American University of Dubai Scholarship 2026

The United Arab Emirates stands out as one of the most modern, safe, and cosmopolitan study destinations in the Middle East, blending world-class education with global career opportunities. American University in Dubai (AUD), a private institution delivering a U.S.-style curriculum, offers a variety of merit-based, talent-based, and needs-based scholarships for international students starting in 2026. These awards provide tuition fee waivers ranging from 25% to 100%, making high-quality American education in Dubai significantly more accessible.

From my experience assisting students with applications to Gulf universities, American University of Dubai Scholarship are among the most diverse and supportive in the region. One applicant from Jordan secured the H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarship (full tuition) with a 94% high-school average and demonstrated financial need. Another from Lebanon received the Gebran Tueni Media Scholarship after submitting a strong portfolio and excelling in the interview. Tools like Numbeo show monthly living costs in Dubai average AED 3,000–5,000 (≈ USD 820–1,360). Scholarships reduce or eliminate tuition, making the overall cost manageable. Also apply for Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships

What Are the Scholarships?

AUD provides several scholarship categories for new and continuing international students:

• H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarship — Partial or full tuition (renewable)
• Gebran Tueni Media Scholarship — Full tuition waiver + dorm + visa charges (media/communication majors)
• Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication Scholarship — Full tuition waiver (Arabic-track communication programs)
• William Jefferson Clinton Scholarship — Full tuition + on-campus housing for one semester (U.S. citizens only)
• ICT Funds Scholarship — Full tuition + monthly allowance (UAE nationals in engineering)
• Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) Intilaq Scholarship — Full tuition + monthly allowance + insurance + summer placement rewards (UAE nationals in engineering)
• AUD Senior Scholarship — 25%, 50%, or 100% tuition waiver for final-year students
• AUD Alumni Tuition Waiver — 25% tuition waiver (AUD graduates pursuing master’s)
• AUD School of Education Tuition Waiver — 40% tuition waiver (education programs)

Key facts:

• Up to 100% tuition coverage (most common: 20–50%)
• Renewable with minimum CGPA (usually 2.8–3.5)
• Automatic for some (Academic Excellence); separate application for needs-based/talent-based
• No application fee for scholarships

Dubai is safe, modern, and full of career opportunities in business, media, engineering, and technology.

Also apply for:

• HEC Chinese Government Scholarship 2026 in China
• Hubei Government Scholarship In China

Eligibility Criteria

General requirements for international students:

• You must be admitted to a full-time undergraduate or master’s program at AUD
• Meet program-specific entry requirements (high school grades for undergrad, bachelor’s GPA for master’s)
• English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent; MOI certificate accepted in many cases)

Specific categories:

• H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum — High school average 90%+ (or equivalent); financial need considered; open to all nationalities
• Gebran Tueni Media — Lebanese nationality; excellent high school grades; portfolio + interview; media/communication majors
• Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication — Arab nationality; 90%+ high school average; Arabic-track communication; portfolio + interview
• William Jefferson Clinton — U.S. citizens; full-time undergrad at U.S. university; interest in Middle Eastern/Islamic culture
• ICT Funds — UAE nationals; engineering programs; good academic average; age ≤24
• DEWA Intilaq — UAE nationals; engineering programs; ≥80% high school average; commitment to work at DEWA post-graduation
• AUD Senior — Final-year students (30–32 credits remaining); minimum 3.5 CGPA; no conduct violations
• AUD Alumni — AUD graduates admitted to master’s programs
• AUD School of Education — Admitted to education programs; proof of current employment in education sector

Scholarship Benefits

Focus on tuition reduction (up to 100%). No full living stipend except in specific cases.

Typical coverage:

• Tuition waiver: 25%–100% (most common 20–50%)
• Renewable each semester/year with minimum CGPA
• Additional perks in some awards:
  • Dormitory + visa charges (Gebran Tueni)
  • Monthly allowance (ICT Funds, DEWA)
  • Summer placement rewards (DEWA)

Table: Scholarship Highlights

Programs You Can Pick

All undergraduate and master’s programs are eligible (except restricted fields in some awards):

Undergraduate:

• Business Administration
• Architecture & Interior Design
• Communication & Media
• Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical)
• Computer Science & IT
• Psychology
• Creative Industries

Master’s:

• Business Administration (MBA)
• Construction Management
• Integrated Digital Media
• Professional Communication

Full list: aud.ac.ae/academics

Required Documents

For admission + scholarship consideration:

• Passport copy
• High school diploma/transcripts (undergraduate)
• Bachelor’s degree/transcripts (master’s)
• English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or MOI certificate)
• CV/resume
• Motivation letter (some categories)
• Financial documents (for Financial Hardship: rental contract, bank statements, salary certificates, sibling tuition proof)
• Portfolio (for media/arts scholarships)
• Employment proof (for education scholarship)

How to Apply

1. Apply for admission online at aud.ac.ae/apply (create account, select program).
2. Submit required documents (transcripts, passport, English proof).
3. Receive conditional offer.
4. For Academic Excellence/Sports/Talent: Automatic assessment
5. For Financial Hardship/Special Needs:
   • Download form from aud.ac.ae
   • Fill form + gather financial documents
   • Email to scholarship@cud.ac.ae or submit in person
6. Deadlines:
   • Fall semester: July 7, 2026
   • Spring semester: December 20, 2025

Tip: Apply early — scholarships are limited and awarded first-come, first-served in some categories.

Why Study at American University in Dubai?

U.S.-style curriculum with Middle East focus. Small classes. Strong industry connections. Dubai offers unmatched career opportunities in business, media, engineering, and tech.

Contrarian: Tuition still exists even with waiver. But 50–100% reduction is significant. Reviews: “International environment, great location.”

Other Funding Choices

• AUD merit awards
• UAE government scholarships
• External sponsorships

Application Checklist

• Apply for admission first
• Prepare transcripts & passport
• English proof (MOI certificate ok)
• Financial documents (for hardship)
• Motivation letter/CV/portfolio (if required)
• Submit by July 7 (fall) / Dec 20 (spring)
• Email scholarship@cud.ac.ae for hardship

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying without admission offer. Missing financial proof (hardship). Late submission. Generic motivation letter. Not checking program eligibility.

PAA: Fully funded? No — up to 100% tuition waiver (no stipend except specific cases). Deadline? July 7 (fall), Dec 20 (spring). Open to all nationalities? Yes.

Living Costs in Dubai

Single AED 3,000–5,000/month (Numbeo Jan 2026). Rent AED 2,000–3,500 shared. Food AED 1,000. Tuition waivers save significantly.