The Al Qasimi Foundation 2026 Doctoral Research Grants provide an exceptional opportunity for PhD candidates to pursue their research in the United Arab Emirates with full financial support. Open to students of any nationality enrolled in accredited universities, these grants cover all expenses during the critical research stage of doctoral dissertations. Scholars from diverse disciplines can benefit, making it a unique chance to contribute to policy-relevant research while completing their degrees.
These fully funded grants support field research in Ras Al Khaimah for up to 12 months, including round-trip airfare, accommodation, living stipends, and research costs. Recipients are encouraged to produce working papers and engage with the local research community through presentations, enhancing both the impact of their research and regional knowledge. The program fosters collaboration between international universities and UAE institutions, making it an ideal opportunity for PhD students aiming to advance their academic and professional careers.
Benefits
- The Al Qasimi Foundation Grants are fully funded, they provide substantial financial support and office space, covering various aspects for PhD scholars.
- All scholars gain access to research support, including office space and general research support.
- These Doctoral Grants promote cross-cultural exchange, allowing researchers to broaden their perspectives.
- International Applicants receive round-trip airfare, including a maximum of 8,000 AED.
- They receive up to 12 months of accommodation, with a monthly living stipend of 2,000 AED (maximum of 24,000 AED).
- Similarly, they also get provision for car rental at 2,000 AED per month, with a maximum total of 24,000 AED, along with coverage of visa costs, with a maximum limit of 2,500 AED.
- UAE applicants receive a maximum award of 35,000 AED to cover direct, project-related research expenses. They also receive a living stipend, equipment purchases, translation services, printed materials, and so on.
- It is an excellent opportunity to pursue research in the UAE.
Eligibility Criteria
- The Doctoral Research Grant is for PhD scholars who must be currently enrolled as PhD students at accredited and recognized universities.
- Al Qasimi Foundation Doctoral Research Grants 2026 require applicants to have a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 85 or an IELTS score of 6.5 if English is a secondary language.
- Moreover, to be eligible for this funding in UAE, applicants must have completed all PhD coursework and be ready to commence the field research component of their dissertations.
- An approved research proposal is mandatory, or the proposal should at least be in the process of approval by the applicant’s advisor and graduate program. The proposal must include a comprehensive literature review and detailed research methodology.
- Similarly, the proposed research must have received Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval from the applicant’s home institution.
- The research must also concentrate on the United Arab Emirates, specifically Ras Al Khaimah. If the proposal includes other locations, Ras Al Khaimah must be a significant focal point for data collection and analysis.
- As a requirement, the proposed research needs to address an education, public policy, or closely related social science issue or question.
- Depending on the research question, relevant topics may cover areas such as education, urban planning/development, public health, economic development, food access, and energy or environmental policy.
Required Documents
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or Resume
- Cover Letter
- Copy of approved Research Proposal
- Academic Transcripts
- Doctoral Research Grant Budget Template
- Reference Letters (2)
- English Proficiency (if applicable)
- Official documentation of IRB Approval
How to Apply?
- Visit the official Al Qasimi Foundation grants page and review eligibility requirements carefully.
- Prepare all supporting documents, including CV, academic transcripts, research proposal, and endorsements.
- Ensure your research proposal clearly explains objectives and relevance to UAE policy or Ras Al Khaimah studies.
- Complete the online application form with accurate personal and academic information.
- Upload all required attachments following the submission guidelines.
- Submit the application before the deadline and confirm successful submission via email.
- Monitor your email for updates and instructions regarding selection results and next steps.
- Prepare for potential travel and field research arrangements if selected.
- Engage with the foundation for any clarifications or additional information needed.
- Follow all guidelines to ensure your application is complete and competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Al Qasimi Foundation 2026 Doctoral Research Grants support PhD candidates conducting policy-relevant research in Ras Al Khaimah or UAE. Fully funded, the program covers travel, accommodation, stipend, research costs, and expects deliverables such as reports, policy briefs, and presentations.
What is the Al Qasimi Foundation 2026 Doctoral Research Grant?
The Al Qasimi Foundation 2026 Doctoral Research Grant supports PhD candidates conducting research that informs policy in the UAE. The grant provides full funding for fieldwork in Ras Al Khaimah or the UAE, including travel, accommodation, stipend, and research expenses.
Who is eligible to apply for the Al Qasimi Foundation 2026?
Applicants must be current PhD students at accredited universities with all coursework completed and ready for field research. Candidates need a research proposal approved by their advisor and IRB approval from their institution, and research must include Ras Al Khaimah or UAE.
What disciplines are supported by the grant?
The Al Qasimi Foundation 2026 favors research that contributes to policy-making in education, public policy, urban planning, economics, environment, or public health. Projects in business, engineering, IT, laboratory sciences, and medicine are not eligible, as the focus is policy-related applied research.
How much funding does the Al Qasimi Foundation 2026 provide?
The grant fully covers round-trip airfare, furnished accommodation for up to 12 months, a stipend for living expenses, and research costs. It ensures that PhD candidates can focus on their field research without financial burden while producing policy-relevant outputs.
What are the expected deliverables for grant recipients?
Recipients must produce a final report, a policy brief, a Research Majlis presentation, and at least one policy paper or op-ed. The outputs are designed to communicate findings to both experts and public audiences and contribute meaningfully to local and national policymaking.
How is the selection process conducted?
The grant is awarded based on academic performance, the relevance of the proposed research, and field of study. Preference is given to education and public policy projects. Selection is conducted by the Al Qasimi Foundation Directors and Advisory Board through a competitive review process.
How can I apply for the Al Qasimi Foundation 2026?
Applicants must create an account on the Foundation’s grant portal, upload the online application form, cover letter, CV, transcripts, research proposal, IRB approval, budget template, and two letters of recommendation. Submissions must be complete to be considered.
When is the application deadline?
The Al Qasimi Foundation 2026 application cycle opens in December 2025 and closes on April 1, 2026, at 23:59 GST. Late or incomplete applications are not considered. After submission, proposals go through administrative screening, peer review, and final approval, typically taking 8–10 weeks.
What support is provided to non-English speakers?
Applicants whose first language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. Minimum required scores are 85 iBT for TOEFL or 6.5 for IELTS. This ensures that all participants can fully engage with the research community and program requirements.
How are grant results communicated?
Successful applicants are contacted directly by late May. Award agreements and project start dates are finalized with the Foundation. Funded projects typically commence between June and September of the same year, enabling candidates to conduct field research efficiently.
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