Quick Answer: Ravensbourne University London offers several scholarship opportunities for UAE students in 2026, including the International Merit Scholarship (up to £3,000), Vice Chancellor's Excellence Award (£5,000), and creative industry-specific grants. UAE students can also access the Friends of Ravensbourne scholarship fund and government-sponsored UAE scholarship programs.

Introduction

For UAE students seeking to pursue creative and digital media education in London, Ravensbourne University London represents an exceptional opportunity to study at one of the UK's most innovative institutions. Located in the heart of Greenwich Peninsula and ranked among the top 10 UK universities for graduate employment in creative industries, Ravensbourne offers specialized programs in design, media, and technology that align perfectly with the UAE's Vision 2071 for a knowledge-based economy.

This comprehensive guide explores all available scholarship opportunities for UAE students at Ravensbourne University London in 2026, including application processes, eligibility criteria, and strategic tips to maximize your chances of securing funding.

Ravensbourne University London: A Premier Creative Institution

University Overview

Ravensbourne University London stands as a beacon of creative and digital innovation, consistently ranking in the top 15 UK universities for student satisfaction in creative subjects. With over 2,400 students from 80+ countries, the university offers a truly international learning environment that UAE students find welcoming and culturally diverse.

The university's industry connections are particularly strong, with partnerships including the BBC, ITV, and major gaming studios. This translates into exceptional career prospects for graduates, with 96% of Ravensbourne graduates employed or in further study within 15 months of graduation.

Academic Programs Relevant to UAE Students

Ravensbourne's programs align exceptionally well with the UAE's growing creative economy:

• Digital Film and Television Production - Supporting UAE's expanding media sector
• Game Design and Development - Contributing to the Emirates' gaming industry growth
• Fashion Design and Marketing - Complementing Dubai's position as a fashion hub
• Digital Marketing and Communications - Essential for UAE's digital transformation
• Architecture and Environmental Design - Supporting sustainable development goals

University-Specific Scholarships for UAE Students

1. International Merit Scholarship

Award Value: Up to £3,000 per year Eligibility: UAE students with strong academic records (equivalent to UK 2:1 or above) Application: Automatic consideration upon admission application

This scholarship recognizes academic excellence and is particularly accessible to UAE students who have completed their studies at institutions like the American University of Sharjah, UAE University, or equivalent international curricula schools.

2. Vice Chancellor's Excellence Award

Award Value: £5,000 (one-time award) Eligibility: Outstanding UAE applicants demonstrating exceptional potential Application: Requires separate application with portfolio and personal statement Deadline: March 31, 2026

UAE students from creative backgrounds, particularly those who have participated in initiatives like Dubai Design Week or Abu Dhabi Art, are encouraged to apply for this prestigious award.

3. Creative Industries Scholarship

Award Value: £2,500 per year Eligibility: UAE students enrolling in design, media, or technology programs Special Focus: Students from underrepresented backgrounds in creative industries

This scholarship particularly benefits UAE female students entering traditionally male-dominated fields like game development or digital technology, aligning with the UAE's gender balance initiatives.

4. Friends of Ravensbourne Scholarship Fund

Award Value: Variable (£1,000-£4,000) Eligibility: UAE students demonstrating financial need and academic merit Application: Requires detailed financial statement and academic transcripts

UAE students should note that this fund considers the unique economic circumstances of international students, including currency exchange impacts and family financial situations.

UAE Government and External Scholarship Opportunities

UAE Government Scholarships

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Scholarships

• Full tuition coverage plus living allowances
• Available for UAE nationals studying creative and innovation fields
• Application deadline: February 15, 2026

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart Learning Scholarship

• Focuses on digital and technology programs
• Covers up to 80% of tuition fees
• Priority given to students in AI, digital media, and technology fields

Private Sector Scholarships

Emirates Group Education Support

• Available to children of Emirates employees
• Covers partial tuition and travel costs
• Application through Emirates HR department

Dubai Chamber of Commerce Educational Grants

• For students pursuing business-related creative programs
• Awards range from £2,000-£6,000 annually
• Focus on entrepreneurship and business innovation

Application Strategy for UAE Students

Academic Requirements

UAE students should ensure their qualifications meet UK equivalency standards:

• UAE Secondary Certificate (Tawjihiyya): Minimum 85% overall
• International Baccalaureate: Minimum 32 points
• A-Levels: Minimum ABB grades
• American High School Diploma: Minimum 3.5 GPA

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: Overall 6.0 (no band below 5.5)
• TOEFL iBT: Overall 80
• Pearson PTE Academic: Overall 59

Many UAE students find success with intensive English preparation courses offered by institutions like the British Council in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Application Timeline for 2026 Entry

September 2026 Entry:

• Applications open: October 2025
• Scholarship deadline: March 31, 2026
• Final application deadline: August 15, 2026
• Visa application period: May-August 2026

January 2027 Entry:

• Applications open: March 2026
• Scholarship deadline: October 31, 2026
• Final application deadline: December 15, 2026

Financial Planning for UAE Students

Total Cost Breakdown (2026-2027)

• Undergraduate Tuition: £17,500 per year
• Postgraduate Tuition: £19,500 per year
• Accommodation (on-campus): £8,000-£12,000 per year
• Living Expenses: £12,000-£15,000 per year
• Total Annual Cost: £37,500-£46,500

Scholarship Impact on Costs

With successful scholarship applications, UAE students can reduce their annual costs by:

• Maximum possible reduction: £8,000 (combining multiple awards)
• Average scholarship recipient saves: £3,500 per year
• Total savings over 3-year degree: £10,500-£24,000

Tips for Successful Scholarship Applications

1. Demonstrate Cultural Bridge-Building

UAE students should emphasize how their education at Ravensbourne will contribute to cultural exchange between the Emirates and the UK, particularly in creative industries.

2. Highlight UAE's Creative Economy Growth

Reference specific UAE initiatives like:

• Dubai's Creative Economy Strategy 2025
• Abu Dhabi's Cultural District development
• Sharjah's UNESCO Creative City status

3. Showcase Relevant Experience

Include participation in:

• Dubai International Film Festival
• Abu Dhabi Art Fair
• Sharjah Biennial
• Regional design competitions
• UAE startup ecosystem involvement

4. Connect Studies to UAE Vision 2071

Demonstrate how your chosen program at Ravensbourne supports the UAE's long-term vision for becoming a global knowledge hub.

Living in London as a UAE Student

Cultural Adaptation

Ravensbourne's location in Greenwich offers UAE students a perfect blend of international atmosphere and British culture. The diverse student body includes significant populations from the GCC region, making cultural adaptation smoother.

Professional Networking

London's position as a global creative hub provides UAE students with unparalleled networking opportunities. The city hosts over 200 creative industry events annually, with many specifically designed for international students.

Career Prospects

UAE students benefit from the UK's Graduate Route visa, allowing 2-3 years of post-study work. Many graduates find positions with companies that have UAE operations, facilitating eventual return home with valuable international experience.

Conclusion

Ravensbourne University London presents UAE students with exceptional opportunities to pursue world-class creative education while accessing substantial scholarship support. With careful planning and strategic application approaches, UAE students can significantly reduce their study costs while positioning themselves at the forefront of the global creative economy. To explore more scholarship opportunities and find your perfect university match, start your application journey today and take the first step toward your UK education goals.

Key Statistics

📊 96% of Ravensbourne graduates employed or in further study within 15 months of graduation

💰 UAE students can save up to £8,000 annually through combined scholarship opportunities

🎓 Over 2,400 students from 80+ countries create a diverse international learning environment

📈 Ravensbourne ranks in the top 15 UK universities for student satisfaction in creative subjects

🌍 London hosts over 200 creative industry networking events annually for students

💼 UAE's creative economy is projected to contribute 5% to GDP by 2025, creating demand for Ravensbourne graduates

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

UAE students can apply through multiple pathways: the International Merit Scholarship is automatically considered upon admission application, while others like the Vice Chancellor's Excellence Award require separate applications by March 31, 2026. Submit your scholarship applications simultaneously with your university application for maximum consideration. Ensure you meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.0 overall) and have equivalent qualifications (UAE Secondary Certificate with 85% minimum).

What is the maximum scholarship amount available for UAE students at Ravensbourne?

UAE students can potentially receive up to £8,000 in combined scholarship support annually. This includes the Vice Chancellor's Excellence Award (£5,000 one-time), International Merit Scholarship (£3,000/year), and Creative Industries Scholarship (£2,500/year). However, most awards cannot be combined, with the typical maximum being around £5,000 per year. UAE government scholarships like the Mohammed bin Rashid Foundation can provide full tuition coverage plus living allowances.

How much does it cost for UAE students to study at Ravensbourne University London in 2026?

The total annual cost for UAE students at Ravensbourne in 2026-2027 ranges from £37,500-£46,500. This breaks down to: undergraduate tuition (£17,500), postgraduate tuition (£19,500), accommodation (£8,000-£12,000), and living expenses (£12,000-£15,000). With scholarships, students can reduce these costs by £3,500-£8,000 annually, making the net cost approximately £29,500-£43,000 per year.

What are the English language requirements for UAE students applying to Ravensbourne?

UAE students must demonstrate English proficiency through IELTS Academic (overall 6.0, no band below 5.5), TOEFL iBT (overall 80), or Pearson PTE Academic (overall 59). Many UAE students successfully prepare through British Council courses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Students from English-medium schools in the UAE may be exempt from these requirements with proper documentation of their educational background.

Can UAE students work while studying at Ravensbourne University London?

Yes, UAE students on Tier 4/Student visas can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Ravensbourne's location in London provides excellent part-time job opportunities in creative industries, retail, and hospitality. After graduation, UAE students can apply for the Graduate Route visa, allowing 2-3 years of post-study work in the UK, which is particularly valuable for building international experience before returning to the UAE's growing creative sector.

Are there specific UAE government scholarships for studying at UK universities like Ravensbourne?

Yes, several UAE government scholarships support study at UK institutions. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation offers full scholarships for creative and innovation fields, while the Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart Learning Scholarship covers up to 80% of tuition for technology-focused programs. These scholarships are highly competitive and require UAE nationality. Application deadlines are typically in February-March for September intake, with priority given to fields supporting UAE Vision 2071.

Key Takeaways

✅ Multiple scholarship opportunities exist for UAE students, with potential savings up to £8,000 annually

✅ Ravensbourne offers automatic scholarship consideration for academically excellent UAE students

✅ UAE government scholarships can provide full funding for qualifying nationals in creative fields

✅ Strategic application timing is crucial - scholarship deadlines are typically March 31, 2026

✅ London's creative industry connections provide excellent networking and career opportunities for UAE graduates

✅ The Graduate Route visa allows 2-3 years of UK work experience post-graduation

---

📚 Recommended Reading

1. UK Graduate Visa for UAE Students 2026: Complete Work After Study G...
   Everything you need to know about UK student visas

2. University of Portsmouth Scholarships for UAE Students in 2026: Com...
   Funding opportunities at Portsmouth University

3. Best Engineering Courses in UK for UAE Students 2026: Complete Guide
   Top-ranked programs and universities to consider

4. University of Essex Scholarships for UAE Students 2026: Complete Gu...
   Top scholarships available for Uae students

5. Data Science Career Opportunities in UK for Emirati Graduates 2026
   Job prospects and career opportunities after graduation