MBZUAI Welcomes Largest Cohort, Embracing Global Talent and AI Innovation

Strategic Insights -

The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has welcomed its largest cohort of students for the Fall 2025 intake, with 403 new students enrolled across various graduate and undergraduate programs. This milestone includes the inaugural undergraduate class, as well as new graduate cohorts in Computer Science, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Robotics. The university received a staggering 8,000 applications across its programs, with an acceptance rate of 5 per cent, solidifying its position as a leading institution in the UAE and globally.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Fall 2025 intake marks a significant milestone for MBZUAI, with 403 new students joining its programs, including an inaugural undergraduate class and new graduate cohorts.
  • The university received over 8,000 applications, yielding an acceptance rate of 5 per cent, making it one of the most competitive programs in the UAE and globally.
  • The intake includes students from over 47 nationalities, with Bulgaria, China, Egypt, Georgia, Greece, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, UAE, and the UK being the most represented nationalities in the undergraduate programs.
  • Postgraduate programs at MBZUAI attract students from countries such as Canada, China, Egypt, France, India, Italy, Kazakhstan, Serbia, UAE, UK, USA, and Vietnam.
  • The university attracts exceptional students, with 27.5 per cent (151 students) holding degrees from the world's top 100 computer science universities (CSRankings).
  • MBZUAI's programs are designed to reflect modern AI research methodology and workflows, grounded in societal and industrial needs, aligning with the UAE's National Strategy for AI 2031.
  • The university's inaugural Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence program offers two streams: AI for Business and AI for Engineering, combining technical rigor with leadership, hands-on entrepreneurship, and in-situ industry experience.
  • Professor Timothy Baldwin, MBZUAI Provost, emphasizes the importance of preparing future generations for the AI-driven workforce, stating that "the jobs of tomorrow are being shaped by AI today."

Statistics:

  • 8,000 applications received across MBZUAI's programs.
  • 403 new students joined the university's programs, with an acceptance rate of 5 per cent.
  • 115 undergraduate students constitute the first class of the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence program.
  • 151 students (27.5 per cent) holding degrees from the world's top 100 computer science universities (CSRankings).
  • Total student body of MBZUAI exceeds 700, representing over 47 nationalities.
  • 25 per cent of undergraduate students are UAE Nationals.

Sources:

  • Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)
  • Timothy Baldwin, MBZUAI Provost and Professor of Natural Language Processing