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New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Scholarships 2025–2026 & Beyond: Fully Funded Opportunities for Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD Students

Introduction: Your Gateway to a World-Class Education in Abu Dhabi

Imagine a campus where over 120 nationalities study together, where professors are top scholars from the world’s best universities, and where your tuition, housing, travel, and even personal expenses are covered.

That’s what the New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Scholarship offers — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study in the UAE’s capital at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

NYUAD isn’t just a university; it’s a global hub for innovation, culture, and learning, linked directly to NYU’s campuses in New York and Shanghai. As a student, you can seamlessly study abroad at these campuses without worrying about extra costs.

In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about NYUAD scholarships for all intakes — including undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs.

 

About NYU Abu Dhabi

Founded in 2010, NYU Abu Dhabi is a degree-granting campus of New York University. It combines NYU’s rigorous academic standards with the rich cultural heritage and global vision of Abu Dhabi.

Key features:

·       Need-blind admissions for many applicants.

·       Fully funded scholarships covering tuition, housing, meals, health insurance, and travel.

·       Research opportunities with world-class faculty.

·       A student body from 120+ countries.

·       Guaranteed study abroad at NYU New York, Shanghai, or other partner sites.

 

 Types of NYUAD Scholarships

NYUAD offers scholarships for all academic levels — and many are fully funded.

 Undergraduate Scholarships

a) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed NYUAD Scholarship (For Emirati Students)

·       Awarded automatically to admitted UAE nationals or children of Emirati mothers/fathers.

·       Covers:

o   Full tuition

o   Housing & meals

o   Health insurance

o   Books

o   Travel costs for academic programs

o   Campus life activities

·       Extra support: Falcon Dirhams for personal expenses based on financial need.

b) Need-Based Scholarships for International Students

·       Open to all admitted students regardless of nationality.

·       Awarded based on financial need (via CSS Profile).

·       Can cover:

o   Tuition

o   Housing & meals

o   Health insurance

o   Books

o   Travel

o   In some cases, personal allowance

Pro Tip: Many international students report getting a full ride if their financial need is high.

 

 Master’s Scholarships

While NYUAD’s master’s programs are selective, they offer generous funding.

a) MSc in Economics

·       Up to 100% tuition coverage (merit + need-based).

·       Designed for students aiming for careers in policy, academia, or industry.

·       Duration: 2 years.

b) MFA in Art & Media

·       Covers 50–85% of tuition.

·       Access to exhibitions, international residencies, and mentorship from global artists.

 PhD Scholarships (Global PhD Student Fellowships)

For PhD students, NYUAD partners with NYU New York to offer dual-campus fellowships.

Benefits:

·       Full tuition for the entire program.

·       Monthly stipend (varies by department).

·       Free housing in Abu Dhabi + contribution towards New York housing.

·       Health insurance.

·       Annual travel allowance.

·       Access to research facilities in both campuses.

Fields include:

·       Biology

·       Engineering

·       Physics

·       Social Sciences

·       Computer Science

·       And more.

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3. Scholarship Benefits Summary Table

Level	Tuition	Housing & Meals	Health Insurance	Travel Allowance	Stipend	Extras
Undergraduate	✅ Full	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌	Books, personal allowance
Master’s	✅ 50–100%	❌	❌	❌	❌	Research funding
PhD	✅ Full	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Study in NY & Abu Dhabi

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Eligibility Criteria

Undergraduate

·       High school diploma or equivalent.

·       Strong academic performance.

·       English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS or waiver if eligible).

·       Leadership and extracurricular involvement.

·       CSS Profile submission (for need-based aid).

Master’s

·       Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

·       Academic excellence.

·       Portfolio or GRE/GMAT (program-specific).

·       Statement of purpose.

PhD

·       Master’s degree or equivalent (some fields accept bachelor’s with research experience).

·       Research proposal.

·       Faculty supervisor match.

5. How to Apply

Step 1: Select your program from NYUAD Academics.

Step 2: Gather documents:

·       Academic transcripts.

·       Test scores (if required).

·       Recommendation letters.

·       Statement of purpose/essays.

·       Financial documents (for CSS Profile).

Step 3: Apply online:

·       Undergraduate: Use the Common Application (select NYU Abu Dhabi).

·       Graduate/PhD: Apply via NYUAD’s specific program portals.

Step 4: Apply for financial aid by completing the CSS Profile.

Step 5: Attend interviews if shortlisted.

 

 Application Deadlines

While exact dates change yearly:

·       Undergraduate:

o   Early Decision I: November 1

o   Early Decision II: January 1

o   Regular Decision: February 1

·       Graduate/PhD:

o   December–February (program-specific).

 Success Stories: From Scholarship to Global Impact

Amina from Kenya joined NYUAD on a full scholarship in 2019. Coming from a small town, she had never traveled abroad. Today, she works with the UN in Geneva, using the skills she gained during her study abroad semester in New York.

Omar from Egypt was awarded the Global PhD Fellowship in Physics. His research in Abu Dhabi and New York led to publications in top journals — all without paying a single dirham in tuition.

These stories prove: Your background doesn’t limit your future — preparation does.

 Tips to Increase Your Chances

1.     Start early — aim to apply at least 3 months before the deadline.

2.     Be authentic — NYUAD values personality as much as grades.

3.     Highlight leadership — clubs, volunteering, or projects count.

4.     Explain your financial situation clearly in the CSS Profile.

5.     Practice for the interview — confidence matters.

 FAQs

Q: Can I get a full scholarship as an international student?
Yes, if you demonstrate high financial need, you can receive full funding.

Q: Do I need to know Arabic to study at NYUAD?
No, all programs are in English.

Q: Can I work part-time while studying?
Yes, but with limits. The scholarship covers most expenses, so work is optional.

Q: How competitive is admission?
Highly competitive, with acceptance rates around 3–4%.

 

 Why NYUAD Should Be Your Top Choice

·       Globally recognized NYU degree.

·       Diverse, inclusive campus.

·       Guaranteed study abroad opportunities.

·       Strong career support.

 Final Call 

💡 If studying at a world-class university in Abu Dhabi — for free — sounds like your dream, don’t wait. Start preparing your application today.

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