Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai has announced a scholarship initiative worth AED 25 million. The fund is aimed at expanding access to higher education that carries recognition at the level of institutions abroad, and at supporting students who choose to study within the UAE.
The AED25 million fund spans several merit-based scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. These include the Mahila Sarvashiksha Abhiyan, which is dedicated to female students, and the Al Da’em Scholarship, which provides financial support to students in specific categories.
The structure has been designed to cover a range of student needs, from those with records of high academic performance to those who require financial assistance.
Manipal Dubai commits AED 25 million to scholarships as UAE grows as education hub
The initiative covers more than 50 programmes across undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, and professional qualifications. These programmes are aligned with sectors that are considered to be of importance to the UAE’s economic diversification and workforce priorities.
“Ensuring access to quality higher education is essential as the UAE continues to grow as a global education hub. This scholarship initiative reflects our commitment to supporting students in achieving their academic goals while contributing to the country’s long-term talent and knowledge economy ambitions,” Dr. S. Sudhindra, Pro Vice Chancellor at MAHE Dubai said in a statement.
The announcement comes at a time when more students are considering study destinations within the region rather than markets that have been traditional choices for outbound study.
This shift is supported by the UAE’s education policies, partnerships between the country and universities at the level of those abroad, and a growing emphasis on research, innovation, and employability. In this landscape, institutions are playing a role in bridging the gap between the aspirations of students and their access to education.
The initiative has been introduced during MAHE Dubai’s 25th year of operation in the UAE. The institution said the fund underscores its focus on accessibility, capability building, and talent development as pillars of its contribution to the higher education sector.
By broadening financial access, MAHE Dubai said it aims to enable more students to pursue education within the UAE and contribute to the economy of the region.
Eligibility will vary by scholarship category. Full details are available through the MAHE Dubai admissions portal. Applications are now open.




