The MBZUAI Aspire Ph.D. Fellowship Program offers master’s students and pre-doctoral researchers the opportunity to engage in short-term research projects with MBZUAI faculty. This fellowship is designed to provide valuable research experience, preparing candidates for Ph.D. applications.
When is the Application Deadline:
- Applications are open year-round
- Selection is on a rolling basis
Tell Me About The Award:
The MBZUAI Aspire Ph.D. Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious short-term research fellowship offered by the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
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It is designed for master’s students and prospective Ph.D. applicants worldwide who want to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge AI research. Fellows work directly with MBZUAI faculty on innovative projects in fields such as machine learning, robotics, computer vision, and natural language processing.
This fellowship strengthens candidates’ academic profiles, builds Ph.D.-level research skills, and expands their global AI network.
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Which Fields are Eligible?
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning
- Robotics
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
- Computer Vision
- Computational Biology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Statistics and Data Science
Type:
Short-term Research Fellowship | Pre-Doctoral Fellowship
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be final-year master’s students or prospective Ph.D. applicants.
- Hold or be completing a STEM degree.
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.5/4.0 (or equivalent).
- Demonstrate research experience, preferably with publications or co-authored work.
- Show strong motivation for an AI-driven research career.
How are Applicants Selected?
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Selection is based on academic excellence, research experience, and motivation for AI research.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
All countries worldwide.
Where will the Award be Taken?
- MBZUAI campus, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- In-person research fellowship
How Many Awards?
Not specified — multiple fellows are selected globally each year.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
Selected fellows receive:
- Return-trip international flights
- Full visa sponsorship
- Health insurance coverage
- Monthly stipend (covering accommodation and living costs)
- Direct mentorship from MBZUAI faculty
- Access to advanced AI labs and research teams
How Long Will the Award Last?
- Up to 3 months (short-term fellowship)
- Flexible start dates
How to Apply:
- Visit the MBZUAI Aspire Ph.D. Fellowship webpage.
- Review eligibility criteria and prepare required documents (CV, transcripts, research portfolio/publications).
- Submit your application online.
- Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed on a rolling basis.
