If you’re planning to study abroad, Dubai gives you a lot to work with, from internationally recognised degrees to a large Indian student community. Fees at the top branch campuses can still add up quickly, which is why scholarships to study in Dubai deserve a place in your planning from the start. In this guide, you’ll find the main types of awards, the Class 12 marks universities look for, the application steps and the conditions you’ll need to meet to keep your scholarship.
What Do Dubai Scholarships Cover and How Much Can You Save?
One thing to know before you begin applying is that most scholarships in Dubai for Indian students are tuition discounts, not full funding. Scholarship amounts vary by university, programme, academic results and eligibility. Many awards are partial tuition discounts, while some universities also offer higher-value or fully funded schemes for specific students.
Living costs are almost always on you. For example, at Manipal Dubai, listed hostel charges range from AED 30,000 to AED 40,000 per year, plus 5% VAT, depending on occupancy. Food is not included. So if you plan to study in Dubai with scholarship support, budget separately for rent, food, transport and your visa.
Types of Scholarships for Indian Students in Dubai
Most scholarships for Indian students in Dubai fall into a few groups:
- Merit scholarships: Based on your Class 12 or degree marks, and by far the most common
- Sports scholarships: For students who have demonstrated significant sporting achievement, with eligibility varying by university
- Need-based support: Limited, but some universities run hardship funds or donor-backed schemes
- Alumni and partner grants: For returning graduates or students from partner schools
Middlesex Dubai’s Academic Excellence Scholarship is for domestic UAE applicants, while international students can explore the university’s International Study Grant and other eligible awards.
Top University Scholarships in Dubai to Explore
Here’s a quick look at university scholarships in Dubai that Indian students commonly go for:
| University | Scholarship | Value | Who it’s for |
| Heriot-Watt University Dubai | Undergraduate Merit Scholarship | 30% to 50% | Class 12 score of 80% and above |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai | Merit Scholarship | 15% to 30% | Class 12 score of 70% and above |
| University of Birmingham Dubai | Undergraduate Chancellor’s Academic Merit Scholarship | Up to 30% per year | Eligible undergraduate applicants |
| Middlesex University Dubai | International Study Grant | Decided case by case | International applicants at all levels |
These Dubai university scholarships don’t all work the same way. Heriot-Watt calculates its award on your first-year fee and spreads it across your degree, so on a four-year course, a 50% award works out to roughly 12.5% off each year.
Merit Scholarships in Dubai: Eligibility, Marks & Documents
For merit scholarships in Dubai, your Class 12 average usually decides it. Here’s how two popular universities reward CBSE students:
| CBSE score | Heriot-Watt | Manipal |
| 70–79% | No award | 15% |
| 80–84.9% | 30% | 20% |
| 85–89.9% | 40% | 20% |
| 90–95% | 50% | 25% |
| Above 95% | 50% | 30% |
How to Apply for Scholarships to Study in Dubai: Steps & Deadlines
Scholarship application processes vary. Some universities assess applicants automatically, while others require specific steps such as accepting an offer or paying a deposit.
- Shortlist universities in Dubai and check which awards match your marks
- Submit your application with all your documents
- Check your offer letter for the scholarship amount
- Accept the offer and pay the deposit to lock in your award
- Send your final results if your award was provisional
Middlesex Dubai says applicants can receive an offer within 48 hours, and eligible scholarships and grants are secured after you accept the offer and pay the required AED 3,000 deposit. At NewStrides Consulting Pvt Ltd, we help students check eligibility and find universities where their marks go furthest.
Affordable Universities in Dubai: Tuition Fees Compared
If budget matters most, compare tuition fees at Dubai universities before looking at scholarships. Here’s what undergraduate programmes cost per year for 2026/27:
| University and programme | Annual tuition fee |
| Manipal Dubai, BA | AED 44,100 |
| Manipal Dubai, BBA | AED 50,925 |
| Manipal Dubai, BTech | AED 57,750 |
| Middlesex University Dubai, all undergraduate programmes | AED 64,557 |
Manipal Dubai lists annual undergraduate tuition fees ranging from AED 44,100 for several BA programmes to AED 57,750 for BTech programmes for the September 2026 intake.
What Happens After You Get a Dubai Scholarship?
Winning a scholarship is one step. Keeping it is another. Most awards come with conditions:
- Manipal Dubai: Scholarship eligibility and conditions vary by scholarship category. Students should check the specific terms that apply to their award. MAHE Dubai currently offers several scholarship categories, including merit-based and need-based support.
- Heriot-Watt Dubai: Some scholarships require students to maintain a minimum overall C grade each academic year to continue receiving the award. The requirement varies by scholarship.
- Birmingham Dubai: Students do not need to maintain a specific GPA or grade to retain the scholarship. However, scholarships do not apply to re-sit exams.
Scholarship conditions vary by university and award. Check the specific terms before accepting a scholarship so you understand what happens if your academic circumstances change.
Conclusion
Scholarships can make a real dent in your fees, but only if you pick a university that rewards your marks and read the fine print. Know what’s covered, check that the award is open to international students, and keep your grades up once you’re in. If you’re not sure where to begin, NewStrides Consulting Pvt Ltd can help you find the Dubai universities where your scholarship goes furthest.
FAQs
Are there scholarships to study in Dubai for Indian students?
Yes, most Dubai universities offer merit scholarships of 10% to 50% off tuition, based mainly on your marks.
What percentage is required to get a scholarship in Dubai?
Usually 70% to 80% in Class 12 for the first award band. Scores of 90% and above can earn up to 50% at some universities.
Which Dubai universities offer scholarships for international students?
Heriot-Watt, Manipal, Birmingham Dubai and Middlesex Dubai all offer awards open to Indian applicants.
Can Indian students get a 100% scholarship to study in Dubai?
Full scholarships are rare here. Manipal Dubai offers a full undergraduate tuition waiver for eligible Indian girls in the UAE facing financial hardship, but most awards are partial.
How can I apply for a university scholarship in Dubai?
Most universities consider you automatically when you apply. Submit your documents, check your offer letter and pay the deposit to secure it.
Supriya Sawant is an accomplished Education Counsellor and Manager with 7+ years of experience in guiding students toward academic success. Specializing in higher education opportunities in the UK and Ireland, she is a trusted advisor and a favourite among her students. Supriya is known for her approachable style, insightful guidance, and dedication to student growth.
