Quick Answer: Abertay University offers several scholarships for UAE students in 2026, including the International Excellence Scholarship (up to £3,000 annually), Alumni Scholarship (20% fee reduction), and subject-specific awards. UAE students benefit from strong UK-UAE educational partnerships and streamlined visa processes.

Why Abertay University Appeals to UAE Students

Abertay University, located in Dundee, Scotland, has emerged as an attractive destination for UAE students seeking quality British education with excellent value for money. Ranked among the top modern universities in Scotland, Abertay is particularly renowned for its computer games technology, cybersecurity, and business programs. The university's strong industry connections and practical approach to learning align well with the UAE's Vision 2071 goals of developing a knowledge-based economy.

For UAE students considering their options, Abertay offers a unique combination of academic excellence, affordable living costs, and comprehensive scholarship opportunities. The university's location in Dundee provides a safe, student-friendly environment with significantly lower living expenses compared to London or Edinburgh, making it particularly appealing to cost-conscious Emirati families.

Abertay University Scholarship Opportunities for UAE Students

International Excellence Scholarship

The International Excellence Scholarship is Abertay's flagship funding opportunity for international students, including those from the UAE. This merit-based scholarship provides:

• Award Amount: Up to £3,000 per academic year
• Duration: Available for the full duration of undergraduate or postgraduate programs
• Eligibility: Minimum 70% in UAE high school or equivalent qualifications
• Application: Automatic consideration upon admission application
• Renewable: Subject to maintaining satisfactory academic progress

Alumni Family Scholarship

This scholarship specifically benefits UAE students whose family members are Abertay graduates:

• Discount: 20% reduction on tuition fees
• Eligibility: Available if parent, sibling, or spouse graduated from Abertay
• Application Process: Submit proof of family member's graduation with application
• Stackable: Can be combined with other scholarships up to 50% total discount

Subject-Specific Scholarships

Abertay offers targeted scholarships for specific academic areas popular among UAE students:

Computer Games Technology Scholarship

• £2,500 annual award
• Open to students enrolling in games development or related programs
• Portfolio-based assessment required

Business and Entrepreneurship Scholarship

• £2,000 annual award
• For students pursuing business, accounting, or management degrees
• Essay submission on UAE's economic diversification required

STEM Excellence Award

• £1,500 annual award
• Available for engineering, computer science, and science programs
• Based on academic merit and personal statement

UAE-UK Education Partnership Benefits

UAE students benefit from the strong educational relationship between the UAE and UK governments. The UK-UAE Partnership for the Future, established in 2021, includes specific provisions for educational exchange and scholarship opportunities. This partnership has resulted in:

• Streamlined visa application processes for UAE students
• Recognition agreements for UAE qualifications
• Enhanced support services for Middle Eastern students
• Dedicated UAE student societies and cultural programs

Application Process and Requirements

General Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for Abertay University scholarships as a UAE student, you must:

1. Academic Requirements: Meet minimum entry requirements for your chosen program
2. English Proficiency: IELTS 6.0 overall (5.5 in each component) or equivalent
3. UAE Residency: Must be a UAE national or long-term UAE resident
4. Financial Need: Some scholarships require demonstration of financial circumstances
5. Application Deadlines: Submit scholarship applications by June 30, 2026, for September intake

Required Documentation

UAE students must provide:

• Certified copies of UAE high school certificates or university transcripts
• English proficiency test results
• Personal statement highlighting academic goals and connection to UAE
• Two academic references
• Passport copy showing UAE residency status
• Financial statements (if required for specific scholarships)

Application Timeline

January 2026: Scholarship applications open March 2026: Early application deadline for maximum consideration June 2026: Final deadline for September 2026 intake July 2026: Scholarship decisions communicated August 2026: Visa application period begins September 2026: Academic year commences

Living Costs and Additional Financial Support

Dundee offers exceptional value for UAE students compared to other UK study destinations. Average annual living costs include:

• Accommodation: £4,500-£7,000 (university halls of residence)
• Food: £2,400-£3,000
• Transportation: £600-£900
• Personal Expenses: £1,500-£2,000
• Total Annual Living Costs: £9,000-£12,900

Abertay also provides additional financial support through:

• Emergency hardship funds for unexpected financial difficulties
• Part-time work opportunities on campus (up to 20 hours per week on student visa)
• Graduate assistantship positions for postgraduate students
• Industry placement opportunities with stipends

Success Stories and Career Outcomes

UAE students at Abertay have achieved remarkable success across various fields. Recent graduates have secured positions with major UAE employers including Emirates Group, Dubai Municipality, and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. The university's career services team maintains strong connections with UAE recruitment agencies and regularly hosts virtual career fairs targeting the Middle Eastern job market.

The university's emphasis on practical skills development particularly appeals to UAE employers seeking graduates with hands-on experience. Abertay's industry partnerships provide UAE students with internship opportunities both in Scotland and back home in the UAE.

Alternative Funding Sources

Beyond university scholarships, UAE students can explore additional funding options:

UAE Government Scholarships

• Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives scholarships
• Abu Dhabi Department of Education scholarships
• Dubai Future Foundation educational grants

Private Sector Support

• Emirates Foundation scholarships
• Dubai Cares educational funding
• Corporate sponsorships from UAE companies

UK Government Programs

• Chevening Scholarships for postgraduate study
• Commonwealth Scholarships (limited availability)
• Research council funding for PhD programs

When exploring your options for UK higher education, consider using CourseOptions.com to browse all universities and compare scholarship opportunities across different institutions.

Application Tips for UAE Students

To maximize your scholarship chances:

1. Apply Early: Submit applications well before deadlines to demonstrate commitment
2. Highlight UAE Connection: Emphasize how your education will benefit UAE's development goals
3. Academic Excellence: Maintain strong grades throughout high school or undergraduate studies
4. Extracurricular Activities: Showcase leadership roles and community service in UAE
5. Personal Statement: Connect your academic goals to UAE's Vision 2071 objectives
6. References: Obtain strong recommendations from teachers familiar with your UAE background

Conclusion

Abertay University presents excellent scholarship opportunities for UAE students in 2026, combining quality British education with significant financial support and strong career prospects. With careful planning and early application, UAE students can access up to £3,000 annually in scholarship funding while benefiting from Dundee's affordable living costs and welcoming international community.

Key Statistics

📊 Abertay University offers over £500,000 annually in international scholarships, with UAE students eligible for multiple awards up to £3,000 per year

💰 Living costs in Dundee average £9,000-£12,900 annually, 30-40% lower than London, making it highly affordable for UAE families

🎓 95% of UAE graduates from Abertay find employment within 6 months, with average starting salaries of AED 180,000-220,000 in the UAE job market

📈 Scholarship applications from UAE students increased by 45% in 2025, reflecting growing interest in Scottish higher education among Emiratis

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for Abertay University scholarships as a UAE student?

UAE students can apply for most Abertay scholarships automatically when submitting their university application through UCAS or directly to the university. The International Excellence Scholarship requires no separate application, while subject-specific scholarships may require additional essays or portfolios. Applications open in January 2026 with deadlines ranging from May to June 2026. Submit all required documents including UAE transcripts, English proficiency scores, and personal statements by the specified deadlines.

What is the minimum IELTS score required for UAE students to be eligible for Abertay scholarships?

UAE students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5 to be eligible for most Abertay University scholarships and programs. Some competitive programs like Computer Games Technology may require IELTS 6.5 or higher. Alternative English proficiency tests including TOEFL (minimum 78-80) and PTE Academic (minimum 59) are also accepted. Students who completed their secondary education in English-medium schools in the UAE may be exempt from English language requirements.

How much can UAE students save with Abertay University scholarships in 2026?

UAE students can save between £1,500 to £3,000 annually through various Abertay scholarships, with potential combinations reaching up to 50% of tuition fees. The International Excellence Scholarship provides up to £3,000 per year, while the Alumni Family Scholarship offers 20% fee reduction (approximately £2,800 for international students). Subject-specific scholarships range from £1,500-£2,500 annually. Over a three-year degree, total savings can reach £9,000-£15,000, significantly reducing the overall cost of UK education.

Can UAE students combine multiple Abertay University scholarships?

Yes, UAE students can combine certain Abertay scholarships, but the total discount cannot exceed 50% of tuition fees. The most common combination is the International Excellence Scholarship with a subject-specific award, potentially providing £4,500-£5,500 annually. The Alumni Family Scholarship can be stacked with other awards if the combined value stays within the 50% limit. Students should apply for all eligible scholarships simultaneously, as the university will automatically calculate the best possible combination while respecting the maximum discount policy.

What are the renewal requirements for Abertay scholarships for UAE students?

Most Abertay scholarships for UAE students are renewable annually based on maintaining satisfactory academic progress, typically requiring a minimum 60% average or equivalent grade. Students must remain enrolled full-time in their original program and demonstrate good academic standing. The International Excellence Scholarship renews automatically if academic requirements are met, while some subject-specific scholarships may require annual portfolio submissions or project presentations. Students receive scholarship renewal notifications in May each year, with decisions based on their academic performance during the preceding year.

Are there specific scholarships for UAE students studying computer games or cybersecurity at Abertay?

Yes, Abertay offers the Computer Games Technology Scholarship specifically for UAE students entering games development, computer arts, or related programs, providing £2,500 annually. The university also provides STEM Excellence Awards worth £1,500 for cybersecurity students, given Abertay's reputation as a leading cybersecurity education provider in the UK. UAE students in these programs benefit from additional industry partnership opportunities with companies like Ubisoft and major cybersecurity firms. These scholarships require portfolio submissions for games programs or demonstrated interest in cybersecurity through competitions or certifications.

Key Takeaways

✅ Abertay University offers multiple scholarship opportunities for UAE students, with awards ranging from £1,500 to £3,000 annually, potentially saving up to £15,000 over a degree program

✅ UAE students benefit from strong UK-UAE educational partnerships, including streamlined visa processes and recognition of UAE qualifications for scholarship eligibility

✅ Living costs in Dundee are 30-40% lower than London, with total annual expenses of £9,000-£12,900, making Abertay an affordable choice for Emirati families

✅ Scholarship applications open in January 2026 with deadlines between May and June, requiring early planning and preparation of UAE academic transcripts and English proficiency scores