Indian Researcher, Dr. Huned Materwala, Earns a Fully Funded PhD in Informatics and Computing at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)

My name is Huned Materwala, and I am from India. I completed my undergraduate degree in Instrumentation and Control and my master’s degree in Control Systems in India, and then moved to the UAE as a researcher.

I completed my PhD in Informatics and Computing at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), where I focused on using optimization techniques and concepts from control systems to make computing in modern systems more intelligent, efficient, and sustainable. I have always been interested in how we can do more with fewer resources, so this field allows me to improve computational efficiency, reduce energy use, and support more sustainable and smarter computer infrastructures.

United Arab Emirates University PhD Scholarship Details

For my doctoral studies, I was awarded a Full Scholarship from the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) to pursue my PhD in Informatics and Computing. The scholarship provided a full tuition fee waiver and a monthly stipend of AED 8,000. In addition, I could receive up to AED 2,000 per month from my supervisor’s research grant, depending on research deliverables completed outside the designated working hours.

The scholarship required me to be enrolled full-time, commit to around 40 hours per week on courses and research, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3 at the PhD level. I successfully met these conditions and completed my PhD with a GPA of 4.0/4.0.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor of Engineering in Instrumentation and Control in India with a GPA of 8.92/10.0 and ranked first in my cohort. This gave me a strong foundation in control systems, sensors, industrial automation, and basic programming, and trained me to think in terms of system behavior, stability, and efficiency.

After that, I completed an M.Tech in Control Systems in India with a GPA of 9.10/10.0. At the master’s level, I studied advanced control theory, optimization, and system modelling, and worked on research problems focused on making engineering systems more intelligent and efficient. This is where I became particularly interested in applying optimization and control ideas to computing networks, which directly prepared me for my PhD field in Informatics and Computing.

Throughout my studies, my education was in an English-medium environment, which helped me meet the IELTS requirement comfortably and made the transition to an English-taught PhD program very smooth.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)?

How Did You Find Information About Scholarships and the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)?

I was already working as a researcher at UAEU, so I became familiar with the PhD programs and the scholarships offered by the university through internal communication, discussions with colleagues, and the College of Graduate Studies. In addition, all the key information about the PhD Scholarship, eligibility, and benefits is clearly available on the official UAEU website, so I also referred to the scholarship page to review the formal requirements, conditions, and application process (https://www.uaeu.ac.ae/en/cgs/phd_scholarship_all.shtml).

 Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

I took the IELTS Academic exam. My education has always been in English-medium programs, which gave me a good base, and for focused preparation, I mainly used online resources. I watched preparation videos and followed tips on YouTube, and I regularly practiced listening, reading, and writing tests using freely available practice materials. I tried to simulate real exam conditions with timed practice, which helped me become more comfortable with the format and manage my time during the actual test.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the UAEU PhD Scholarship?

For the UAEU PhD Scholarship, my preparation was closely linked to my PhD application itself. Since I was already working as a researcher at UAEU, I first made sure I clearly understood the eligibility criteria, especially the requirements on Master’s GPA, full-time availability, no other sponsorship, and having a dissertation topic in a UAE priority sector. I then discussed my research interests with my prospective supervisor to ensure that my proposed PhD topic fit well within transportation/technology and sustainability, which are key priority areas.

On the application side, I focused on presenting a strong, complete academic profile. I updated my CV, prepared a clear statement of purpose explaining my research interests and motivation, and highlighted my grades, research experience, and publications. I also gathered recommendation letters that could speak to my research potential and work ethic, and made sure all my transcripts, IELTS score, and documents matched the scholarship and admission requirements.

Finally, I carefully reviewed the scholarship guidelines and aligned my application to show that I could commit full-time, maintain a high GPA, and contribute to research in a UAE priority sector. This combination of understanding the criteria, aligning my research topic, and preparing strong supporting documents was the main way I prepared for the scholarship application.

How Is (was) Your Experience at UAEU? 

My experience at UAEU was very positive, both as a researcher and later as a PhD student. I found the environment to be research-oriented. The faculty in the College of Information Technology were very approachable.

The university provided good research facilities, computing resources, and access to journals and libraries, which were essential for my work. Through the PhD Scholarship, I was also able to focus full-time on my research, publish papers, and participate in conferences and projects.

The campus itself is quite international, so I had the chance to work with students and researchers from different backgrounds, which broadened my perspective. Overall, my time at UAEU helped me build strong technical skills, improve my academic writing and presentation abilities, and prepare me very well for my current work and future research.

How Do You Rate UAEU Academically and Why?

Academically, I would rate UAEU very highly. The environment is research-oriented and supportive. I had access to strong computing and library resources and was consistently encouraged to publish high-quality research. The combination of an active research culture and high expectations for quality work helped me grow as an independent researcher. These factors are the main reasons I rate UAEU very highly from an academic point of view.

How Does UAEU Support International Students?

As an international student from India, I found UAEU very supportive. From the beginning, the university guided me through the admission and visa processes, and the administrative staff and College of Graduate Studies clearly explained the requirements, timelines, and documents needed.

UAEU has a diverse, international campus, which made it easy to connect with students and researchers from different countries and helped me settle in more comfortably. Overall, the combination of clear guidance, administrative support, academic supervision, and an international environment made my experience as an international student very positive.

 Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Arabic?

All of my classes were conducted in English, and my PhD dissertation was also written in English.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically, Not Knowing Arabic? 

No, I don’t think potential students would have academic problems not knowing Arabic. At UAEU, my courses, exams, and research work were all conducted in English, and I communicated with my supervisor and colleagues in English as well. Not knowing the local language is not a barrier academically.

 What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think my application stood out because of a combination of strong academics and relevant research experience. I had high GPAs in both my bachelor’s in Instrumentation and Control and my M.Tech in Control Systems, which provided a solid background in control, optimisation, and systems thinking that matched well with the PhD field in Informatics and Computing.

In addition, I already had research publications in reputable journals and Scopus-indexed conferences, which showed that I could conduct research and publish at an international level. My proposed PhD topic was also aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Altogether, this mix of strong grades, a solid publication record, and a clear fit with the scholarship’s goals is what I believe made my application stand out.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were going through the process again, I would start a bit earlier with my preparation, especially for the research proposal and supporting documents. I would spend more time refining my statement of purpose and aligning it even more clearly with the scholarship priorities and the UN SDGs.

I would also try to speak with more than one potential supervisor early on, mainly to understand different research directions and supervision styles before finalizing my choice. I am very happy with how things turned out, but having those conversations earlier could have given me an even broader view while preparing my application.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My main advice would be to build a strong overall profile and start early. Make sure your academic record is as strong as possible, and use your master’s studies or current work to gain some research experience and, if possible, publications. Take time to understand the scholarship criteria and priority areas on the university website, and try to shape your proposed topic so that it clearly aligns with those priorities and, where relevant, with the UN SDGs.

I would also recommend talking to potential supervisors in advance to discuss your ideas and get feedback before you apply. This helps you write a clearer, more focused research proposal and statement of purpose. Finally, prepare well for any required English tests like IELTS, and make sure all your documents are complete and consistent. A well-prepared, focused application makes a big difference.