The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has kicked off the Fall 2025 academic year with its largest-ever cohort, welcoming 403 new students.
The intake marks a milestone for the university as it launches its first undergraduate class, alongside new graduate cohorts across existing programs in Computer Science, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Robotics. It also includes the first intakes into the Master of Science in Statistics & Data Science and the Master’s in Applied Artificial Intelligence.
Record Applications, Selective Admissions
MBZUAI received over 8,000 applications for its undergraduate and graduate programs, with an acceptance rate of just 5%, reinforcing its position as a globally competitive AI institution.
Timothy Baldwin, MBZUAI Provost and Professor of Natural Language Processing, highlighted the significance of the intake:
“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 vastly outstrips traditional education models. To realise its full global potential, MBZUAI invests heavily in reviewing and updating our programmes… With the introduction of our undergraduate and Master’s in Applied AI programmes, we continue to build world-leading programmes aligned with the UAE’s National Strategy for AI 2031.”
Undergraduate Program Launch
The newly introduced Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence features two streams — AI for Business and AI for Engineering — blending technical depth with entrepreneurship, leadership, and hands-on industry experience.
The first undergraduate class includes 115 students from more than 25 countries, with UAE Nationals representing over 25%.
Baldwin emphasized:
“The jobs of tomorrow are being shaped by AI today… Our extraordinarily talented students don’t just learn about AI, but learn with it, through it, and for it. This is an extraordinary value proposition, especially for our undergraduate students, who will be studying towards a bachelor’s degree that I believe sets a new global benchmark.”
A Diverse, Talented Student Body
With this intake, MBZUAI’s total student body has grown to over 700 students, representing 47 nationalities.
Undergraduate students come from countries including Bulgaria, China, Egypt, Georgia, Greece, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, the UAE, and the UK. Graduate programs welcome students from Canada, China, Egypt, France, India, Italy, Kazakhstan, Serbia, the UAE, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam.
Notably, 151 incoming graduate students (27.5%) hold degrees from the world’s top 100 computer science universities (CSRankings), including Cornell University, Tsinghua University, the University of Edinburgh, and UC San Diego.
Orientation Week Fosters Engagement
MBZUAI has launched its immersive Orientation Week, introducing students to its culture of academic excellence, AI-driven innovation, and community engagement.
Highlights include mentorship activities, cultural programs celebrating UAE heritage, and the Orientation Mini Fair, where internal and external partners showcase resources for academic success, career development, and student life.
Orientation Week aims to create a strong sense of belonging and foundation for success, ensuring students embark on a transformative university journey.
–Input WAM
