Our academic success is, first and foremost, dictated by the quality of the learning resources we are provided with. Do you want to be surrounded by professional scholars with years of experience who come from a multicultural environment where the quality of performed research is paramount? Do you want your studies to be enriched through round-the-clock access to state-of-the-art laboratories that are comparable to those of the most prestigious international educational institutions? If so, you should apply to a top university.

Abu Dhabi boasts some of the top-ranked universities in the Middle East. It is home to some of the best educational institutions in Asia, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs available either through private tuition or advantageous scholarships. Campus life at the top institution is vibrant, and the opportunities for career advancement in Abu Dhabi are plentiful. The universities in the city also provide transportation between student residences and classes via shuttle buses.

Faculty members at Abu Dhabi's top universities come from more than 40 countries and are internationally recognized for their vast experience and contributions in their areas of research. Moreover, Khalifa University of Science and Technology is among some of the newest educational institutions in Asia, being founded just 17 years ago. Therefore, the laboratories on the institution’s campuses are brand new, the libraries are filled with all the resources you might need for your studies, and the learning spaces are optimized for maximum efficiency. The university is home to the most recognized postgraduate programs in the UAE, and the facilities available to students are world-class.

What Is the Procedure for Postgraduate Admission?

For starters, UAE Nationals or international students who wish to continue their master's or doctorate studies at the top universities, such as Khalifa University, must first select the program in which they want to enroll. For example, the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, part of one of the best academic institutions in the city, offers 15 Master's programs and four doctoral ones. The College of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, on the other hand, offers four master's and two doctoral programs. In contrast, the College of Medicine and Health Sciences offers students two master's programs and four doctoral curricula.

After reviewing the postgraduate programs available, applicants must ensure they meet the minimum entry requirements for the selected disciplines. Want to apply for a master's degree? You'll need to have completed a bachelor's degree in a relevant field with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 and proven proficiency in English. This can be done through an IBT TOEFL score of 91, an IELTS score of 6.5, or an EmSAT score of 1550. Additionally, master's degree applicants must achieve a quantitative score of 150 in all three sections of the GRE, submit a statement of intent, provide at least two written recommendations, and pass an interview.

Depending on your academic performance, you may be eligible for a postgraduate scholarship, which will be reviewed during the admissions process. The institution stands out from other institutions in the Middle East because it does not require separate scholarship applications. For master's degree students, scholarships are available in four tiers and may cover your tuition fees partially or entirely. Ready to apply? If so, the final step is to submit your application on the college application portal, upload the necessary documentation to the Status Page, and await a response.

One of the Best Cities for Continuous Academic Pursuits

The process for doctorate applicants at most Abu Dhabi universities is similar. However, one difference is that you must have completed a Master's Program with a minimum CGPA of 3.25 and submit a research statement. It is also possible to skip the Master's entirely and apply directly for a PhD after completing your Bachelor's degree. However, in this case, your minimum CGPA will have to surpass 3.5.

Proof of English proficiency is not required for international applicants who are native speakers or who have completed their studies at an English-medium academic institution. However, if you decide to submit your IELTS, TOEFL, or EmSAT results, only the highest score will be considered. This leniency and understanding of students' needs and academic situations make Khalifa University one of the best learning institutions in the MENA region.

An Institution Governed by Excellence

Khalifa University is considered one of the best-represented universities in the MENA region. The higher education institution provides post-doctorate graduates with necessary tools to succeed in their long-term academic ambitions. Moreover, graduates of the institution's PhD programs may be invited to continue their careers in the research departments of the colleges. Additionally, the monthly stipends offered to doctoral students with excellent academic performance, along with other scholarships available to UAE Nationals and international applicants, are highly advantageous. Therefore, the institution is one of the most beneficial institutions for postgraduate studies in this part of the world, and the QS ranking of its programs is consistently rising.

The institution accepts students from all over the world and is one of the most recognized universities for postgraduate studies in the UAE. The faculty members at the institution speak more than 40 languages, and female students represent 58% of all pupils, one of the highest percentages in the Middle East. The institution is highly regarded for its postgraduate studies, and most undergraduate students participate in an 8-week internship to prepare them for the realities of the job market. For postgraduates, there is the opportunity to continue their careers within the institution's research departments.

What Is Life on the Khalifa University Campuses?

In the MENA region, Khalifa University is regarded as one of the premier higher education institutions for postgraduate studies. The university is ranked 202nd in the QS World University Rankings for 2025. However, the allure of the United Arab Emirates' capital extends beyond academic offerings and state-of-the-art facilities. Student life at the institution and its surroundings is vibrant, with Abu Dhabi and Dubai standing out as two of the most developed metropolises in the region. Additionally, students at the institution have access to a diverse range of over 30 clubs for socializing and pursuing their interests in a supportive environment that encourages freedom of expression.

Students at the institution can partake in a variety of activities, including joining student associations, participating in weekly extracurricular events, engaging in intercollegiate sports tournaments, and unwinding at on-campus restaurants and coffee shops. Round-the-clock shuttle buses ensure convenient transportation to and from the university, while both undergraduate and postgraduate students have access to university residences. Life at the institution offers a rewarding experience; as it is renowned for housing some of the most reputable postgraduate study programs, providing abundant opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Publication: 19 July 5:16