PhD in

• Apply advanced statistical models to complex datasets and address challenges in diverse fields.
• Communicate complex statistical and data science concepts and findings to both technical and non-technical audiences through written reports, articles, presentations, and data visualization.
• Formulate and use models of data analysis to provide innovative and sustainable solutions to business-related challenges.
• Develop and implement algorithms and computational methods tailored for large-scale data analysis.
• Leverage modern computational tools, software, and programming languages pertinent to data science.
• Conduct original, ethical, trustworthy, and innovative research in statistics and data science, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field.

• 60 credits
• 4 years full-time study
• On campus 

Admission to MBZUAI PHD programs is highly selective and uses the admission requirements as posted on the MBZUAI admissions webpage as the framework for applicant selection:

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field such as computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, mathematics, physics and other relevant science and engineering majors, from a university accredited or recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) which demonstrates academic distinction in a discipline appropriate for the doctoral degree. Students should have a minimum CGPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent.

OR

• Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in STEM fields such as computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, mathematics, physics and other relevant science and engineering majors, from a university accredited or recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE). Students should have a minimum CGPA of 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent.

Applicants must provide their completed degree certificates and transcripts (in English) when submitting their application. Senior-level students can apply initially with a copy of their transcript and expected graduation letter and upon admission must submit the official completed degree certificate and transcript. A degree attestation (for degrees from the UAE) or an equivalency certificate (for degrees acquired outside the UAE) should also be furnished within their first semester at the university.

(for applications submitted from Fall 2021 intake onwards): Each applicant has to show proof of English language ability by providing valid certificate copies of either 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

TOEFL iBT and IELTS academic certificates are valid for two (2) years from the date of the exam while EmSAT results are valid for eighteen (18) months. Only standard versions (i.e. conducted at physical test centers) of the accepted English language proficiency exams will be considered.

Waiver requests from eligible applicants who are citizens (by passport or nationality) of UK, USA, Australia, and New Zealand who completed their studies from K-12 until bachelor’s degree and master’s degree (if applicable) from those same countries will be processed. They need to submit notarized copies of their documents during the application stage and attested documents upon admission. Waiver decisions will be given within seven (7) days after receiving all requirements.

A valid and standard (i.e., exam was conducted at a physical test center) Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test certificate with the following minimum scores is mandatory for applicants applying with only a bachelor’s degree:

• 150 in verbal reasoning
• 150 in quantitative reasoning
• 3.0 in analytical writing

In an 800-word essay, explain why you would like to pursue a graduate degree at MBZUAI and include the following information:

• Motivation for applying to the university
• Personal and academic background and how it makes you suitable for the program you are applying for
• Experience in completing a diverse range of projects related to artificial intelligence
• Stand-out achievements, e.g. awards, distinction, etc
• Goals as a prospective student
• Preferred career path and plans after graduation
• Any other details that will support the application

Students are recommended to read about these topics especially on how they are related to the program. Resourceds and materials can be found online. For instance, searching “linear algebra for machine learning” on YouTube will yield many video lectures. In addition, students can find courses on sites like Coursera, Udemy, and many others.

The research statement is a document summarizing the potential research project an applicant is interested in working on and clearly justify the research gap which the applicant would like to fill in during the course of his/her study. It must be presented in the context of currently existing literature and provide an overview of how the applicant aims to investigate the underlying research project as well as predict the expected outcomes. It should mention the relevance and suitability of the applicant’s background and experience to the project and highlight the project’s scientific and commercial significance. The research statement should include the following details:

• Title
• Problem definition
• Literature review
• Proposed research/methods/solution (optional)
• Study timeline (a table, figure or a small paragraph presenting your plans for the four years in the Ph.D. program)
• EmSAT English with a minimum score of 1550

Applicants are expected to write the research statement independently. MBZUAI faculty will NOT help write it for the purpose of the application. The MBZUAI Admission Committee will review the submitted document and use it as one of the measures to gauge and assess applicants’ skills Entry Exam.

Application deadlines : 31st May 2025, (5:00 PM UAE time)