To open and close this bar, use optionalt+/

Application and Selection Process

The SMSP application and selection process includes several stages. Students submit an application through the online SMSP application system, and each participating university nominates candidates to be considered by the SMSP Selection Committee. Finalists are then invited to participate in Selection Days.

Application Deadline

Applications must be complete and submitted through the SMSP application system by March 1, 2027.

For questions about the application process, please contact your university:

Zayed University
Email: SMSP@zu.ac.ae

United Arab Emirates University
Email: SMSP@uaeu.ac.ae

Higher Colleges of Technology
Email: hct-smsp@hct.ac.ae

Eligibility

To apply to SMSP, students must:

  • Have completed at least four fall/spring semesters by the time the program begins in September. Students may apply during their fourth semester. 
  • Be enrolled at their home university when the program begins in September.
  • Submit a complete application by the application deadline.

Only students nominated by their home university will be reviewed by the SMSP Selection Committee.

What We Look For

SMSP does not have a minimum required GPA or IELTS/TOEFL score. Candidates are expected to:

  • Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a strong record of accomplishment.
  • Have excellent English language skills.
  • Have strong interpersonal skills and be eager to contribute to the cohort.
  • Demonstrate creativity or other talents.
  • Show leadership potential.
  • Be enterprising, adaptable, and willing to take on new experiences.

Selection Process

Application

Students submit a complete application through the SMSP application system by the application deadline.

University Nomination

Each participating university reviews its applications and nominates up to 20 students to move forward in the selection process. Nominations are submitted to SMSP by university representatives.

Finalists Chosen

The SMSP Selection Committee reviews the 60 nominated applications and selects approximately 36 finalists. Finalists are invited to attend Selection Days.

Selection Days

Finalists complete the final stage of the selection process over two separate days, including several interviews, a group exercise, and a writing exercise. The new cohort is announced in the summer.

Program Starts

The new cohort begins the program in September, with classes held approximately every other weekend throughout the academic year.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

  1. Biographical Information
  2. Student/Parent Consent Form
  3. CV or resume
  4. Essays
  5. Academic project
  6. Video
  7. Official academic transcript
  8. Two faculty letters of recommendation

Applications must be complete by the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.