Last Updated on May 20, 2025
Dubai is quickly becoming a top destination for Indian students seeking high-quality international education, and the good news is—there are scholarships in Dubai for Indian students that make studying here more affordable than ever. From prestigious government-funded schemes like the H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Scholarships to fully funded scholarships in Dubai for international students in 2025, the city offers a wide range of financial support options. But how to get a scholarship in Dubai for Indian students? The key lies in academic excellence, a strong application, and applying early—many universities require a minimum of 85% in previous qualifications.
While Dubai does not offer entirely free education to Indian students, fully funded scholarships in UAE often cover tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. Some countries, like Germany and Norway, are also known to provide 100% scholarships for Indian students. Still, Dubai remains unique for its blend of opportunity, diversity, and career potential in the UAE. Explore top scholarships in Dubai for Indian students—fully funded options, eligibility, free education info, and how to apply in 2025.
Key Factors to Consider While Applying for Scholarships in Dubai
It is important to first recognize what determines the selection process when applying for scholarships in Dubai for Indian students. Besides supporting a good application, these things also ensure you find the most suitable opportunities to apply for.
- Programs usually look for more than 80% in applicants’ previous tests.
- You will need to take an IELTS or TOEFL test to confirm that you are ready for English language courses.
- Leadership and outstanding extracurriculars can help students obtain scholarships.
- Some scholarships are intended for individuals with financial challenges. Make sure you provide the needed papers to prove that you can afford the education.
- Meeting Application Deadlines: You should meet all application deadlines, because some require you to apply long before classes start.
- Some grants can only be awarded to people living in the UAE or with a regional connection.
- Aligned Program: The UAE government reviews applicants to see if their intended career is important for the country’s economy and growth.
- Available Scholarships: They can be found for undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs and each type has its own set of rules.
- Lots of programs will pay the bills for your tuition, housing and even living costs.
- Individual universities can offer annual scholarships and discount opportunities for students.
- By understanding this, you can use your application carefully and be sure you do everything expected by the authorities in Dubai.
Top Scholarships in Dubai for Indian Students – 2025
Below, we have compiled a list of some of the most sought-after scholarships in Dubai for Indian students.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Scholarships
| Provider | Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) |
| Eligibility | High-achieving students (80%+ in Class 12) |
| Covers | Up to 100% tuition fee waiver |
| Level | Undergraduate and Postgraduate |
| Application Deadline | Varies annually |
| Highlight | Awarded by the Crown Prince of Dubai — merit meets prestige |
Provider: Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU)
Eligibility: High-achieving students (80%+ in Class 12)
Covers: Up to 100% tuition fee waiver
Level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Application Deadline: Varies annually
Highlight: Awarded by the Crown Prince of Dubai—merit meets prestige.
Khalifa University Scholarships
| Eligibility | Excellent academic track record and IELTS score |
| Covers | 100% tuition + monthly stipend + medical + travel |
| Level | Master’s & PhD |
| Application Deadline | March/April annually |
| Highlight | One of the most competitive and generous scholarships in the UAE |
Eligibility: Excellent academic track record and IELTS score
Covers: 100% tuition + monthly stipend + medical + travel
Level: Master’s & PhD
Application Deadline: March/April annually
Highlight: One of the most competitive and generous scholarships in the UAE.
University of Dubai Scholarships
| Types | Merit-based, Need-based, Sports Scholarships |
| Eligibility | – Merit-based: 85%+ in academics, Need-based: Financial documents, Sports: Excellence in sports (certificates/awards) |
| Covers | 20% to 50% tuition waiver |
| Level | Undergraduate (UG) & Postgraduate (PG) |
| Highlight | Flexible and renewable based on academic performance |
Types: Merit-based, Need-based, Sports Scholarships
Eligibility: 85%+ for merit-based, financial docs for need-based
Covers: 20% to 50% tuition waiver
Level: UG & PG
Highlight: Flexible and renewable based on academic performance.
Canadian University Dubai Scholarships
| Eligibility | Minimum 75% in prior academics |
| Coverage | 10% to 50% tuition fee |
| Applicable Levels | Bachelor’s and Master’s |
| Categories | Academic Excellence, Sports, Financial Hardship |
| Highlight | Applications accepted 3 times a year—more chances to apply |
Eligibility: Minimum 75% in prior academics
Covers: 10% to 50% tuition fee
Level: Bachelor’s and Master’s
Categories: Academic Excellence, Sports, Financial Hardship
Highlight: Applications accepted 3 times a year—more chances to apply.
Middlesex University Dubai Scholarships
| Eligibility | Indian board toppers, early applicants |
| Coverage | Up to 50% tuition discount |
| Level | Undergraduate (UG) & Postgraduate (PG) |
| Highlight | Dedicated scholarships for Indian CBSE/ISC toppers |
Eligibility: Indian board toppers, early applicants
Covers: Up to 50% tuition discount
Level: UG & PG
Highlight: Dedicated scholarships for Indian CBSE/ISC toppers.
Zayed University Scholarships
| Eligibility | International students with a strong academic profile |
| Covers | Full or partial tuition |
| Level | Bachelor’s |
| Highlight | Government-run university with excellent campus facilities |
Eligibility: International students with a strong academic profile
Covers: Full or partial tuition
Level: Bachelor’s
Highlight: Government-run university with excellent campus facilities.
Amity University Dubai Scholarships
| Eligibility | Based on 10th & 12th marks, financial need |
| Coverage | 20–50% tuition waiver |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Highlight | Special early-bird scholarships for Indian students |
Eligibility: Based on 10th & 12th marks, financial need
Covers: 20–50% tuition waiver
Level: Undergraduate
Highlight: Special early-bird scholarships for Indian students.
Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences
| Eligibility | High academic scores in sciences and relevant tests |
| Covers | Full tuition, sometimes living stipend |
| Level | UG and PG in medical/health-related fields |
| Highlight | High return for medicine aspirants aiming to study in Dubai |
Eligibility: High academic scores in sciences and relevant tests
Covers: Full tuition, sometimes living stipend
Level: UG and PG in medical/health-related fields
Highlight: High return for medicine aspirants aiming to study in Dubai.
Scholarships for UAE Residents (Indian Expats)
| Eligibility | Valid UAE residency, academic performance |
| Offered by | Gems Education, Dubai Cares, local private universities |
| Covers | Variable (from fee waivers to full support) |
| Highlight | Great option for Indian families already based in the UAE |
Eligibility: Valid UAE residency, academic performance
Offered by: Gems Education, Dubai Cares, local private universities
Covers: Variable (from fee waivers to full support)
Highlight: Great option for Indian families already based in the UAE.
Expo 2020 Legacy Scholarships (newly introduced)
| Eligibility | Fields aligned with innovation, sustainability, and global impact |
| Level | Undergraduate (UG) & Postgraduate (PG) |
| Highlight | For students contributing to Dubai’s vision beyond 2025 |
Eligibility: Fields aligned with innovation, sustainability, and global impact
Level: UG & PG
Highlight: For students contributing to Dubai’s vision beyond 2025.
Read Also:
List of Top Universities in Dubai for Indian Students
Why Choose Dubai As Your Study Abroad Destination?
Cost of Living in Dubai for Indian Students
Study In Dubai 2025: Top Courses, Universities, Fees & Scholarships
Final Thoughts
Overall, earning scholarships in Dubai for Indian students makes it possible for them to attend top universities in a thriving region globally. A variety of scholarships are available such as the H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Awards, so ensure you explore scholarships across Dubai and the UAE as we look ahead to 2025. To be eligible for a scholarship in Dubai, an Indian student should earn consistently high grades and apply online through authorized platforms early in the process.
Even though Dubai’s education system does not offer free education for all Indian students, many scholarships exist, so deserving students can qualify for a completely free education. Apart from Dubai, students from India have access to 100% scholarships offered by Germany and Norway. If students are well-prepared and motivated, secure good grades and submit their applications on time, they have a great opportunity to be accepted for fully funded scholarships in Dubai and the UAE.
FAQs:
How do students from India get a scholarship in Dubai?
You must fulfill the requirements for scholarships set by universities or the government to study in Dubai. A majority of scholarships offered in Dubai for Indian students usually demand exceptional grades, a good explanation of why the candidate wishes to pursue this course, solid references and English proficiency demonstrated through results from IELTS or TOEFL exams. Most applications are made either on the university website or on websites set up by the government to handle them. Most Indian students often pick the H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Award or the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Scholarship.
Can students from India study in Dubai without paying for their education?
Even though all education in Dubai isn’t free for Indian students, there are different scholarships that cover all expenses, making studying cost almost nothing for those who perform well. A number of scholarships and grants, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarships, can help Indian students study at universities with reduced expenses.
How much percentage is required for scholarship in Dubai?
The majority of scholarships in Dubai for Indian students ask for a minimum of 85% to 90% in their previous academic year. Nonetheless, every institution or scholarship scheme might use a unique set of requirements. Programs such as those at Khalifa University and the Dubai International Academic City require high scores as well as evidence of academic achievements, leadership and community service.
Which country gives 100% scholarships for Indian students?
Besides studying in the UAE, Indian students can apply for fully funded scholarships to study in Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands. In Dubai specifically, Indian students can access fully funded scholarships through university partnerships or government-backed initiatives like the Fully Funded Scholarships in UAE for International Students 2025, offering tuition, living allowances, and sometimes even travel grants.
Bhaskarjyoti Paul is a seasoned content writer with over three years of experience within the ed-tech space. Specialising in study abroad and academic content, Bhaskarjyoti excels at creating SEO-optimized articles that drive traffic and engagement and blog and website content that engages and informs readers. Bhaskarjyoti handles social media content for Admissify, designs compelling narratives and spearheads engagement across multiple platforms. With a desire to help students and a keen eye for detail, Bhaskarjyoti brings a wealth of knowledge to every project.
