Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has officially opened the application window for the third cohort of the Hamdan bin Mohammed Scholarship Programme. Announced on March 24, 2026, the initiative invites high-achieving Emirati students to apply for 100 fully funded scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year. Designed to cultivate the next generation of national leaders, the program provides access to the world’s most prestigious universities, aligning with Dubai’s long-term economic and social development goals.
Investing in the Leaders of Tomorrow
Launched in 2024 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the program is a cornerstone of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and the Dubai Social Agenda 33. With a substantial budget of AED 1.1 billion, the scholarship aims to bridge the gap between academic brilliance and professional leadership.
The initiative does more than just cover tuition; it targets strategic fields essential to the UAE’s future. Current scholars are enrolled in diverse disciplines, including:
- Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science
- Digital Technologies and Innovation
- Medicine and Social Sciences
- Business, Finance, and Law
By focusing on these sectors, the program ensures that the emirate’s human capital is equipped to navigate and lead in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Proven Success and Global Excellence
The program’s impact is already visible. In its first two years, it has attracted Dubai’s brightest minds, with approximately 70% of current recipients attending universities ranked among the top 100 globally.
Dr. Amna Almaazmi, CEO of Growth and Human Development at KHDA, emphasized that the program is a reflection of the leadership’s commitment to sustainable progress. “We look forward to supporting more outstanding Emirati students as they take their next step toward becoming influential national leaders,” Dr. Almaazmi stated, adding that family support remains a vital component of a student’s academic success.
Eligibility and How to Apply
The scholarship is open to Emirati students who hold a Dubai-issued family book and have completed high school within the last three academic years (2023-24 through 2025-26).
Key Requirements for Applicants:
- Must not hold any other active scholarship offers.
- Must have a conditional or unconditional offer from a qualifying international university and program.
- Must commit to full-time study in the host country.
Eligible students can submit their applications through the ‘Emirati’ section of the DubaiNow app. The deadline for the third cohort is June 30, 2026.
As Dubai continues to position itself as a global hub for innovation, the Hamdan bin Mohammed Scholarship Programme serves as a vital pipeline, ensuring that the city’s future is steered by home-grown talent with world-class perspectives. For more details on university criteria and benefits, students and parents are encouraged to visit the official KHDA website.