United Arab Emirates · Khalifa University
Khalifa University Graduate Scholarships
IELTS Requirement & Application Guide
- IELTS
- 6.5
- Components
- L 6 / R 6 / W 6 / S 6
- Level
- PG, PhD
- Deadline
- January–April
Last verified: 2026-03
About Khalifa University Graduate Scholarships
Khalifa University in the United Arab Emirates offers full graduate scholarships to qualified international students in engineering, science, medicine, and related fields. The scholarship includes a full tuition waiver, monthly stipend, housing allowance, health insurance, and annual airfare. Khalifa University is one of the highest-ranked institutions in the Middle East.
IELTS Required
| Overall | L | R | W | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Accepts: Academic ✓ / General ✗
Also accepted: TOEFL iBT 91, EmSAT 1550
Tips for Meeting the Requirement
- 1Khalifa University requires IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component. The per-band minimum of 6.0 is strict, so ensure you practice all four skills evenly rather than relying on strengths to compensate.
- 2EmSAT Achieve (1550+) is accepted as an alternative — if you are already in the UAE, this may be a convenient option. Otherwise, IELTS Academic is the most widely used proof of proficiency.
- 3Apply between January and April. Khalifa University programmes are STEM-focused, so supplement your IELTS preparation with academic vocabulary in science and engineering contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What IELTS score do I need for Khalifa University Graduate Scholarships?
Khalifa University requires IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component. TOEFL iBT 91 and EmSAT Achieve 1550 are accepted alternatives.
Does Khalifa University accept TOEFL instead of IELTS?
Yes, Khalifa University accepts TOEFL iBT with a minimum score of 91. EmSAT Achieve with a score of 1550 or above is also accepted, which is particularly convenient for UAE-based applicants.
Can I apply for Khalifa University without IELTS?
You must provide either IELTS, TOEFL, or EmSAT Achieve scores. There is no exemption for prior English-medium education — all applicants must submit a recognised English proficiency test result.
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