Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence

MBZUAI is a unique new institution focused on graduate programmes and research in Artificial Intelligence. We offer high-quality teaching and outstanding research opportunities in this cutting-edge technology, supported by comprehensive scholarship packages for all full-time students.

World-class international faculty

Led by Prof. Eric Xing, formerly of Carnegie Mellon, MBZUAI is ranked Top 25 globally for AI and its sub-specialisms on CSRankings, the leading specialist rankings for Computer Science. The university has a growing international faculty with world-class research profiles and global collaborations. 58% of current faculty members joined from Top 100 global institutions for AI, including Carnegie Mellon, UC Berkley, Oxford and Tsinghua.

Innovative programmes

Teaching at MBZUAI is rooted in its research focus and is complemented by state-of-the-art facilities, labs and research centres. MSc and PhD programmes are organised around three key sub-specialisms within AI – Computer Vision, Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing – taught by leaders in their fields. Teaching excellence is supported by a modern and supportive learning environment with excellent staff/student ratios and access to Nvidia DGX-1/2 servers in one of the largest GPU facilities in the world.

Outstanding financial support

Every full-time student at MBZUAI receives a comprehensive package of financial support to enable each of them to focus on their studies and research. All tuition costs are covered, high-quality, modern housing is provided, and students receive a monthly stipend for other living costs (8,000 AED/month for MSc students, 10,000 AED/month for PhD students). Healthcare insurance and annual travel costs to and from the UAE for international students are also provided.

Diverse and modern student experience

MBZUAI’s purpose-built campus hosts a diverse international community in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Campus facilities include student apartments, laboratories, knowledge centre, auditorium, multi-purpose hall, gym, canteen, cafes and retail outlets. Current students at MBZUAI come from nearly 40 countries, and 31% are female.

Dynamic and secure local environment

Abu Dhabi is one of the most diverse and dynamic cities in the world, home to more than 180 nationalities. Rooted in local culture, the city is also a tolerant and multicultural environment, ranked the safest city in the world 6 years running (Numbeo Safety Index 2022). And while the country values its history and heritage it has become one of the most significant emerging economies in the world, with heavy public and private investment in the technology sector and scientific research.

Future opportunities

MBZUAI students benefit from internships and research collaborations with both international partners and in the UAE’s emerging high-tech sector, offering a gateway to a wide range of employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. Students benefit from the advice of dedicated careers team whose aim is to support students to springboard from their studies at MBZUAI to a successful and rewarding career. Successful graduation from MBZUAI is also a route to applying for long-term residency in the UAE, a visa programme designed to attract highly-talented researchers and innovators to the country.

Open to all

Applications are open to students of all nationalities. The university sponsors visa to the UAE as well as providing financial support. The main academic requirement for admission is to have graduated or be on track to graduate with a First class or Upper Second class (equivalent to 3.2 GPA or above) undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Physics or other related discipline

How to Apply

Applications for Fall 2023 are open now and close on 30 April 2023. You can apply here. Admission is on a rolling basis so early application is encouraged to secure your place.

For more information on eligibility, questions about applying or support with your application, please email Dr. James Brown, UK + Europe Student Recruitment.