The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), located in Abu Dhabi, has made headlines as the world's first institution solely focused on artificial intelligence. Established in 2019, MBZUAI has quickly risen to prominence, currently ranking 10th globally according to CSRankings. A significant milestone was reached on September 26, 2025, when the university awarded a PhD to Sam Altman, the founder of OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT.
As a current student at MBZUAI, I have completed my first semester and can attest to the vibrant and innovative environment that the university fosters. Over the past few months, I have encountered numerous opportunities and engaged with incredible individuals, all while gaining a new perspective on my career and personal growth in an international setting.
This article aims to capture my experiences and insights, serving as a guide for prospective students considering studying abroad. It will also enrich the understanding of those interested in education, artificial intelligence, and international living. As the first article about MBZUAI in the English-speaking world, I plan to unveil new insights and facts that have not been widely shared before.
The university currently hosts around 700 students from 49 different nationalities, including students from Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, China, India, the USA, and the UK. Interestingly, there are more students from Kazakhstan than from Russia, highlighting the stronger culture of studying abroad in Kazakhstan compared to Russia. While approximately 20 Russian students are enrolled across various programs, it is worth noting that many students do not enter the master's program directly after completing their undergraduate studies. Some gain work experience or take a gap year before returning to academia, while others secure research positions that lead to recommendations for admission.
MBZUAI has recently launched its undergraduate program, offering degrees in Artificial Intelligence with specializations in Business and Engineering. The caliber of incoming students is impressive, with many being medalists in national competitions and founders of successful projects. The competition for spots is intense, particularly with the university's interest in attracting talented individuals from Russia, despite the current political climate complicating recruitment efforts.
The master's programs at MBZUAI span two years, while the PhD programs last at least three years. Students can choose from a range of disciplines, including Computational Biology, Computer Science, Machine Learning, Robotics, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, and Statistics and Data Science. The student-to-faculty ratio is favorable, allowing for personalized guidance from professors, particularly in the Natural Language Processing department, which boasts over 15 faculty members.
In conclusion, MBZUAI represents a significant opportunity for those interested in artificial intelligence and related fields, setting a new standard in education and research. This growing institution is likely to influence the market and attract competitors aiming to elevate their AI programs to meet similar benchmarks.
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