Join Ruwwad Zayed
Applications open soon
Opening
13 February 2026
Closing
29 May 2026
Ruwwad Zayed
About the program
The Ruwwad Zayed Program is a merit-based university scholarship for high-potential Emirati and Arab youth who are based in the UAE and will be pursuing a Master’s degree in a priority field for the region.
Scholars will receive full academic funding, tailored leadership development, and comprehensive support services to strengthen both their personal academic and professional growth.
Designed as a long-term investment in the next generation of purpose-driven leaders, Ruwwad Zayed are connected to a values-aligned community and an ecosystem of universities, mentors, and partners across the UAE. The idea is to equip Ruwwad Zayed to contribute meaningfully to their communities and to our shared future.
Our values
What are Ruwwad Zayed qualities?
We are not only looking for academic excellence and career focus. The Ruwwad Zayed program is about equipping the next generation of leaders with the skills and knowledge to succeed in their service to humanity.
In addition to financial support, Ruwwad Zayed will benefit from high-level leadership training, holistic student-centered support services, and become life-long members of a network of exceptional leaders committed to giving back and creating long-term positive change.
Ruwwad Zayed are:
- Authentic and self-aware catalysts
- Critical and agile thinkers
- Curious innovators
- Collaborative bridge-builders
- Resourceful and adaptive leaders
- Purpose-driven changemakers
Who can apply?
Eligibility criteria
The program is open to Emirati and Arab students who are currently residing or studying in the United Arab Emirates and applying to, or have been accepted into a designated Master’s program at an eligible UAE university (see below for the full list of institutions and programs).
To be considered, students need a strong academic record that meets the requirements of the chosen institution, a valid English-language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent, as required), and a clear intention to use their education to benefit their communities and contribute to the public good.
The strongest candidates will demonstrate the following qualities: academic excellence and readiness for graduate-level work; leadership potential; purpose and commitment to service beyond personal advancement; proven contribution and engagement in community or other meaningful settings; and capacity for growth, openness to learning, and adaptability.
We will be selecting no more than 50 Ruwwad Zayed for the 2026/27 academic year, and competition is expected to be extremely high. Please only apply if you meet all eligibility requirements and demonstrate the qualities listed here.
What's included?
Program benefits
Ruwwad Zayed benefit from full funding for tuition and mandatory university fees.
They also receive:
- Monthly living stipend calibrated to financial need
- Tailored leadership development curriculum
- Personal, academic, and wellbeing support
- Mentoring and professional guidance
- Opportunities for internships and career development
- Lifelong membership of a community of peers and partners who share a commitment to service and purpose
Participating universities
Degree programs
In the first year of the program, we will only be offering scholarships at selected UAE universities for specific Master’s programs that are aligned with national priorities. Click below to see which courses and which universities are elegible.
Abu Dhabi University
Master of Science in Strategic Digital Transformation
Master of Public Health
Master of Education in Educational Technologies and Artificial Intelligence
American University of Sharjah
Master of Arts in International Studies
Master of Urban Planning
Master of Science in Machine Learning
Master of Science in Economics and Policy
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD) Abu Dhabi
M. Tech. Program in Energy Transition and Sustainability
Khalifa University
Master of Science in Molecular Life Sciences
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Master of Science in Computational Data Science
Master of Science in Robotics & Autonomous Systems
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence
- Master of Science in Computer Vision
- Master of Science in Machine Learning
- Master of Science in Robotics
New York University Abu Dhabi
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Art and Media
MSc in Interdisciplinary Data Science and A.I. (MIDSAI)
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
Master in Urban Planning and Development – Urban Innovation and Sustainability
Master in History of Art and Museum Studies
Master in Applied Sociological Research
Master in International Law, Spaces and Sovereignty
United Arab Emirates University
Master of Governance and Public Policy
Master of Science in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems
Master of Science in Food Science
Master of Science in Information Security
Master of Science in Space Science
University of Sharjah
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Master of Science in Engineering Management
Master of Science in Media Entrepreneurship and Digital Innovation
Zayed University
Master of Science in Environment and Sustainability Sciences
Master of Science in Digital Transformation and Innovation
Master of Science in Counselling Psychology
Application process
What do I need to do to apply?
Our selection process is designed and structured to understand each applicant’s unique profile, strengths, motivations, and potential for leadership. Below is an outline of the steps involved.
At each stage, we will conduct a holistic evaluation of each candidate’s academic strengths, personal qualities, potential for impact, and their personal context.
Offers will be made to those who demonstrate exceptional promise and a clear commitment to the Foundation’s mission – and who have received an offer at one of the named programmes at an eligible university.
Online application
Candidates must provide their academic records, an updated CV, proof of their application to an eligible UAE Master’s program, and proof of citizenship or residence in the UAE.
One-way video interview
Eligible applicants are invited to take part in a video interview with structured prompts. The idea of this is to explore how they think, what they hope to contribute, and how they approach responsibility and leadership.
Online assessment
Eligible candidates will then do an online psychometric assessment to offer insight into their communication skills, critical thinking, and personal qualities.
In-person interview
Shortlisted applicants will participate in a structured face-to-face interview to explore questions around motivation and test their alignment with the Program’s values.
Key dates
When to apply
The application process for the 2026/7 intake opens in early February and runs until 29 May, although some programs may close sooner.
Please sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to stay informed.
How can I find out more?
How can I find out more?
We will be conducting campus visits in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah to explain more about the program and the application process. These sessions will be open to all interested applicants. Dates to be announced via the Foundation’s social media channels.
We will also be running online ‘ask me anything’ sessions over the course of the coming months.
Register your interest in our campus visits
FAQs
Find out more
Do I need to have a university offer confirmed before applying?
You do not need to have a final admission letter in hand to begin your application, but you must have already applied to one of the listed Master’s programs at the 10 designated universities (see above) and be able to meet the entry requirements. Any scholarship offer will be conditional on you securing a place at a participating university and program.
From which nationalities are you accepting applications?
Arab nationals holding citizenship from the following countries can apply to become join Ruwwad Zayed: Algeria; Egypt; Iraq; Jordan; Lebanon; Libya; Mauritania; Morocco; Palestine; Sudan; Syria; Tunisia; and the United Arab Emirates (including candidates with an Emirati mother).
What information and documents do you require?
Please refer to the application form for the full list of required documents, but be prepared with a copy of your passport, UAE residency visa or Emirates ID, university transcripts, English-language test results, and proof of an application to a Master’s program at one of the eligible universities (see list above).
What steps are involved in the application process?
After completing the application form, eligible candidates will be invited to submit a short video, undergo an online psychometric assessment, and if selected, attend an in-person interview. Invitation to an in-person interview does not guarantee admission to the Ruwwad Zayed.
How will you contact me once I have applied?
We will contact you by email, so please make sure you give a working address that you check regularly.
What do I need to know about the video interview?
The video interview will take around 20 minutes to complete. You will need a webcam, a microphone, and a stable internet connection. Please make sure you do the interview in a well-lit space with minimal background noise, keeping your face visible. Test your microphone and headset (if you’re using one) in advance, and dress in a professional but comfortable manner. Candidates should focus on expressing their authentic motivations and values, rather than reciting memorised answers.
What does the Psychometric Assessment involve?
This online test lasts between 60 and 90 minutes and it must be completed in a single sitting, so you should find a quiet, comfortable place with a stable internet connection. The assessment is a mix of situational, behavioural, and personality questions. There are no right or wrong answers; you should respond honestly and instinctively.
Who will have access to my application details and assessments?
All responses will be automatically encrypted and stored securely under candidates’ unique application IDs. The platform will generate a transcript of applicants’ answers for review purposes, but only authorized Foundation reviewers will have access to the video. Applicant data will not be shared publicly.
Will I get feedback about my application if I am not successful?
Candidates will receive an email notification after each stage of the application process. For those who reach the interview stage but have not been selected, we will endeavour to provide more detailed feedback on why they were not successful.
Can I reapply if I am not selected?
Yes. If you are not selected, you may be able to reapply in a future year, provided you still meet the eligibility criteria at that time. We encourage candidates who choose to reapply to reflect on how their academic profile, experience, or contribution has developed since their previous application.
Can I apply if I am already studying in a Master’s program?
No. You can only apply before you start the academic program.
Can I apply to multiple programs?
Yes, you may apply for scholarships for multiple programs from the designated list of Master’s programs, if you provide proof of application for each. You are also welcome to apply to programs in both Batch 1 and Batch 2.
Can I be in receipt of other scholarships or funding at the same time?
The Ruwwad Zayed Program is intended to provide comprehensive support, so in most cases Scholars will not hold overlapping full scholarships.
Is there any expectation about what I do after I graduate?
There is no single path that all Scholars must follow, but the program is designed for those who intend to contribute meaningfully to the UAE and the wider region over the course of their careers. We expect Scholars to carry the values of the Foundation into whatever they choose to do next and to remain engaged with the wider community of Ruwwad Zayed.
Who should I contact if I require technical assistance?
If you experience technical difficulties during the admissions process, you will find information about how to access relevant support within the application system.