United Arab EmiratesNon-profit OrganizationHamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA)
جائزة حمدان بن محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم الدولية للتصوير الضوئي (HIPA)
ForsaEduforsaedu.comAbout the scholarship program
The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) is a Dubai-based award and one of the world's richest photography competitions, with US$1 million in prizes in its 15th season. Entry is free for professional and amateur photographers aged 18 and over from any country, and it also runs short themed competitions during the year.
Information last verified: November 3, 2026Official source
Available programmes
Each programme has its own requirements, documents and benefits. Open it to see them in full with the application steps:
- View Details
Hamdan International Photography Award (HIPA): Free Entry, US$200,000 Grand Prize
OtherCash prizes9 majorsNext cycle not announced yet
Life and living
United Arab Emirates
Life and living
United Arab Emirates
Studying and living in United Arab Emirates
Costs and living
Tuition for international students is usually charged per credit hour and varies by university and programme: • Khalifa University: AED 2,500 per credit hour for a bachelor’s (about AED 81,250 a year), AED 5,000 for a master’s and AED 6,666 for a PhD. • Zayed University: AED 2,500 per credit hour for non-national undergraduates. • UAE University: master’s programmes cost AED 1,600–5,000 per credit hour depending on the programme (2025–2026 rates). • Private universities and branch campuses usually cost more, but many offer merit scholarships and discounts. Living costs: roughly AED 4,000–7,000 a month (about US$1,100–1,900). In Dubai, the University of Birmingham estimates about AED 6,860 a month, including AED 4,600 for a single room, AED 1,000 for groceries and AED 500 for transport, while Murdoch University Dubai puts expenses at about AED 3,490 a month excluding rent, which ranges from AED 2,000 to 10,000. University housing is often cheaper: AED 10,000 per semester for a double room at Khalifa University.
Working while studying
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation rules allow students aged 15 and over to train or work under a dedicated student permit: • Training: under a written contract that sets out the training field and period, with a no-objection letter from your university. • Work: during academic holidays, for up to three consecutive months each time, under a contract stating the job, wage and daily working hours. You need proof of student status, a valid residence visa and a copy of your Emirates ID. Students are not entitled to end-of-service gratuity unless the contract says so. Working without a permit is a violation that can affect your residence. Family: family members of foreign students at UAE universities can live with them if the student can provide suitable housing. After graduation, top graduates can apply for the 10-year Golden Visa to look for work or work.
Last verified: November 2026· Source
Guide to studying in United Arab EmiratesFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Key questions and answers regarding eligibility, documents, and application steps.
Coverage differs between programmes. Announced benefits: US$200,000 grand prize, US$1 million in total prizes, Free to enter.
Eligible levels: Research & training.
Next cycle not announced yet. Follow the official website for updates.
Required documents: An account on the HIPA website, Photographs in the required format.
Apply directly on the official website: https://hipa.ae. ForsaEdu does not receive applications or charge any fee.
Track your academic readiness
Use the checklist in your profile to prepare your documents and make sure you meet this scholarship’s requirements.
Open readiness checklistSimilar scholarships
United Arab EmiratesQS #177Khalifa University
Khalifa University of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi is one of the UAE's leading research universities, focused on engineering, science and medicine. It offers graduate scholarships that typically include a tuition waiver and a monthly stipend for full-time research students, alongside undergraduate scholarships aimed mainly at UAE nationals. Eligibility varies by program and nationality, so check the official admissions and scholarships page.
United Arab EmiratesQS #229United Arab Emirates University
United Arab Emirates University in Al Ain, the country's oldest public university, offers graduate scholarships that usually include a tuition waiver and may include a monthly stipend for full-time research students, particularly in doctoral programs. Eligibility and benefits vary by program and nationality. Details are published by the university's College of Graduate Studies.
United Arab EmiratesEmirates Aviation University
Emirates Aviation University in Dubai, part of the Emirates Group, specializes in aviation science, engineering and aviation management, and offers scholarships and financial aid such as academic merit scholarships and discounts for specific groups. Awards are usually a percentage reduction of tuition fees, renewable based on academic performance. Categories and percentages are listed on the official scholarships page.