MBZUAI UGRIP 2025 Ends: AI Internship Welcomes 57 Students

Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office 

The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi has successfully finished the 2025 edition of its special internship program called the Undergraduate Research Internship Program (UGRIP). This year, the program became its biggest and most diverse so far, making it a proud moment for the university.

What is UGRIP?

UGRIP is a four-week fully funded internship offered every year by MBZUAI. It is held at their campus in Abu Dhabi. The program gives talented undergraduate students from around the world a chance to work on real research in Artificial Intelligence (AI). It is designed for students who are either in their final year or second-last year of their undergraduate studies.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

Who Participated This Year?

In the 2025 edition, 57 top-performing undergraduate students were selected from 24 different countries. These students came from some of the best universities around the world. The list includes famous institutions such as:

• Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in India

• Georgia Institute of Technology in the USA

• University of Maryland, College Park in the USA

• University of Campinas in Brazil

• Monterrey Institute of Technology in Mexico

• Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan

This shows how UGRIP attracts bright minds from all parts of the world.

Why is This Internship Special?

During the internship, students worked alongside world-famous professors and researchers. They took part in advanced AI research projects that can bring positive changes to the real world. The projects this year covered different fields like:

• Machine Learning (ML)

• Computer Vision (CV)

• Robotics

• Natural Language Processing (NLP)

• Core Computer Science topics

Words from MBZUAI’s Provost

Professor Timothy Baldwin, who is the Provost and Professor of Natural Language Processing at MBZUAI, said: “UGRIP is very important for us. It helps us open AI education and research to the brightest students across the world, no matter where they come from.”

He added that this year broke records in terms of the number of applications and its selectivity, making it one of the most competitive AI research internships for undergraduates globally.

How Competitive Was UGRIP 2025?

This year, MBZUAI received nearly 2,000 applications for UGRIP 2025. This number was 91% higher than the number of applications received last year. However, only 4% of applicants were selected. This means it is not only popular but also highly competitive.

Professor Baldwin further explained that these numbers show how talented students worldwide are becoming interested in AI research. He said that MBZUAI and Abu Dhabi are becoming popular choices for students who want to build their careers in AI.

Beyond Research: Cultural Experience

The UGRIP program was not just about research. Students also got a chance to experience the unique culture of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They saw how AI is growing rapidly in the country and learned about the UAE’s traditions and lifestyle.

Who Was Selected for the Program?

Students were selected based on:

• Academic excellence (good grades)

• Research potential (ability to do good research)

• Passion for AI (strong interest in AI)

Most of the selected students came from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields such as:

• Computer Science

• Computer Engineering

• Mathematics

• Data Science

• Biotechnology

• Software Engineering

The countries that had the most students in UGRIP 2025 were:

• Egypt

• United States

• Russia

• India

• Kazakhstan

What Research Projects Did Students Work On?

Interns worked on important projects under the guidance of MBZUAI’s professors. Some of these projects included:

1. Brain Tumour Detection Models: Students worked on creating AI models that can help doctors detect brain tumours quickly and accurately.

2. Automated Media Bias Detection System: They designed a system to check if news articles are written in a biased way.

3. Interactive Music Generation Systems: Some interns created AI systems that can make music interactively, opening doors to new music technologies.

4. Machine Translation for Dialectal Arabic: Students worked on translating different Arabic dialects using AI, which can be useful in making communication easier.

5. Brain-Machine Interface Frameworks: Interns worked on creating early frameworks that can connect the human brain directly to machines, which is a futuristic field of AI research.

These projects show the variety and depth of research happening at MBZUAI. Students got a chance to work in teams, learn from experts, and contribute to real, original research work.

What’s Next? Applications for UGRIP 2026

MBZUAI has announced that applications for UGRIP 2026 will open in January next year. The university invites undergraduate students who are:

• In their final or second-last year of study

• From STEM-related fields

• Having a CGPA of 3.5 or above (or equivalent grades)

Students who get selected will have a chance to be part of world-class AI research and also experience life in the UAE.

How to Apply for UGRIP 2026?

Interested students can visit www.mbzuai.ac.ae/ugrip for more information and to apply when applications open.

Why is This Program Important?

AI is changing the world fast, and programs like UGRIP help students to:

• Learn from experts

• Work on meaningful research

• Meet talented peers from different countries

• Build confidence and skills for future careers

MBZUAI aims to prepare the next generation of AI leaders through such initiatives. As AI continues to grow, programs like UGRIP will play a big role in shaping future innovations.