Written by Applications for the Undergraduate Research Internship Program (UGRIP) have been announced for interested and qualified undergraduates.
Launched in 2023, the Undergraduate Research Internship Program (UGRIP) is our flagship experiential AI research internship for undergraduates worldwide.
UGRIP offers a chance to advance your research career, connect with some of the brightest minds in AI, and experience life in the UAE.
What you can expect:
- Fully funded, four-week residency at our Abu Dhabi campus
- Mentorship and guidance from top faculty
- Collaboration with high-caliber students from the UAE and abroad
- Opportunities to build a strong professional network
The program has quickly become one of the most competitive and sought-after immersive AI undergraduate research experiences. In 2025, nearly 2000 students applied, with only 4% accepted.
More than 130 interns have participated so far, representing leading global institutions such as the Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, Indian Institutes of Technology, and Monterrey Institute of Technology.
Overview of the 2026 UAE Undergraduate Research Internship Program
- Type: Internships + Training
- Country to study: UAE
- Sponsored by: MBZUAI
- Duration: Up to 4 weeks
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Benefits: Full Sponsorship, Living Stipend, Travel Costs, Accommodation, Health Insurance
- Application Opens: 1st January, 2026
- Deadline: 28th February, 2026
Criterias
- Undergraduate students in the penultimate year of a STEM-related major and graduating after August 2026
- Minimum CGPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent
Perks of Participating in the 2026 UAE Undergraduate Research Internship Program
The UAE Undergraduate Research Internship Program (UGRIP) offers the following benefits;
- A generous stipend
- Accommodation
- Visa, airfares, and airport transfers
- Health insurance
- Social and cultural activities
- Access to MBZUAI’s student facilities
Documents Needed for the 2026 UAE Undergraduate Research Internship Program
To apply, candidates must be ready to submit the following documents;
- Application Form
- Enrollment letter from the University registrar showing admission date, program duration, and expected graduation date
- Official academic transcript listing all courses, grades, and credit hours
- Proof of English proficiency through a valid certificate of any of the following:
- TOEFL iBT with a minimum total score of 90
- IELTS Academic with a minimum overall score of 6.5
- EmSAT English with a minimum score of 1550
- OR official letter from University registrar confirming English is the medium of instruction
- Valid color passport copy (minimum one year validity)
- Statement of purpose essay, including:
- Motivation for applying
- Personal and academic background and how it makes you suitable for the UGRIP
- Stand-out achievements (e.g., awards, distinction, etc.)
- Goals as a prospective UGRIP participant
- Preferred career path and plans
- Any other relevant details that will support the application.
All documents must be in English or include certified translations. Academic documents must carry official stamps and signatures.
Application Guidelines
- Complete the application procedure and upload all required documentation.
- Applications for the 2026 program will open on January 1, 2026, and it will be held from Sunday 31 May – Friday 26 June 2026.