The United States Mission and regional partners have opened applications for UAE Fulbright scholarships for the 2027 intake. The fully funded awards support graduate study and research at US universities and cover tuition, a living stipend and limited health insurance.
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Fulbright Program for UAE Students
The announcement covers the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, the U.S. government’s flagship academic exchange. The call for nominations was posted by the U.S. Mission to the UAE and publicised in the regional press.
Who can apply
Applicants must be citizens of, or permanent residents able to hold a passport with Khulasat Al-Qayd (Family Book) from the United Arab Emirates and must reside in the UAE throughout the application, selection and placement processes. U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents are ineligible. Applicants must hold a U.S.-equivalent bachelor’s degree by the programme start date. Preference is given to candidates with strong academics, leadership potential and limited prior residence or study in the United States.
Allowed Fields of Study
Most fields are open: humanities, social sciences, science, technology, engineering and related postgraduate research and taught programmes. Programmes that involve clinical training — for example, medicine, nursing with clinical placements, and dentistry — are not permitted. Non-clinical options such as public health and nursing administration are allowed.
What the award covers
Awards typically include tuition and required fees, a monthly living stipend, a limited health insurance plan and round-trip travel to the United States. Exact inclusions and amounts are specified in award notices issued to successful candidates.
Required documents
Submit documents in English or with certified translations where needed:
- Original academic transcripts and certified translations, if not in English.
- Proof of degree completion or a copy of the diploma.
- TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores (if available); LTE (Long-Term English) placement may be offered to some applicants.
- Current résumé/CV.
- Three letters of recommendation (in English or certified translations).
- Personal statement (up to 600 words) and a study/research objective statement.
- Emirates ID or passport with Khulasat Al-Qayd (Family Book).
- Any additional documents requested on the online application system.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted online through the Fulbright application platform and the IIE placement system. Candidates from the UAE should use the apply.iie.org/ffsp2027 portal and follow the instructions on the regional programme page administered by AMIDEAST. Complete the online form, upload all documents and meet the portal’s deadlines.
Deadlines, interviews and timeline
- Application deadline: June 30, 2026 (apply via the online portal).
- Interviews: Shortlisted candidates should be available for selection interviews in Dubai or Abu Dhabi in July 2026.
- Programme length: Awards support study or research for one year or longer; duration depends on award terms and host institution placement.
Selection, obligations and academic integrity
Recipients are chosen through an open, merit-based competition that assesses academic excellence, leadership and adaptability to U.S. academic life. Awardees have participant-country obligations and are expected to return to their country or territory of nomination for at least two years after completing the programme. The programme enforces strict rules on originality; plagiarism is prohibited.
Administering bodies and contact information
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered in the MENA region by AMIDEAST, with IIE handling placement and host-institution matching. Regional contact details published by AMIDEAST for UAE applicants:
- Phone: 04-8565 7477 / 02-4456720
- Email: uae.fulbright@amideast.org
- Address: 100 Al Batoul St, Unit 100, Plaza 30, Al Nahyan Area, Abu Dhabi.
