Studying abroad is a major milestone, and the right scholarship makes funding your degree far more manageable. Students across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the wider Middle East can tap into diverse funding streams—from home and destination government grants to university tuition discounts. Explore the destination guides below to find approved 2027 study abroad scholarships across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and international branch campuses.
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Types of Scholarships for Middle East Students
Students from the Middle East who plan to study abroad can explore scholarships and other funding from their home governments, destination-country governments, universities, employers, and private foundations. Eligibility, award amounts, and application requirements vary, so check the terms of each opportunity before applying. You may be able to combine funding sources, but some awards cannot be held alongside other scholarships or sponsorships.
Home Government Scholarships: Middle East
Many governments in the region fund citizens to study at approved universities abroad. Rules are set by each ministry, so always check the official website before you apply.
Oman
Learn how the MOHERI External Scholarship program works, and see the ApplyBoard partner universities approved for Omani students.
Note: Government scholarships usually only fund study at universities on an approved list. Check that your chosen university and program are approved before you apply.
Home Government Scholarships: Central Asia & Caucasus
Students from Central Asia and the Caucasus can access prestigious government-backed programs that fully fund degree programs at approved international universities:
Uzbekistan
Learn how the El-Yurt Umidi Scholarship works, and see the ApplyBoard partner universities approved for Uzbek students.
Azerbaijan
Explore the Azerbaijan State Program Scholarship and view approved ApplyBoard partner universities for Azerbaijani students.
Kazakhstan
Discover how the Bolashak Scholarship works and browse approved ApplyBoard partner universities for Kazakh students.
Scholarships by Study Destination
United States
Five scholarships for UAE students applying to the US, including Fulbright, the Humphrey Fellowship, and university merit awards.
United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
Explore Dubai scholarships, from government-backed awards to merit discounts, plus how to keep your scholarship each year.
Canada
See Canadian government scholarships for international students, and how they compare with university awards.
United Kingdom
Learn about UK government scholarships such as Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships, and who can apply.
Australia
Find Australian government scholarships for international students, and what each one covers.
Ireland
Understand the difference between fully funded and partial scholarships in Ireland, and what to expect.
Malaysia
Discover merit-based scholarships in Malaysia, and how to find and apply for them.
Singapore
See scholarships in Singapore for international students, including government and university awards.
University Scholarships at Dubai Campuses
Want an international degree closer to home? These international branch campuses in Dubai offer merit scholarships to students from across the region:
- University of Birmingham Dubai: a UK degree, with merit scholarships for high-achieving applicants.
- Murdoch University Dubai: an Australian degree, with scholarships and flexible intakes in January, May, and September.
More University Scholarship Guides
- Entrance scholarships at Canadian colleges and universities
- Top 10 scholarships for international students in Canada
- UK scholarships for the 2027 intake at 6 universities
Write a Winning Scholarship Letter
Use our template and examples to show scholarship committees why you deserve their support.
Tips for Winning a Scholarship
Tip! Start at least 12 months before your program begins. Many government scholarships and university awards close months before admission deadlines.
- Check the approved list first: If you plan to use a government scholarship, choose a university and program on your ministry's approved list.
- Keep your grades strong: Most merit scholarships are based on your academic results, and many need a minimum GPA to renew each year.
- Prepare your documents early: Transcripts, English test scores, reference letters, and certified translations of Arabic documents take time to collect.
- Apply to more than one: Combine a government award with a university scholarship where the rules allow it.
Disclaimer: Scholarship amounts, deadlines, and eligibility rules change every year. Always confirm the details on the official scholarship website before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can apply for scholarships from your home government, the government of your study destination, and your university. Many students combine more than one.
Usually not. Most government scholarships only fund study at approved universities and in priority subjects. Check your ministry's list before you apply.
Yes. Home government scholarships are often only for citizens, but university scholarships are usually open to all international students. Some destination government scholarships are based on where you live, so check the rules for your country of residence.
Use the scholarship search on ApplyBoard to find awards linked to programs you are interested in. Learn how to search for scholarships.
The right scholarship can make your study abroad plans possible. Explore the guides above, check the rules for your home country and destination, and start your applications early. ApplyBoard can help you find programs and funding that match your goals.
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