Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has officially announced the opening of applications for the third phase of the Hamdan bin Mohammed Scholarship Program for the academic year 2026–2027. The initiative aims to support high-achieving Emirati students with fully funded international education opportunities.
Eligible Emirati students can apply until June 30, 2026, through the Emirates section on the Dubai Now mobile application, making the process accessible and streamlined.
Fully Funded Scholarships for Top Emirati Students
The scholarship program operates with a massive budget of AED 1.1 billion, offering around 100 fully funded scholarships annually to outstanding graduates from both public and private schools in Dubai.
These scholarships are designed for bachelor’s degree programs in future-oriented fields such as:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Science
- Digital Technology
- Business and Finance
- Medicine
- Law
- Social Sciences
The goal is to equip students with leadership, strategic thinking, and innovation skills to contribute to Dubai’s long-term development goals.
Also Read: Malaysia opens fully funded scholarship for Pakistani students
Program Aligned with Dubai’s Vision and Development Strategy
Launched in 2024 under the directives of Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the scholarship program aligns with Dubai’s broader economic, social, and education strategies.
The initiative is part of efforts to develop future leaders and innovators who can actively contribute to the UAE’s sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
Strong Academic Outcomes and Global University Placements
In its initial phases, the program has shown strong results:
- Nearly 70% of scholarship recipients were admitted to top 100 global universities
- Students pursued diverse fields including AI, engineering, finance, medicine, and law
- The program has helped build a pipeline of globally educated Emirati talent
This reflects the program’s success in preparing students for international academic excellence and leadership roles.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To qualify for the Hamdan bin Mohammed Scholarship Program, applicants must:
- Be Emirati nationals
- Have completed high school in 2023–2024, 2024–2025, or 2025–2026
- Hold a Dubai family book
- Not be receiving any other scholarship
- Have conditional or unconditional admission from an approved university
- Be prepared to pursue full-time studies abroad
These requirements ensure that only the most capable and committed students benefit from the program.
Also Read: Canada opens fully funded scholarship for Pakistani students
Expert Insight on the Program’s Impact
According to Dr. Amina Al Muhaizmi, Chief Executive of Development and Human Resources at KHDA, the program provides students with:
- Global exposure
- Advanced leadership skills
- Specialized academic knowledge
She emphasized that the initiative plays a crucial role in preparing Emirati youth to actively contribute to the UAE’s development and future innovation landscape.
