Undergraduate UGRIP Research Internship 2026 at MBZUAI
Are you ready to dive into the future of artificial intelligence and kick-start your research career before even graduating? The Undergraduate Research Internship Program (UGRIP) 2026 at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi is back — and it’s bigger, more competitive, and more exciting than ever.
Applications officially open on January 1, 2026, for what has quickly become one of the most selective and prestigious summer AI research internships in the world. If you’ve got the drive, the brains, and the passion, this could be your once-in-a-lifetime chance to shine.
Why UGRIP Stands Out Globally?
Since its launch in 2023, UGRIP has established itself as a flagship AI internship program for undergraduates across the globe. Unlike conventional summer internships, UGRIP offers an intensive four-week, fully funded residency where students immerse themselves in hands-on AI research, guided by MBZUAI’s world-class faculty.
What makes it even more impressive is the level of competition. In 2025, the program attracted nearly 2,000 applications, yet only 4% were accepted. Past interns have come from some of the world’s top institutions — including Georgia Tech, University of Maryland, Indian Institutes of Technology, and Monterrey Institute of Technology — making it a program with a global reputation for excellence.
UGRIP isn’t just a summer program. It’s a stepping stone to graduate studies, industry careers, and groundbreaking research in AI.
Benefits That Go Beyond Research
Selected interns don’t just get research experience — they get the full package of professional and cultural exposure:
- Generous stipend to support your stay
- Accommodation provided at Abu Dhabi
- Fully covered visa, airfare, and airport transfers
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Mentorship from leading AI faculty
- Networking with brilliant minds from around the world
- Cultural and social activities to experience life in the UAE
- Access to MBZUAI’s world-class facilities.
UGRIP combines academic rigor with global networking and cultural exchange — an experience that prepares students for both advanced research and leadership roles in tech.
Who Can Apply?
UGRIP is looking for the brightest and most ambitious undergraduate students with a background in STEM. Here’s what you need:
- You must be in your penultimate year of undergraduate studies, graduating after August 2026.
- A minimum GPA of 3.5/4.0 (or equivalent).
- Proof of English proficiency through TOEFL iBT (≥90), IELTS Academic (≥6.5), EmSAT English (≥1550), or a registrar’s confirmation that English is your medium of instruction.
Documents You’ll Need to apply for UGRIP 2026 Internship
Prepare these before applying:
- Enrollment letter confirming your program and graduation timeline.
- Official university transcripts.
- Valid passport copy (with at least one year validity).
- English proficiency certificate or registrar’s confirmation.
- Statement of purpose essay covering:
- Your motivation for applying.
- Your academic and personal background.
- Achievements that make you stand out.
- Your future goals and how UGRIP fits into them.
All documents must be in English or submitted with certified translations.
Application Dates – UGRIP 2026
The application cycle for the Undergraduate Research Internship Program (UGRIP) 2026 will officially open on January 1, 2026, at 8 a.m. GST and close on February 28, 2026, at 5 p.m. GST. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis throughout the admission period, with final decisions announced by April 1, 2026, at 11 p.m. GST. The fully funded internship itself is scheduled to run from June to July 2026, with the exact program dates to be confirmed.
Apply: https://mbzuai.ac.ae/ugrip/.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Opportunity?
UGRIP is more than an internship — it’s a career catalyst. With a competitive selection rate, world-class mentorship, and full financial coverage, it’s no wonder this program is already recognized as one of the world’s premier AI undergraduate research experiences.
If you’re serious about shaping the future of artificial intelligence, there’s no better place to begin. Mark your calendars — applications open January 1, 2026.
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