record of relevant coursework
• Note any research-related requirements for PhD applicants

Tests, references and your application

A graduate application to MBZUAI typically includes academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and — where the programme requires them — a standardized test such as the GRE and evidence of English proficiency through a test such as TOEFL or IELTS for applicants whose prior study was not in English.

Whether the GRE is required and what English scores apply are set by MBZUAI and updated over time, so verify the current admission components for your programme on the official admissions pages before applying.

Scholarship for admitted students

MBZUAI has been notable for supporting admitted graduate students with a full scholarship covering study, with additional support, as described on its official site. The precise terms, coverage and any conditions are set by the university and can change from year to year.

This guide does not state specific amounts. Confirm the current scholarship terms on the official MBZUAI pages, and be cautious of anyone asking for payment in return for a "guaranteed" place or award — legitimate admissions and scholarships never work that way.

After admission: visa and enrolment

Admitted international students arrange a student residence visa in coordination with MBZUAI and complete enrolment before the programme starts. In the UAE, residence and identity matters are handled by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), with the overall process explained on the UAE Government portal.

This is general information, not immigration advice. Verify the current visa requirements on the official UAE Government source and follow the specific guidance MBZUAI provides to admitted students.