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Sheikh Zayed Book Award
Flag of United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab EmiratesGovernment Scholarship

Sheikh Zayed Book Award

جائزة الشيخ زايد للكتاب

Current cycle
Next cycle not announced yet
Eligible study levels:Research & training
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About the scholarship program

The Sheikh Zayed Book Award is an independent literary and cultural award under the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, given each year in nine categories worth AED 750,000 each, plus the AED 1 million Cultural Personality of the Year. Its categories include Young Author, for writers up to the age of 40.

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:

Life and living

United Arab Emirates

Studying and living in United Arab Emirates

$1,100–1,900
Living cost / month (approx.)
English, Arabic
Teaching languages
September
Academic year starts

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Key questions and answers regarding eligibility, documents, and application steps.

Coverage differs between programmes. Announced benefits: AED 750,000 for the winner, AED 7.75 million in total prizes.

Eligible levels: Research & training.

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 checklist
Official website:
https://www.zayedaward.ae

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