PhD in Nuclear Engineering
About This Programme
A research doctorate, with competitive merit-based funding, in nuclear engineering (60/72 credits), open to UAE and sponsored Saudi nationals, with tuition waiver and a monthly stipend.
Course Highlights
- Research spans nuclear reactor physics, reactor systems design and analysis, nuclear materials, and radiation safety
- Admission restricted to UAE nationals and sponsored Saudi students, aligned with the national nuclear energy programme
- 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
- Nuclear Reactor Physics
- Reactor Systems Design and Analysis
- Nuclear Materials Science and Engineering
- Radiation Safety in the Environment
- Reactor Thermal-Hydraulics and Thermodynamics
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, the national nuclear programme (ENEC and the Barakah plant), the regulator FANR, and nuclear energy R&D.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
UAE CAA (Ministry of Education)
Programme Details
Award
PhD in Nuclear Engineering
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
Engineering
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.