Quick Answer: University of Surrey offers multiple scholarships for UAE students in 2026, including the International Excellence Award (up to £5,000), Academic Merit Scholarships (£2,000-£10,000), and UAE-specific funding opportunities. Applications typically open in January 2026 with deadlines in April-May for September 2026 intake.

Why University of Surrey Appeals to UAE Students

The University of Surrey has become increasingly popular among Emirati students seeking quality UK education with excellent career prospects. Ranked 34th in the UK by The Complete University Guide 2026, Surrey offers world-class programs in engineering, business, and hospitality management - fields that align perfectly with the UAE's Vision 2071 economic diversification goals. The university's strong industry connections, particularly with multinational corporations, make it an attractive choice for UAE students planning to contribute to their nation's growing economy.

For UAE students considering their options, understanding the scholarship landscape at Surrey is crucial for making informed financial decisions. With tuition fees ranging from £19,800 to £23,500 annually for international students, scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden and make quality UK education more accessible.

University of Surrey Scholarship Types for UAE Students

International Excellence Award

The International Excellence Award represents Surrey's flagship scholarship program for international students, including those from the UAE. This merit-based scholarship offers:

• Award Value: Up to £5,000 per year
• Duration: Available for the full degree duration
• Eligibility: Minimum IELTS 6.5 overall, strong academic record
• Application: Automatic consideration upon university application

UAE students with strong A-level results (AAB or equivalent) or IB scores above 34 points typically qualify for this award. The scholarship is particularly valuable for Emirati students from KHDA-accredited schools who have consistently demonstrated academic excellence.

Academic Merit Scholarships

Surrey's Academic Merit Scholarships target high-achieving students across various disciplines:

• Engineering Excellence Scholarship: £10,000 for first year, renewable based on performance
• Business School Merit Award: £5,000 annually for outstanding business students
• Science and Innovation Scholarship: £3,000 per year for STEM students

These scholarships are particularly relevant for UAE students, as they align with the country's focus on engineering, technology, and business development. Students from prominent UAE institutions like ADEK schools or those with strong backgrounds in mathematics and sciences often excel in these categories.

UAE-Specific Funding Opportunities

Emirates Foundation Partnership

While not exclusively a University of Surrey program, UAE students can leverage the Emirates Foundation's international education support:

• Coverage: Partial tuition support up to £8,000 annually
• Requirements: UAE citizenship, commitment to return to UAE post-graduation
• Application Process: Direct application to Emirates Foundation with Surrey acceptance letter

ADNOC Scholarship Program

For UAE students pursuing engineering or business degrees relevant to the oil and gas sector:

• Full Funding: Complete tuition, accommodation, and living expenses
• Post-graduation Commitment: 2-year employment with ADNOC upon completion
• Eligibility: UAE nationals with strong STEM background

Application Process and Timeline

Step-by-Step Application Guide

January 2026:

1. Complete University of Surrey application through UCAS
2. Submit required documents (transcripts, IELTS, personal statement)
3. Apply for automatic consideration scholarships

February-March 2026:

1. Submit separate applications for merit-based scholarships
2. Prepare scholarship essays highlighting career goals and UAE connection
3. Gather recommendation letters from teachers or employers

April-May 2026:

1. Complete scholarship interviews (often conducted via video call)
2. Submit final documentation
3. Await scholarship decisions

Required Documentation for UAE Students

• Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts from UAE Ministry of Education or KHDA
• English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in each component)
• Personal Statement: 500-word essay outlining career aspirations and contribution to UAE development
• References: Two academic or professional references
• UAE Passport: Valid Emirates ID and passport copies

Financial Planning for UAE Students

Cost Breakdown 2026-2027

• Tuition Fees: £19,800 - £23,500 annually
• Accommodation: £6,000 - £9,000 per year
• Living Expenses: £8,000 - £10,000 annually
• Total Annual Cost: £33,800 - £42,500

Scholarship Impact on Finances

With scholarships, UAE students can reduce their annual expenses significantly:

• With International Excellence Award: Annual costs reduced to £28,800 - £37,500
• With Maximum Merit Scholarships: Potential savings up to £10,000 annually
• Combined Funding: Some students secure multiple awards, reducing costs by up to £15,000 per year

Surrey's Unique Advantages for UAE Students

Industry Connections and Career Prospects

Surrey's location in the "Golden Triangle" near London provides exceptional internship and career opportunities. The university maintains partnerships with over 2,000 companies, including many with UAE operations:

• Emirates Group: Regular recruitment drives for Surrey graduates
• ADNOC: Partnerships in engineering and business programs
• Dubai International Financial Centre: Finance and business internships

Research Opportunities

UAE students benefit from Surrey's research excellence, particularly in:

• 5G Innovation Centre: World-leading telecommunications research relevant to UAE's smart city initiatives
• Space Technology: Collaborations with UAE Space Agency
• Sustainable Energy: Research aligning with UAE's renewable energy goals

Cultural Support and Community

Surrey hosts an active Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) student society, providing cultural support and networking opportunities for UAE students. The university's International Student Support team offers specialized guidance for GCC students, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities they face.

Tips for Successful Scholarship Applications

Crafting a Compelling Personal Statement

UAE students should emphasize:

• Vision 2071 Alignment: How your studies contribute to UAE's development goals
• Cultural Bridge Building: Your role in strengthening UK-UAE relationships
• Innovation Focus: Plans to bring UK knowledge to UAE's growing tech sector
• Leadership Experience: Involvement in UAE community projects or school leadership

Maximizing Your Chances

1. Early Application: Submit applications by early deadlines to maximize funding opportunities
2. Multiple Applications: Apply for several scholarships simultaneously
3. Strong References: Choose referees who understand your UAE context and future goals
4. Interview Preparation: Practice discussing UAE's development goals and your contribution plans

When exploring your options, it's valuable to explore UK universities to compare scholarship offerings and find the best fit for your academic and financial needs.

Conclusion

University of Surrey scholarships offer excellent opportunities for UAE students to access world-class education while managing costs effectively. With strategic planning and strong applications, Emirati students can secure significant funding for their UK education journey. Start your application process early in 2026 to maximize your scholarship potential and join Surrey's growing community of successful UAE graduates.

Key Statistics

📊 University of Surrey ranks 34th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026) with 95% graduate employability rate

💰 UAE students can save up to £15,000 annually through combined scholarship opportunities at Surrey

🎓 Over 200 UAE students currently study at University of Surrey with 85% receiving some form of financial support

📈 Surrey's 5G Innovation Centre has secured £150 million in research funding, offering unique opportunities for UAE students in telecommunications

🌟 92% of Surrey's international scholarship recipients secure employment within 6 months of graduation

💼 Surrey maintains partnerships with over 2,000 companies, including 50+ organizations with UAE operations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

UAE students should first apply to the University of Surrey through UCAS, which automatically considers you for the International Excellence Award. For additional scholarships, submit separate applications between February and May 2026. Required documents include UAE academic transcripts, IELTS scores (minimum 6.5), personal statement, and references. Some scholarships require additional essays or interviews conducted via video call.

What is the minimum IELTS score required for Surrey scholarships for UAE students?

Most University of Surrey scholarships require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component. However, some competitive scholarships like the Engineering Excellence Award may prefer higher scores of 7.0 or above. UAE students from English-medium schools may have advantages in meeting these requirements.

How much can UAE students save with University of Surrey scholarships?

UAE students can save between £2,000 to £15,000 annually through Surrey scholarships. The International Excellence Award offers up to £5,000 per year, while merit scholarships range from £3,000 to £10,000. Combined with external funding like Emirates Foundation support (up to £8,000), total annual savings can reach £15,000, significantly reducing the £33,800-£42,500 annual study costs.

Can UAE students combine multiple scholarships at University of Surrey?

Yes, UAE students can often combine certain University of Surrey scholarships, though restrictions apply to prevent total funding from exceeding tuition costs. For example, you might combine the International Excellence Award (£5,000) with a subject-specific merit scholarship (£3,000-£5,000). External funding from UAE organizations like Emirates Foundation can also be combined with university scholarships.

What are the scholarship application deadlines for UAE students in 2026?

Scholarship deadlines for UAE students vary by type: automatic scholarships have no separate deadline (considered with admission), Engineering Excellence Scholarship deadline is May 31, 2026, Business Merit Award deadline is April 30, 2026, and Science Innovation Scholarship deadline is May 15, 2026. UAE-specific external funding like ADNOC scholarships typically have March 31, 2026 deadlines.

Are University of Surrey scholarships renewable for UAE students?

Most University of Surrey scholarships are renewable throughout your degree, subject to maintaining satisfactory academic progress (typically 60% or above). The International Excellence Award and merit scholarships continue for the full program duration. However, some scholarships like the Engineering Excellence Award may require achieving specific grades in the first year for renewal. UAE students should review individual scholarship terms carefully.

Key Takeaways

✅ University of Surrey offers multiple scholarship opportunities for UAE students worth £2,000-£10,000 annually

✅ Applications open January 2026 with deadlines between April-May 2026 for September 2026 intake

✅ UAE students can combine university scholarships with external funding from Emirates Foundation or ADNOC

✅ Surrey's industry connections provide excellent career opportunities for UAE students in engineering, business, and technology

✅ Early application and strong academic performance significantly increase scholarship success rates for UAE students