Highlights
Tuition fee
Free
Free
Unknown
Tuition fee
Free
Free
Unknown
Duration
48 months
Duration
48 months
Apply date
Unknown
Apply date
Unknown
Start date
Unknown
Start date
Unknown
Campus location
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Campus location
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

About

This Machine Learning program at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence tackles the scientific study of algorithms and statistical models that computer systems use to effectively perform a specific task without using explicit instructions, relying on patterns and inference instead. MBZUAI ranked 27th in Machine Learning in csrankings.org globally.

Visit programme website for more information

Overview

The algorithms used in Machine Learning are based on mathematical models learned automatically from data, thus allowing machines to intelligently interpret and analyze input data to derive useful knowledge and arrive at important conclusions. Machine learning is heavily used for enterprise applications (e.g., business intelligence and analytics), effective web search, robotics, smart cities and understanding of the human genome.

Program Competence

Upon completion of the Machine Learning program at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence requirements, the graduate will be able to:

  • Obtain rigorous mathematical background and advanced reasoning capabilities to express comprehensive and deep understanding of the pipelines at the frontier of machine learning: data, models, algorithmic principles and empirics.
  • Master a range of skills and techniques in data-preprocessing, exploration, and visualization of data-statistics as well as complex algorithmic outcomes.
  • Have a critical awareness of the capabilities and limitations of the different forms of learning algorithms and the ability to critically analyze, evaluate, and improve the performance of the learning algorithms.
  • Grow expert problem-solving skills through independently applying the principles and methods learned in the program to various complex real-world problems.
  • Develop a deep understanding of statistical properties and performance guarantees, including convergence rates (in theory and practice) for different learning algorithms.
  • Become an expert in using and deploying machine learning-relevant programming tools for a variety of machine learning problems.
  • Grow proficiency in identifying the limitations of existing machine learning algorithms and the ability to conceptualize, design, and implement an innovative solution for a variety of highly complex problems to advance the state-of-the-art in machine learning.
  • Able to initiate, manage, and complete research manuscripts that demonstrates expert self-evaluation and advanced skills in communicating highly complex ideas related to machine learning.
  • Obtain highly sophisticated skills in initiating, managing, and completing multiple project reports and critiques on a variety of machine learning methods, that demonstrates expert understanding, self-evaluation, and advanced skills in communicating highly complex ideas.

Research Thesis

PhD thesis exposes students to cutting-edge and unsolved research problems in the field of Machine Learning, where they are required to propose new solutions and significantly contribute towards the body of knowledge. Students pursue an independent research study, under the guidance of a supervisory panel, for a period of 3 - 4 years.

Visa Opportunities for Graduates

Outstanding graduates from MBZUAI are eligible to apply for a 10-year golden visa in UAE, which will enable themselves and their family members to work and live in UAE with corresponding benefits. 

Programme Structure

Courses included:

  • Advanced Topics in Machine Learning
  • Advanced Machined Learning
  • Advanced Probabilistic and Statistical Inference
  • Advanced Topics in Continuous Optimization
  • Ph.D. Research Thesis
  • Research Training

Key information

Duration

  • Full-time
    • 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

More details
  • 15th Jan: Regular deadline.
  • 31st May: Final deadline, application after Jan 15th might not be considered.

Credits

60 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

What students do after studying

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA admission requirements GPA
3.2

Other requirements

General requirements

MBZUAI accepts applicants from all nationalities who have a completed degree in a STEM field such as Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or other relevant Science or Engineering major that demonstrates academic distinction in a discipline appropriate for the doctoral degree – either with a:

  • Bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent, 
OR
  • Master’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) - Submission of GRE scores is optional for all applicants but will be considered a plus during the evaluation.

Applicants must provide their completed degree certificates and transcripts (in English) when submitting their application. 

Applicants must also submit:

  • Proof of English language ability
  • Statement of purpose
  • Research statement
  • A minimum of three (3) referees

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

  • Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
  • Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
  • Liability
  • Home contents and baggage
  • Accidents
  • Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and/or in United Arab Emirates, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees
  • International

    Free
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the tuition of 0 AED per year during 48 months.
  • National

    Free
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the tuition of 0 AED per year during 48 months.

Full scholarship including 100% tuition fees, free accommodation, annual round tickets to/from the home country, health insurance and a monthly stipend of 10,000 AED for international students.

Living costs for Abu Dhabi

5000 - 8600 AED /month
Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

All admitted students are granted upon acceptance the privilege to complete their study with a full scholarship including 100% tuition, a monthly stipend and many more benefits. However, and in order to maintain their scholarships, stipends and other benefits, students are expected to maintain high academic standing, comply with the university code of conduct and fulfill certain requirements during their study tenure.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Machine Learning.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

Provided by university
Grant
10000 AED
Deadline
31 May 2025
MBZUAI Full Scholarship for Ph.D. Programs
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
ServiceScape Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

ServiceScape
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2025
The PhD Prep Fellowship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Admit Lab
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
25 Aug 2025
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

educations.com
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2025
Essay Writing Contest from EduLegit
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Edulegit
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2025
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

IvyPanda
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
09 Jul 2025
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Salvado Law
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
90000 AUD
Deadline
Not specified
World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

The Ramsay Centre
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Anonymous Hope Fund
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

American Association of Petroleum Geologists Foundation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

IELTS from 6 to 9
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2026
Voice Talent Online Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Voice Talent Online
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Apr 2025
$1,000 All Star Verified Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Verified Scholarships
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2025
$1,500 Annual Essay Writing Contest Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

IvyPanda
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
20 May 2025
PlagiarismSearch 2025 Essay Contest
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

PlagiarismSearch
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
500 USD
Deadline
30 Apr 2025
Biotin Xtreme Hair Care Annual Scholarship: Empowering The Future Of Hair Care
General Scholarships

Read more about eligibility

Biotin Xtreme Hair Care
Location not available

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