Undergraduate Research Internship Program (UGRIP) 2026 at MBZUAI Opens for Global Undergraduates
The Undergraduate Research Internship Program (UGRIP) 2026 at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is officially on the radar for ambitious undergraduate students worldwide—and it is already being called one of the most competitive fully funded AI research internships of 2026. Designed for top-performing STEM undergraduates, UGRIP 2026 offers a rare chance to conduct advanced AI research inside the world’s first graduate-level AI research university, with all major costs covered.
Held in Abu Dhabi from Sunday 31 May to Friday 26 June 2026, this four-week immersive residency places selected students at the heart of cutting-edge artificial intelligence research. With a generous stipend, free accommodation, visa support, airfare, and mentorship from world-class faculty, UGRIP 2026 is not just an internship—it is a launchpad into elite AI research careers and future master’s or PhD pathways.
Benefits of Winning Undergrad Research Internship Program (UGRIP) 2026
UGRIP 2026 is fully funded, removing financial barriers so selected students can focus entirely on research and learning. Successful interns receive a complete support package that makes participation seamless and stress-free.
- A generous monthly stipend for the full internship duration
- Free accommodation near the MBZUAI Abu Dhabi campus
- Visa processing, international airfare, and airport transfers fully covered
- Comprehensive health insurance for the program period
- Access to MBZUAI’s advanced labs, libraries, and student facilities
- Organized social, cultural, and networking activities across Abu Dhabi
- Direct mentorship from globally recognized AI faculty and research teams
Eligibility Requirements for the UGRIP 2026 Internship
The Undergraduate Research Internship Program 2026 targets high-achieving undergraduate students who are ready for intensive AI research in a global academic setting. Applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria before applying.
- Undergraduate students in the penultimate year of a STEM-related major
- Expected graduation after August 2026
- Minimum CGPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 (or equivalent)
- Strong academic background aligned with AI, computer science, or related fields
- English proficiency through an accepted test score or official medium-of-instruction letter
How to Apply for the (UGRIP) Internship in 2026?
Applying for UGRIP 2026 is a structured but straightforward process designed to identify motivated research-focused candidates. Preparing early is key due to the program’s competitive nature.
Start by gathering your academic documents, including an official transcript and enrollment letter confirming your degree details and expected graduation date. Next, prepare a focused statement of purpose explaining your motivation for applying, your academic and personal background, standout achievements, research interests, and future career goals. You will also need a professional CV, proof of English proficiency, and a valid passport copy.
Once applications open, submit all required documents through the official MBZUAI application portal. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis during the admission cycle, and shortlisted candidates may be contacted for further evaluation. Final project allocations are introduced during the first days of the program, where interns discuss options with faculty and rank their top research preferences.
Application Deadline for the Undergraduate Research Internship Program 2026
The last date to apply for the Undergraduate Research Internship Program (UGRIP) 2026 at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence is February 28, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. GST. Applications open on January 1, 2026, and early preparation is strongly advised due to the highly competitive selection process.
