Abu Dhabi set up Khalifa University in 2007, and in 2017 merged it with the Masdar Institute and the Petroleum Institute. The result is the UAE's main public university for engineering, science and medicine. Teaching is in English. Graduate students are often funded, and the research centres work on energy, space, robotics and healthcare. The main campus is on Abu Dhabi island, with a second at Masdar City.
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates
Official website: ku.ac.ae
Public research university
2007, merged with Masdar Institute and Petroleum Institute in 2017
Main campus, Masdar City and SAN campus
AED 70,000 – AED 100,000
Tuition before scholarships; most graduate students are funded
AED 36,000 – AED 50,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on ku.ac.ae before you apply.
BSc Computer Engineering
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
BSc Mechanical Engineering
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
MSc Artificial Intelligence
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 91
MSc Petroleum Engineering
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 91
PhD Engineering
DoctorateDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 91
Engineering and science research funded by the Abu Dhabi government.
Scholarships with stipends for many graduate students.
Space, robotics and energy research centres.
Graduates join ADNOC, Mubadala, Emirates Global Aluminium and other UAE employers.
Many graduate students continue into research posts and PhD study.
Engineering graduates are sought by the energy and aerospace sectors in the Gulf.
Undergrad
Main intake
Postgrad
Main intake
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Graduate programmes
Many students live in university housing close to the main campus. Summer days are very hot, so life moves indoors between June and September.
Abu Dhabi is calmer than Dubai, with the Corniche, Saadiyat beaches and the Louvre Abu Dhabi for weekends.
Offer letter from Khalifa University
Proof of tuition fee payment
Student residence visa sponsored by institution
UAE medical fitness test
Emirates ID registration
Passport valid at least six months
Khalifa usually opens applications in late autumn, with main deadlines in spring for August entry. Graduate programmes also run a round for January. Check the dates on the admissions portal each year.
Undergraduates start in August. Graduate programmes start in August and January.
Khalifa University sponsors your student residence visa after enrolment. The rest is local paperwork: a medical test and your Emirates ID.
Engineering, computer science, AI and petroleum engineering are popular. Undergraduates need strong maths and science grades, plus IELTS 6.0 or EmSAT English; graduate entry needs a relevant degree with a good GPA and IELTS 6.5.
Yes. Many international graduate students receive full scholarships covering tuition with a monthly stipend. Undergraduate scholarships for international students are more limited and very competitive.
