Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has opened registration for the third edition of the Hamdan bin Mohammed Academic Scholarship Programme for Emirati students from Dubai for the 2026–2027 academic year, with applications running from Monday, 23 March 2026 to 30 June 2026 via the “Emirati” service on the Dubai Now app.
Key Takeaways: KHDA scholarship registration (2026–2027)
- Apply: 23 March–30 June 2026 via Dubai Now → “Emirati” platform
- Intake: 100 top-performing Emirati students selected each year
- Budget: estimated AED 1.1 billion over the coming years
Application dates and where to apply on Dubai Now
Applications open on 23 March 2026 and close on 30 June 2026. KHDA said applications are submitted through the “Emirati” platform on the Dubai Now smartphone app.
Who the Dubai Emirati students scholarship targets
The Hamdan bin Mohammed Academic Scholarship Programme targets top-performing Emirati students from Dubai. It is open to male and female graduates of public and private schools across different curricula.
What the scholarship funds and its focus areas
The programme supports higher education by funding bachelor’s degrees in fields that add high value to strategically prioritised sectors, as part of Dubai government education initiatives administered by KHDA.
Estimated multi-year budget
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Students funded each year | 100 |
| Estimated budget | AED 1.1 billion (over the coming years) |
| Application window | 23 March–30 June 2026 |
| Academic year covered | 2026–2027 |
