MBZUAI Undergraduate Research Internship Program (UGRIP)
About the Scholarship
The MBZUAI Undergraduate Research Internship Program (UGRIP) is a fully funded summer research program in the UAE. It is offered by Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence. This program is made for talented undergraduate students who want to build a strong career in Artificial Intelligence. The internship runs for four weeks at the Abu Dhabi campus. Students work on real AI research projects with expert professors. They learn new skills, meet international students, and experience life in the UAE. The program is very competitive and accepts only a small number of students each year. It is a great chance for students who want to continue their studies in AI at master’s or PhD level in the future.
Scholarship Details
- Host Country: United Arab Emirates
- Host University: Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence
- Scholarship Name: MBZUAI Undergraduate Research Internship Program (UGRIP)
- Study Levels: Undergraduate (Research Internship)
- Gender: Male and Female
- English Language Certificate: Yes, required
- Application Deadline: 28 February 2026
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded Summer Internship
Which Study Levels Are Included
- Undergraduate – 4 weeks research internship
Fields Included in This Scholarship
Bachelor (Undergraduate Major Required)
Applicants must study a STEM major such as:
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
- Software Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Robotics
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Computational Biology
Master Programs at MBZUAI (After Internship)
- M.Sc. in Computer Science
- M.Sc. in Computer Vision
- M.Sc. in Machine Learning
- M.Sc. in Natural Language Processing
- M.Sc. in Robotics
PhD Programs at MBZUAI
- PhD in Computer Science
- PhD in Computer Vision
- PhD in Machine Learning
- PhD in Natural Language Processing
- PhD in Robotics
Scholarship Benefits
- Monthly stipend
- Free accommodation
- Health insurance
- Free visa
- Round-trip air ticket
- Airport transfer
- Access to campus facilities
- Social and cultural activities
- Work with expert AI professors
What Is Not Included
- Family expenses
- Long-term job contract
- Personal shopping costs
- Extra travel outside program
- Permanent residency
Who Is Eligible
- Undergraduate students in STEM fields
- Students in their second last year
- Students graduating after August 2026
- Minimum CGPA 3.5 out of 4.0
- Strong interest in AI research
- Good English skills
Who Is Not Eligible
- Final year students graduating before August 2026
- Students with low GPA
- Non-STEM students
- Students without English proof
- Students with incomplete documents
Required Documents
- Enrollment letter from university
- Official academic transcript
- English language certificate (IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90 / PTE 60 / Cambridge / Duolingo 120)
- Or letter that English is medium of instruction
- Valid passport copy (at least 1 year valid)
- Statement of Purpose essay
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- All documents in English
How to Become Successful
- Keep high GPA
- Improve English score
- Write strong motivation letter
- Show research interest in AI
- Mention awards and achievements
- Prepare a professional CV
- Apply before deadline
Living Costs in United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi)
| Item | Average Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 800 – 1,200 |
| Food | 250 – 400 |
| Transportation | 80 – 150 |
| Internet & Mobile | 50 – 100 |
| Personal Expenses | 150 – 300 |
| Total Average | 1,330 – 2,150 |
Note: UGRIP covers most of these costs for selected interns.
How to Apply
- Visit the official MBZUAI website.
- Create an online account.
- Fill out the application form.
- Upload all required documents.
- Submit before the deadline.
- Wait for review process.
- If selected, attend interview (if required).
- Receive final decision by 31 March 2026.
FAQ
What is the duration of UGRIP?
It is a four-week summer research program.
Is this scholarship fully funded?
Yes, it covers stipend, housing, visa, ticket, and insurance.
Do I need IELTS?
Yes, or another approved English test.
Can students from any country apply?
Yes, students from all nationalities can apply.
Is this a degree program?
No, it is a short research internship.
Can I apply for master’s after this program?
Yes, many interns later apply for master’s or PhD at MBZUAI.
Apply Now
For more details, please visit the official website of the MBZUAI Undergraduate Research Internship Program (UGRIP).
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