SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Khalifa University of Science and Technology on Tuesday announced the expansion of its portfolio of STEM-based master's and doctoral programmes, highlighting its focus on advancing impactful research that delivers meaningful, real-world solutions.
The newly expanded offerings - among the largest in the country - are designed to strengthen scientific expertise and develop human capital across key disciplines, the university said in a statement.
The university now offers 20 PhD programmes spanning engineering, science, computing and healthcare, and hosts one of the UAE's largest STEM PhD student bodies.
Through these programmes, Khalifa University aims to cultivate world-class researchers, innovators, and future leaders capable of supporting the nation's knowledge-based economy.
Alongside the breadth of its academic offerings, the university is forging international partnerships to enhance research collaboration and student mobility.
Speaking to Aletihad during a press conference on Tuesday, Prof Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University of Science and Technology, said global collaborations and dual-degree arrangements with leading institutions are central to delivering added value for students.
"Our partnership with top universities will give students a global experience and position Khalifa University among the players we want to be with," he said.
Currently, Khalifa University has collaborations for PhD studies with KU Leuven, Skoltech, Western University, and Tsinghua University. Discussions are also ongoing with the University of Cambridge.
Al Hajri noted that these partnerships expand international exposure for students while further strengthening the university's global standing.
Students also benefit from advanced laboratories, interdisciplinary research centres and strong industry links, enabling them to translate academic research into practical innovation.
Prof Mahmoud Al Qutayri, Associate Provost for Academic Operations, emphasised that postgraduate students play a pivotal role in driving research, with their work closely aligned to the UAE's development agenda.
Speaking to Aletihad on the sidelines of the press conference, Al Qutayri pointed to the university's food security initiatives as an example of research translating into tangible outcomes.
Researchers are exploring water-efficient plant cultivation techniques and innovative ways to repurpose agricultural by-products. One project, he noted, involves turning date seeds into biodegradable food packaging that helps reduce oxidation while limiting reliance on plastics.
Al Qutayri stressed that such advances are rooted in interdisciplinary collaboration, adding that joint work across engineering, management, and AI helps address complex challenges more effectively.
Expanding doctoral programmes also supports Khalifa University's long-term ambition, he said. "This expansion of the PhD offering complements our research efforts and increases the bandwidth of Khalifa University to conduct research."
Al Qutayri said the university will continue aligning new programmes with national priorities and global trends, while ensuring the necessary academic expertise and research infrastructure are firmly in place.
"We always look at the needs of the UAE and global developments and think how we can propose programmes," he said.
From BsC to PhD
The BSc-to-PhD pathway at Khalifa University continues to attract a strong number of applicants since its approval in Fall 2023. Approximately 30% of its PhD students enter through this pathway.
Admission through this route is highly competitive, reflecting the rigorous academic standards and selective evaluation criteria applied to applicants. Applications under this category are accepted exclusively for the fall semester, aligning with the university's structured admissions timeline and cohort-based programme design.