KHALIFA UNIVERSITY · UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
PhD in Computer and Information Engineering
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
—
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Ranked 202nd in the QS 2025 World University RankingGlobal Ranking
- Top in MENA region in THE Young Universities 2024Regional Ranking
- 15 Faculty among Top 0.05% Worldwide (ScholarGPS)Influential Faculty
- Over 300 issued patents – highest in the UAEPatents
- Globally Accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) and ABETAccreditation
- Strong industry and international university partnershipsReal-World Experience
The PhD in Computer and Information Engineering (CIEN) program at Khalifa University is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge in a rapidly evolving high-tech field. The program is interdisciplinary, focusing on three core areas: Computing Systems, Optimization and Security, and Communications and Networks. Students have the flexibility to specialize in one area or explore courses across multiple themes to align with their research and career goals. The program welcomes talented students from all backgrounds, offering competitive scholarships and the possibility of admission with only a Bachelor's degree if specific requirements are met. The CIEN PhD is supported by leading research centers and labs, including the 6G Research Center, Center for Cyber-Physical Systems, and the KU Center for Autonomous Robotic Systems, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and renowned researchers tackling global challenges. Graduates are well-prepared for diverse career opportunities in academia, industry, and research. Potential roles include assistant professor, postdoctoral researcher, research scientist, AI/ML engineer, data scientist, and senior software or hardware engineer, contributing to advancements in fields like AI, cybersecurity, wireless communications, robotics, and quantum computing.
Careers
Graduating with a PhD in Computer and Information Engineering opens doors to diverse career paths in academia, industry, and research. The program equips students with sought-after skills for advanced roles.
- Assistant Professor
- Postdoctoral Researcher
- Research Scientist
- AI/ML Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Senior Software Engineer
- Senior Hardware Engineer
- Specialized roles in quantum computing, robotics, digital forensics, smart cities, digital twin technology, and IoT.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the PhD in Computer and Information Engineering program?
- Applicants can enter with a Master's degree requiring 24 credit hours of coursework and 36 of dissertation research, or directly with a Bachelor's degree requiring 36 credit hours of coursework and 36 of dissertation research. Both pathways require a minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4 and passing specific examinations.
- How much does the PhD in Computer and Information Engineering cost?
- Tuition fees are AED 6,666 per credit hour for both home and international students. The university reserves the right to change these fees.
- How long does the PhD program take to complete?
- Students entering with a Master's degree complete 24 credit hours of coursework and 36 of dissertation research. Those entering with a Bachelor's degree complete 36 credit hours of coursework and 36 of dissertation research. The program includes two zero-credit research seminar courses.
- What career opportunities are available after graduating from this program?
- Graduates can pursue roles such as Assistant Professor, Postdoctoral Researcher, Research Scientist, AI/ML Engineer, Data Scientist, and Senior Software or Hardware Engineer, with specialization options in areas like quantum computing and robotics.
- Are there any scholarships available for PhD students?
- Yes, Postgraduate Scholarships are available for outstanding students. More details can be found on the Khalifa University Scholarships page.
- How do I apply for the PhD in Computer and Information Engineering?
- You need to visit the Khalifa University Admissions page, review program-specific requirements, prepare documents like transcripts and recommendation letters, and submit the online application before the deadline.
Entry requirements
Master's DegreeCompletion of a Master's degree with a minimum of 24 credit hours of coursework (8 courses), a minimum grade of C in all courses, and an overall CGPA of at least 3.0 out of 4. Must pass the Written Qualifying Exam (WQE) and Research Proposal Examination (RPE). At least one publication in a quartile one journal (Scopus) based on dissertation research is required before defending.
Bachelor's DegreeCompletion of a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework (12 courses), a minimum grade of C in all courses, and an overall CGPA of at least 3.0 out of 4. Must pass the Written Qualifying Exam (WQE) after completing at least 27 credits and the Research Proposal Examination (RPE). At least one publication in a quartile one journal (Scopus) based on dissertation research is required before defending.
All admission requirements are detailed on the KU admissions webpage.
Fees
Tuition (international)AED 6,666 per credit hour
Tuition (home)AED 6,666 per credit hour
Living—
The university reserves the right to change tuition fees.
How to apply
1. Visit the Admissions PageNavigate to the Khalifa University Admissions section, specifically the Postgraduate Admissions page.
2. Review RequirementsCarefully check the general graduate admission requirements and the specific program requirements for the PhD in Computer and Information Engineering.
3. Prepare Application DocumentsGather all necessary documents, which typically include academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Specific requirements are detailed on the admissions page.
4. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the online application form before the stated deadline.
5. Await Admission DecisionThe admissions committee will review applications, and successful candidates will be notified.
Scholarships
Postgraduate Scholarships—
Accreditation
All programs are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the Ministry of Education in the United Arab Emirates. Engineering programs are also accredited by ABET.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the PhD in Computer and Information Engineering program?
+
Applicants can enter with a Master's degree requiring 24 credit hours of coursework and 36 of dissertation research, or directly with a Bachelor's degree requiring 36 credit hours of coursework and 36 of dissertation research. Both pathways require a minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4 and passing specific examinations.
How much does the PhD in Computer and Information Engineering cost?
+
Tuition fees are AED 6,666 per credit hour for both home and international students. The university reserves the right to change these fees.
How long does the PhD program take to complete?
+
Students entering with a Master's degree complete 24 credit hours of coursework and 36 of dissertation research. Those entering with a Bachelor's degree complete 36 credit hours of coursework and 36 of dissertation research. The program includes two zero-credit research seminar courses.
What career opportunities are available after graduating from this program?
+
Graduates can pursue roles such as Assistant Professor, Postdoctoral Researcher, Research Scientist, AI/ML Engineer, Data Scientist, and Senior Software or Hardware Engineer, with specialization options in areas like quantum computing and robotics.
Are there any scholarships available for PhD students?
+
Yes, Postgraduate Scholarships are available for outstanding students. More details can be found on the Khalifa University Scholarships page.
How do I apply for the PhD in Computer and Information Engineering?
+
You need to visit the Khalifa University Admissions page, review program-specific requirements, prepare documents like transcripts and recommendation letters, and submit the online application before the deadline.