Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) announced its largest cohort for the Fall 2025 intake, enrolling 403 new students. This includes the inaugural undergraduate class and new graduate cohorts in programmes such as Computer Science, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Robotics. MBZUAI also welcomed the first intake into its Master of Science in Statistics & Data Science and Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence.

The university reported receiving over 8,000 applications across its Bachelor and graduate programmes. This resulted in an acceptance rate of 5 percent, highlighting MBZUAI’s ability to attract top talent from the UAE and abroad.

Timothy Baldwin, MBZUAI Provost and Professor of Natural Language Processing, revealed, “This year, MBZUAI welcomes our largest cohort of graduate students alongside our inaugural undergraduate class. Artificial intelligence is transforming the world at a pace that outstrips traditional education models. We continuously update our programmes to reflect modern AI research methodology and workflows, grounded in societal and industrial needs.”

The newly launched Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence offers two streams, AI for Business and AI for Engineering. It combines technical training with leadership, entrepreneurship, and industry experience. The first undergraduate class consists of 115 students from more than 25 countries, with over 25 percent being UAE Nationals.

Professor Baldwin added, “Our students don’t just learn about AI; they learn with it, through it, and for it. This approach prepares them for future AI-driven careers and sets a new global benchmark in technical depth and real-world relevance.”

MBZUAI now has a total student body of more than 700, representing over 47 nationalities. Undergraduate students come from countries including Bulgaria, China, Egypt, Georgia, Greece, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, UAE, and the UK. Postgraduate students represent Canada, China, Egypt, France, India, Italy, Kazakhstan, Serbia, UAE, UK, USA, and Vietnam.

The university reported that 151 incoming graduate students, or 27.5 percent, hold degrees from the world’s top 100 computer science universities, including Cornell University, Tsinghua University, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of California, San Diego.

MBZUAI has begun its Orientation Week, introducing students to the university’s culture of academic excellence, AI innovation, and community engagement. The programme includes academic sessions, mentorship activities, and cultural events celebrating UAE heritage. Highlights include an Orientation Mini Fair, showcasing resources for academic success, career development, and student life.

• MBZUAI Fall 2025 intake enrolls 403 students
• Undergraduate and graduate programmes expand with new AI streams
• Orientation Week introduces students to AI-focused academic and cultural activities

This intake reflects MBZUAI’s ongoing commitment to the UAE National Strategy for AI 2031 and supports Abu Dhabi’s growing AI ecosystem.

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