MBZUAI's AI Internship Program Sees Record Applications

Jul 8, 2026

79 min

Jul 8, 2026 15:31

Only 2% made it: MBZUAI attracts thousands in global race for AI research

## Record Applications for AI Research

This summer, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi received over 2,500 applications from undergraduate students worldwide for its prestigious research internship program. Despite the high interest, only 54 students were accepted, marking an acceptance rate of just 2%.

## Global Participation

The selected students hailed from 21 different countries, including top universities such as ETH Zurich, Nanyang Technological University, and the University of Southern California. These students joined active research teams at MBZUAI, working on projects that span various fields like cancer detection, robotics, and deepfake AI.

## Diverse Research Projects

Interns engaged in projects that included analyzing ovarian cancer images, developing humanoid robot movements, and creating medical assistants tailored to regional healthcare needs. One notable project involved improving AI systems to better distinguish real images from AI-generated ones, a task that proved challenging with smaller, compressed images.

## Building Future Researchers

Professor Dezhen Song, Vice Provost at MBZUAI, emphasized the growing trend of undergraduates seeking research experience early in their academic careers. The program not only provides hands-on experience but also helps build a pipeline of future researchers, with many interns continuing their studies or research careers in the UAE.

## Abu Dhabi's AI Ambitions

The internship program is part of Abu Dhabi's broader strategy to become a hub for AI innovation, offering young researchers the chance to gain valuable experience and contribute to significant projects. This initiative aligns with the global demand for skilled AI professionals and underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing AI technologies.

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