Al Qasimi Foundation Doctoral Research Grants 2026

Published: February 23, 2026
Deadline: April 01, 2026
Category: Grants
Oppotunity Locations: United Arab Emirates

Applications are currently being accepted for the Al Qasimi Foundation Doctoral Research Grants 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.

About Al Qasimi Foundation Doctoral Research Grants

The Al Qasimi Foundation's Doctoral Research Grants encourage scholars from a wide range of disciplines and professional fields to undertake research toward informing policymaking in the United Arab Emirates.

Sponsor Organisation: Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research

Benefits of Al Qasimi Foundation Doctoral Research Grants

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.

Al Qasimi Foundation Doctoral Research Grants Requirements

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.

Application Date and Process

Before applying, please review the Applicants handbook as it contains important information for applicants and recipients.

The 2026 research grant submission cycle, which includes Doctoral Research Grants, will reopen in December 2025. Prospective applicants should create an account in the Foundation’s grant management portal and follow the Doctoral Research Grant application instructions once submissions open. The online application form and all documents noted below must be uploaded and submitted via the grant management portal.

Online application form in the grant management portal.
Two-page essay in the form of a cover letter outlining reasons why the applicant is interested in a Doctoral Research Grant. The letter should address (1) prior experiences, coursework, and skills relevant to the proposed field research; (2) how the proposed research aligns with the Al Qasimi Foundation's mission; (3) what the applicant hopes to gain from the field research experience; and (4) how the field research experience fits into the applicant's long-term academic and professional goals.
CV or resume outlining educational background, research experience, publications, work experience, honors and awards, and co-curricular activities.
Current official transcript of applicant's doctoral program (and official transcripts for all completed degrees).
Official copy of a TOEFL or IELTS score report (only necessary for applicants for whom English is a secondary language).
Copy of the approved research proposal or preliminary proposal. Please indicate specific facilities, special equipment, or other resources required to conduct the proposed research.
Completed Doctoral Research Grant Budget Template detailing itemized expenditures and total grant request.
Official documentation of IRB approval for the proposed research from the applicant's home institution (or plans for gaining if not available at time of application)
Two letters of reference that address the suitability of the candidate. One letter must be from the applicant’s doctoral advisor, and the other should be from another academic. Both letters must indicate the length of time, extent, and nature of the recommending party's relationship with the applicant.

All materials submitted for funding consideration will automatically become the property of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research and will not be returned to the sender.