PhD in Earth Sciences
About This Programme
A research doctorate, with competitive merit-based funding, in earth sciences (60/72 credits), with tuition waiver and a monthly stipend.
Course Highlights
- Research spans petroleum systems, seismic interpretation and imaging, rock physics, and sedimentary basin analysis
- Includes geochemistry, paleoclimate, plate tectonics, remote sensing and planetary science
- 60 credits entering with a master's or 72 for direct entry from a bachelor's, built around an original dissertation
- Competitive merit-based PhD scholarships: a full or partial tuition waiver plus a monthly stipend for admitted researchers
What You'll Study
Research doctorate: coursework + comprehensive exam + dissertation; competitive merit-based funding (a full or partial tuition waiver, plus a monthly stipend)
Coursework
- Required coursework and PhD seminar
- Comprehensive / qualifying examination
Research Areas
- Petroleum Systems
- Seismic Interpretation, Modelling and Imaging
- Rock Physics
- Carbonate Petrology and Stratigraphy
- Sedimentary Basin Analysis
- Organic and Isotope Geochemistry
- Plate Tectonics and Geodynamics
- Remote Sensing and Planetary Science
Dissertation
- Doctoral Dissertation
Entry Requirements
PhD scholarships are competitive and merit-based: awards may carry a full or partial tuition waiver and a monthly stipend, whose amount Khalifa University does not publish, with an Abu Dhabi pension for UAE nationals. Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee an award.
Careers
Graduates pursue academia, oil and gas exploration with companies such as ADNOC, geological surveys, and environmental and planetary research.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
UAE CAA (Ministry of Education)
Programme Details
Award
PhD in Earth Sciences
Start Date
August 2026 (Fall)
Typical Offer
Master's CGPA >=3.25/4.0 (or direct-entry bachelor's >=3.5 + GRE quant >=150) + TOEFL 91 / IELTS 6.5
Duration
4 years
Qualification
Doctorate
Subject Area
Natural Sciences
Campus
Abu Dhabi
Course Type
Doctor of Philosophy
Study Pattern
Full time
Delivery Format
In person
Tuition Fee
AED 95,000/yr
Apply online via ku.ac.ae with transcripts, references and a statement of purpose. Scholarships are assessed automatically at admission. Master's awards may cover tuition in full or in part and carry no stipend; PhD awards are competitive and merit-based, and may carry a full or partial tuition waiver plus a monthly stipend whose amount Khalifa University does not publish.