Financing Graduate Education
Many aspire to enroll in a master’s degree program to acquire new skills or a leadership position in their organization. Yet, the financial commitment associated with graduate school is substantial. Prior to starting an application, prospective students must make serious financial preparations to realize their aspiration of obtaining a graduate degree.
First, as creating a comprehensive budget and financial plan is essential for managing one’s finances effectively, applicants need to understand the tuition and fees of the university. Many graduate programs will list the fees per credit hour or per subject. Based on this information, they can calculate the cost per semester, annually, and for the entire program. For instance, if the tuition is listed per credit hour, applicants should multiply the cost per credit hour by the total number of credit hours students need during the semester or the term. For example, if the cost stands at 2,000 AED per credit hour and the student plans to take two courses, each comprising 3 credit hours, totaling 6 credits, they will need to multiply 2,000 X 6 equating to 12,000 AED. In addition to tuition costs, additional fees associated with the university, such as registration fees or sometimes facilities fees must be factored in.
Second, an applicant must familiarize themselves with the financial aid options offered by the university. At Zayed University, applicants are automatically considered for Graduate Merit and Zayed University Alumni Graduate scholarships upon applying to graduate programs. Students do not need to submit a separate application for these awards. Other universities might operate differently and ask students to actively apply for their available scholarships.
In cases where an applicant does not qualify for these, external financial avenues could be explored. These entail scholarships from foundations, governmental bodies, private enterprises, or even one’s employer. Alternatively, obtaining a loan from a financial institution can be viewed as an investment in one’s future. However, while these can provide financial aid, it is essential to research interest rates, repayment terms, and understand the long-term financial implications.
These external sources of funding might depend on the field of study or the applicant’s demographic profile. For instance, students pursuing the Master of Science in Information Technology (Cyber Security) program at Zayed University may be eligible for an ICT Fund scholarship, while entities like ADNOC, Ministry of Presidential Affairs (MOPA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), and Ministry of Education (MOE) frequently promote scholarship opportunities on their websites. UAE citizens from Ras Al Khaimah might find opportunities with the AlQasimi Foundation.
In addition to scholarships, students who are not employed can explore teaching or research assistantships. Although these assistantships may not cover tuition costs, they often provide a stipend to students. Beyond the financial benefit, these assistantships also provide students with invaluable research or teaching skills, in addition to developing strong relationships with faculty members. Furthermore, teaching or research assistants commonly receive mentoring, fostering a nurturing and supportive environment during their academic journey.
Overall, pursuing a graduate degree is an important financial decision. Students must comprehensively understand the financial implications and formulate a well-defined strategy for funding their entire graduate program, whether through internal or external financial support.
For more information on Zayed University’s graduate scholarships, please contact the Deanship of Graduate Studies at +971-2-599-3605 / e-mail