Your Complete Guide to Graphic Design Scholarships in Dubai

Dreaming of studying graphic design in the vibrant, futuristic city of Dubai? You’re in the right place. Funding your education is a critical step, and this guide provides detailed insights into the scholarships available to help you turn your creative aspirations into a reality in one of the world’s most exciting hubs for design and innovation.

Why Study Graphic Design in Dubai?

Dubai has rapidly transformed into a global center for business, technology, and creativity. This dynamic environment makes it an ideal place for aspiring graphic designers. The city hosts major international events like Dubai Design Week and is home to the Dubai Design District (d3), a purpose-built community dedicated to the design industry. Studying here means you’ll be immersed in a culture of innovation, with countless opportunities to network with professionals and gain real-world experience.

Universities in Dubai offer world-class programs, often in partnership with renowned international institutions. They provide state-of-the-art facilities and a curriculum that blends creative theory with practical, industry-relevant skills.

Finding Graphic Design Scholarships in Dubai

Scholarships in Dubai are primarily offered directly by universities and colleges. They are typically awarded based on academic merit, creative talent (portfolio), or financial need. It’s important to research each institution’s specific offerings, as they can change annually. Below are some of the top universities in Dubai for graphic design and the types of financial aid they commonly provide.

1. American University in Dubai (AUD)

AUD is highly regarded for its arts and design programs, which are accredited both in the UAE and the USA. The university’s School of Architecture, Art and Design offers robust programs and several scholarship opportunities.

Scholarship Types: AUD provides a range of scholarships for new and current students. While some are general, they are all applicable to students enrolling in the graphic design program.
Academic Merit Scholarships: These are awarded to students with outstanding academic records from high school. The scholarship amount often corresponds to your GPA, with higher grades earning a larger percentage off tuition fees. For example, a student with a high GPA might receive a 25% or 50% tuition waiver.
The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarship: This is a prestigious and highly competitive full scholarship awarded to a select number of exceptional students each year. It requires an outstanding academic profile and a strong application.
How to Apply: Scholarship applications at AUD are typically part of the main university admission process. You must indicate your interest in a scholarship on your application and submit all required documents, such as transcripts and recommendation letters, by the stated deadline.

2. Canadian University Dubai (CUD)

CUD’s Faculty of Communication, Arts and Sciences offers a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a specialization in Graphic Design. The university is known for its strong industry connections and provides several financial aid options.

Scholarship Types: CUD focuses heavily on academic performance when awarding scholarships.
Academic Excellence Scholarship: This is available to both new and continuing students who demonstrate high academic achievement. The discount on tuition can range from 20% to 100% depending on your grades.
Sports Scholarship: If you are a talented athlete, you may also qualify for a sports scholarship, which can help cover your tuition costs while you study graphic design.
Financial Hardship Grants: CUD also offers support for students who can demonstrate significant financial need.
How to Apply: Prospective students should complete the separate Scholarship Application Form available on the CUD website and submit it along with their admission application and supporting financial documents.

3. SAE Institute Dubai

As a global leader in creative media education, SAE Institute is a popular choice for students pursuing hands-on degrees in fields like graphic design and animation.

Scholarship Types: SAE occasionally offers scholarships for specific programs or intakes. These are often competitive and based on a combination of academic merit and creative potential.
Portfolio-Based Scholarships: Given its creative focus, SAE may offer scholarships that heavily weigh the quality of your portfolio. This is your chance to showcase your best design work and creative thinking.
Early Bird Discounts: While not a traditional scholarship, SAE often provides significant discounts on tuition fees for students who apply and pay their deposit well before the start of the semester. This can be a great way to reduce your overall costs.
How to Apply: Check the SAE Dubai website frequently for announcements about new scholarships. The application process usually involves submitting a portfolio and a personal essay explaining why you deserve the scholarship.

4. Middlesex University Dubai

This British university has a well-established campus in Dubai and offers a BA Honours in Graphic Design. It provides a range of scholarships and grants to support students.

Scholarship Types: Middlesex University Dubai offers academic awards to encourage high-achieving students.
Academic Merit Scholarship: Awarded to students who achieve excellent grades in their high school qualifications. The value of the scholarship is a fixed amount deducted from your annual tuition fees.
Early Enrolment Grant: Similar to an early bird discount, this grant provides a reduction in fees for students who secure their place and pay their tuition deposit by a specific date.
How to Apply: You are often automatically considered for academic scholarships when you apply for admission. Details about grants and their deadlines are available on the university’s website.

Key Steps to Secure a Scholarship

Finding and winning a scholarship requires preparation and effort. Follow these steps to maximize your chances:

Build an Exceptional Portfolio: This is the most important asset for any aspiring graphic design student. Your portfolio should showcase your creativity, technical skills, and unique artistic voice. Include a variety of projects, from digital illustrations and branding concepts to typography and layout design.
Maintain High Academic Grades: Many scholarships are tied directly to your academic performance. Strive for the best possible grades in your final years of school to be eligible for merit-based awards.
Write a Compelling Personal Statement: Your application essay or personal statement is your opportunity to tell your story. Explain why you are passionate about graphic design, why you want to study in Dubai, and how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.
Research and Meet Deadlines: Start your research early. Create a list of universities and their scholarship deadlines. Missing a deadline is the easiest way to be disqualified, so stay organized.
Get Strong Letters of Recommendation: Ask teachers or mentors who know you well to write letters of recommendation. Give them plenty of notice and provide them with your portfolio and personal statement to help them write a strong, personalized letter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these scholarships available for international students? Yes, most universities in Dubai are global institutions with a large international student body. The majority of their academic scholarships are open to students of all nationalities. However, always check the specific eligibility criteria for each scholarship.

Do I need to apply for the scholarship separately from my university application? It depends on the university. Some, like AUD, often integrate the scholarship consideration into the main admission application. Others, like CUD, require a separate scholarship application form. Always read the instructions on the university’s admissions page carefully.

What should I include in my graphic design portfolio? A strong portfolio should include 10-15 of your best and most recent pieces. Show variety in your skills: include branding projects (logos, business cards), digital art, web design mockups, typography experiments, and even traditional art like sketches or paintings. Quality is more important than quantity.