2026 UAE Undergraduate Research Internship Program (UGRIP)

Job Description

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Applications are now announced for the Undergraduate Research Internship Program (UGRIP)—a highly competitive, fully funded AI research internship for outstanding undergraduate students worldwide.

Launched in 2023, UGRIP is the flagship experiential research program of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). The program offers participants a unique opportunity to gain hands-on research experience, work closely with leading AI faculty, and experience academic life in the UAE.

In 2025, nearly 2,000 students applied, with only 4% accepted, making UGRIP one of the most selective undergraduate AI research programs globally.

Program Highlights

• Fully funded four-week residency at MBZUAI’s Abu Dhabi campus
• One-on-one mentorship from world-class AI faculty
• Collaboration with high-performing students from across the globe
• Exposure to cutting-edge AI research environments
• Strong professional networking and career development opportunities

Over 130 interns have participated to date, representing top institutions such as:

• Georgia Institute of Technology
• University of Maryland, College Park
• Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
• Monterrey Institute of Technology

Program Overview

• Program Type: Internship + Research Training
• Host Country: United Arab Emirates
• Sponsor: Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)
• Duration: Up to 4 weeks
• Eligible Countries: All countries
• Program Period: 31 May – 26 June 2026

Funding & Benefits

The UGRIP is fully sponsored and includes:

• Generous living stipend
• Free accommodation
• Visa support and health insurance
• Round-trip airfare and airport transfers
• Access to MBZUAI student facilities
• Social, cultural, and networking activities

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be an undergraduate student in a STEM-related field
• Be in their penultimate year and graduate after August 2026
• Have a minimum CGPA of 3.5/4.0 (or equivalent)
• Demonstrate strong academic and research potential

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents (in English or with certified translations):

• Completed online application form
• Enrollment letter from university registrar (showing admission date, program duration, and expected graduation date)
• Official academic transcript (with stamps and signatures)
• Proof of English proficiency (one of the following):
  • TOEFL iBT (minimum score: 90)
  • IELTS Academic (minimum score: 6.5)
  • EmSAT English (minimum score: 1550)
  • OR official letter confirming English as the medium of instruction
• Valid passport copy (minimum one-year validity)
• Statement of Purpose outlining:
  • Motivation for applying
  • Academic and personal background
  • Notable achievements
  • Career goals and research interests
  • Expected impact of participating in UGRIP

Application Timeline

• Applications Open: 1 January 2026
• Application Deadline: 28 February 2026

How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete the online application and upload all required documents once applications open on January 1, 2026.