Abu Dhabi announces scholarships for UAE students in 100 specialisations at world’s top universities

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has announced the availability of scholarships for outstanding Emirati students in over 100 academic disciplines, covering elite and creative specialisations.

Currently, 1,222 students are benefiting from these scholarships, studying at 150 universities worldwide.

Applications open for 2025 cohort
ADEK has officially opened applications for the Abu Dhabi Scholarships Programme (Batch 2025) until April 30, 2025, with assessments continuing into May. The selection and orientation process will take place in June and July.

The programme offers undergraduate scholarships in key fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Renewable Energy, Clean Technology, Healthcare and Biotechnology, Financial Technology, Digital Banking, Sustainable Agriculture, and Food Technology.

For postgraduate scholarships, specialised fields include Marriage and Family Therapy, Child and Family Development Studies, Child and Family Psychology, Counseling, Medical Sciences, Mental Health Counseling, and Behavioural Medicine.

Comprehensive support
The Abu Dhabi Scholarships Programme provides students with a unique and personalised academic journey, offering:

Direct access to dedicated advisors for academic and professional guidance.

Specialised workshops and one-on-one sessions to prepare students for key milestones in their academic journey.

Performance-based financial incentives and stipends.

Internship and employment opportunities with over 180 partner organisations.

Career support services to help graduates secure employment after completing their studies.

The programme has expanded its global reach, incorporating universities and specialised fields from China, Italy, Russia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Additionally, it has successfully built a network of over 200 industry partners, reinforcing ADEK’s commitment to equipping students with the skills required to meet the demands of leading global organisations.

Eligibility criteria
To qualify for a scholarship in elite specializations, applicants must:

Be UAE nationals aged between 17 and 24 years.

Attain a minimum grade of 85 per cent in Grade 11 and 90 per cent in the first semester of Grade 12.

Secure unconditional admission to one of the top 150 universities globally by May 2025.

Achieve a minimum score of 6.0 in IELTS Academic or 60 in TOEFL iBT.

ADEK has also introduced a pathway to enhance students’ eligibility for the Abu Dhabi Scholarships Programme through the Enrichment Programme for Outstanding Students. This programme is open to students in Grades 10–12 (Years 11–13) with a minimum 85 per cent academic average and offers access to:

Academic and extracurricular activities, competitions, and community service programmes.

Individual and group mentorship sessions with experienced advisors.

Standardised test preparation and university admissions guidance.

Tailored preparation for Abu Dhabi Scholarships Programme applications.