Scholarships in Dubai at a glance
Quick read
- Scholarships in Dubai are almost all university merit awards: a percentage off tuition based on your Class 12 or degree marks.
- For CBSE students, Heriot-Watt Dubai gives 30% for 80–84.9%, 40% for 85–89.9% and 50% for 90% or more, spread over your degree.
- Heriot-Watt Dubai's Postgraduate Merit Scholarship gives 10% or 15% of tuition, with grade thresholds set country by country, including India.
- Some awards are seasonal: Heriot-Watt's Diwali award gives AED 8,000 if you apply and pay the deposit by 11 November 2026 for January 2027.
- Most awards must be kept up with good grades, and many cannot be combined.
Dubai has no government scholarship scheme for international students, but its universities compete hard for Indian students, and merit discounts are common. Many are assessed from your application, based on your marks. Others are limited-time offers linked to an intake or a deposit date.
Values below are in UAE dirhams or percentages of tuition, as published by each university.
Types of scholarships in Dubai
- 01
Academic merit scholarships
Percentage discounts on tuition for strong Class 12 or bachelor's results, often automatic.
- 02
Seasonal and intake awards
Fixed-amount awards tied to a deposit date or a specific intake.
- 03
Study grants
Discounts for groups such as alumni, teachers or sports achievers.
- 04
Indian trusts
Trusts such as K.C. Mahindra and J N Tata fund postgraduate study abroad, including in Dubai.
All scholarships in one table
| Scholarship | Type | Level | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chancellor's Academic Merit Scholarship (UG and PG) (opens in a new tab)University of Birmingham Dubai | University | Bachelor's and master's | Up to 30% of tuition |
| Undergraduate Merit Scholarship (opens in a new tab)Heriot-Watt University Dubai | University | Bachelor's | 30%, 40% or 50% of the net first-year tuition fee, spread across the years of study |
| Postgraduate Merit Scholarship (opens in a new tab)Heriot-Watt University Dubai | University | Master's | 10% or 15% of tuition |
| Diwali Scholarship Award (opens in a new tab)Heriot-Watt University Dubai | University | Foundation, bachelor's and master's | AED 8,000 towards tuition |
| International Study Grant (opens in a new tab)Middlesex University Dubai | University | Foundation, bachelor's and master's | Set case by case; contact admissions |
| Teacher Study Grant (opens in a new tab)Middlesex University Dubai | University | Master's | 25% for Education programmes; 20% for other postgraduate programmes |
| K.C. Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad (opens in a new tab)K.C. Mahindra Education Trust | Foundation | Master's and PhD | Interest-free loan scholarship of up to ₹10 lakh for the top three, and up to ₹5 lakh for others |
| J N Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship (opens in a new tab)J N Tata Endowment (Tata Trusts) | Foundation | Master's, PhD and postdoctoral | Loan scholarship; the amount is decided case by case after an interview |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship (opens in a new tab)Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation | Foundation | Master's | Full or part scholarships given as repayable, interest-free financial assistance (amount not fixed) |
| National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) (opens in a new tab)Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India | Government | Master's and PhD | Tuition, maintenance and other allowances, paid through Indian Missions abroad; amounts are in the scheme guidelines |
Values are as published by each provider on the date of our research. Most awards are competitive and limited in number, so none of them is guaranteed.
Government scholarships in Dubai
- GovernmentMaster's and PhD
National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India
- Value
- Tuition, maintenance and other allowances, paid through Indian Missions abroad; amounts are in the scheme guidelines
- Who can apply
- Low-income, meritorious students from the Scheduled Castes, De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, landless agricultural labourers and traditional artisans. 125 awards a year, 30% for women. Income, age and marks limits are in the scheme guidelines.
- Deadline or window
- Apply on the NOS portal (nosmsje.gov.in) when the yearly call opens; check the official page
Get a scholarship shortlist for your profileShare your marks, test scores and budget, and our counsellor will match you to Dubai scholarships you can realistically win.
University scholarships in Dubai
- UniversityBachelor's and master's
Chancellor's Academic Merit Scholarship (UG and PG)
University of Birmingham Dubai
- Value
- Up to 30% of tuition
- Who can apply
- New undergraduate and taught postgraduate students with strong academic results; no separate form, assessed from your application and confirmed after a conditional offer.
- Deadline or window
- No separate application
- UniversityBachelor's
Undergraduate Merit Scholarship
- Value
- 30%, 40% or 50% of the net first-year tuition fee, spread across the years of study
- Who can apply
- Full-time undergraduates. CBSE: 80–84.9% earns 30%, 85–89.9% earns 40% and 90% or above earns 50%.
- Deadline or window
- Assessed with your application
- UniversityMaster's
Postgraduate Merit Scholarship
- Value
- 10% or 15% of tuition
- Who can apply
- Taught postgraduate applicants. Thresholds are set country by country (for India, CGPA 7/10 for 10% and 7.5/10 for 15%). Not automatic: complete your application and pay the deposit.
- Deadline or window
- Assessed with your application
- UniversityFoundation, bachelor's and master's
Diwali Scholarship Award
- Value
- AED 8,000 towards tuition
- Who can apply
- Applicants for the January 2027 intake who apply and pay the deposit by the deadline. A limited-time award.
- Deadline or window
- 11 November 2026
- UniversityFoundation, bachelor's and master's
International Study Grant
- Value
- Set case by case; contact admissions
- Who can apply
- International applicants to foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The page lists an AED 3,000 deposit; awards are at the university's discretion.
- Deadline or window
- At the university's discretion
- UniversityMaster's
Teacher Study Grant
- Value
- 25% for Education programmes; 20% for other postgraduate programmes
- Who can apply
- Teachers and school staff in the UAE and worldwide applying to postgraduate programmes; evidence is needed to redeem the grant.
- Deadline or window
- At the university's discretion
Trusts and foundations (including Indian trusts)
- FoundationMaster's and PhD
K.C. Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad
K.C. Mahindra Education Trust
- Value
- Interest-free loan scholarship of up to ₹10 lakh for the top three, and up to ₹5 lakh for others
- Who can apply
- Indian citizens with a first-class degree (or equivalent diploma) from a recognised university, starting a postgraduate programme at an overseas university. Final-year students can apply with proof of a first class before the end of June. At least 50 awards a year.
- Deadline or window
- The 2026 round closed on 30 April 2026; the next round usually opens early in the year
- FoundationMaster's, PhD and postdoctoral
J N Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship
J N Tata Endowment (Tata Trusts)
- Value
- Loan scholarship; the amount is decided case by case after an interview
- Who can apply
- Indians who have completed their undergraduate studies at a recognised Indian university, going abroad for higher studies. Selection is on merit only.
- Deadline or window
- The 2026–27 form window ran from 5 January to 29 March 2026; expect a similar window in early 2027
- FoundationMaster's
Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship
Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation
- Value
- Full or part scholarships given as repayable, interest-free financial assistance (amount not fixed)
- Who can apply
- Merit-based, for Indian students of academic excellence going on to postgraduate study in India or abroad. Check the official page for fields and other conditions.
- Deadline or window
- Applications are closed for now; check the official page for the next call
Scholarship calendar for 2027 entry
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| By 11 November 2026 | Heriot-Watt Diwali award for January 2027 (apply and pay the deposit). |
| October to December 2026 | Apply for January 2027; merit awards are assessed with your offer. |
| January to April 2027 | Indian trusts open for postgraduate study abroad. |
| February to July 2027 | Apply for September 2027; merit awards and limited-place scholarships go to early applicants. |
Eligibility and documents
What selectors usually look for
- Class 12 marks of 80% or more for most bachelor's merit awards; higher for the biggest discounts.
- Good bachelor's grades for postgraduate awards.
- Paying the deposit by the required date for intake-linked awards.
- Keeping a set grade average to continue receiving the award.
Documents to keep ready
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets
- Bachelor's transcripts (for master's)
- Passport copy
- English test score report or waiver evidence
- Proof of teaching or sports achievements for specific grants
How to apply, step by step
- Check the merit thresholds for your board at each university.
- Apply for admission; most awards are assessed with your application.
- Ask admissions in writing which awards apply to you and whether they can be combined.
- Pay the deposit by the award's deadline if it is intake-linked.
- Keep the award letter and its conditions for renewal.
Want help with your scholarship essay?Our counsellor will review your statement and references so they match your course application.
Tips to improve your chances
- 01
Compare net fees
A 50% award at one university can still cost more than a 20% award elsewhere. Compare the final amount.
- 02
Watch seasonal offers
Intake-linked awards like the Diwali scholarship have short windows.
- 03
Check renewal rules
Most merit awards need a minimum grade each term or year.
- 04
Get it in writing
Ask for the scholarship in your offer letter so there is no confusion later.
Scholarships in Dubai: FAQs
Are there government scholarships for Indian students in Dubai?
No national scheme for international students. Scholarships come from universities.
Are Dubai scholarships automatic?
Many merit awards are applied automatically based on your marks. Some need a form or have conditions such as a deposit date.
Can I combine scholarships?
Usually not. Most universities give you the higher of two awards.
What marks do I need for a 50% scholarship?
At Heriot-Watt Dubai's undergraduate merit scholarship, 90% or above in CBSE.
Sources
- University of Birmingham Dubai: scholarships (opens in a new tab)
- Heriot-Watt University Dubai: Undergraduate Merit Scholarship (opens in a new tab)
- Heriot-Watt University Dubai: Postgraduate Merit Scholarship (opens in a new tab)
- Heriot-Watt University Dubai: Diwali Scholarship (opens in a new tab)
- Middlesex University Dubai: scholarships and grants (opens in a new tab)
Researched on 26 Oct 2026. Scholarship values, eligibility and deadlines change every year; always confirm on the official page before you apply.