Internships

Internships provide graduate students with the opportunity to undertake research or professional activities at an academic institution, research center, government entity, industry partner, or other approved organization that offers expertise, facilities, or specialized capabilities relevant to the student's field of study. Such experiences complement the student's research conducted at Khalifa University by providing access to advanced research environments, specialized infrastructure, unique datasets, experimental facilities, and real-world applications that may not be available at the University.

Internships form an important component of graduate research training by enabling students to broaden their technical expertise, strengthen their research and professional competencies, and gain practical experience in applying advanced knowledge to address scientific, engineering, technological, or industrial challenges. They also provide opportunities to establish collaborative relationships with external researchers, industry professionals, and prospective employers, while fostering interdisciplinary research and knowledge exchange.

Through internships, students enhance their understanding of research translation, innovation, entrepreneurship, technology commercialization, and professional practice, while developing the communication, leadership, and collaborative skills expected of graduates of leading research-intensive universities. Internships also enable students to represent Khalifa University and strengthen the University's engagement with national and international academic, government, and industry partners.

Students may be considered for an internship if they demonstrate strong academic performance, the ability to undertake independent research, and that their thesis or dissertation research would benefit from external collaboration. An internship may be approved only upon the recommendation of the Main Advisor, endorsement by the Department Chair (or designee) and the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies of the relevant College, and final approval by the Associate Provost for Academic Operations.

Internship Guidelines

All registered graduate students may apply for an internship during their studies at Khalifa University. Participation in an internship is optional and subject to University approval. The following guidelines apply:

General Guidelines

Students must be in Good Academic Standing to be eligible to apply for an internship.
Students must consult their Main Advisor before applying for an internship.
All internship requests shall be recommended by the Main Advisor, the Department Chair (or designee), and the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies of the relevant College, and approved by the Associate Provost for Academic Operations.
An internship should normally be undertaken during the Summer Term for a period not exceeding three (3) months, provided that it does not interfere with the student's academic studies, research activities, or teaching responsibilities.
An internship for a full regular semester (Fall or Spring), or for a longer period, may be approved only in exceptional circumstances and upon demonstration of a strong academic justification.
Students shall not enter into any agreement or commitment with a host organization until the internship has been formally approved by Khalifa University. The approval process includes the review of all agreements and supporting documentation.
Students shall not simultaneously hold paid employment with Khalifa University or any other organization during the approved internship period unless specifically authorized by the University.
Students receiving financial sponsorship from Khalifa University shall continue to receive their sponsorship during an approved internship, provided that the host organization does not provide financial support.
Students may receive financial support from the host organization, subject to University approval. The continuation of Khalifa University sponsorship shall be governed by the University's sponsorship regulations.
Students shall not be eligible to receive a per diem or any additional allowance from Khalifa University during the internship period.
Participation in an internship shall not extend the duration of the student's sponsorship or the maximum period of study.
An approved internship shall not appear on the student's official academic transcript.

Before the Internship

Before commencing an internship, the student shall:

·obtain a formal invitation or acceptance letter from the host organization specifying the duration of the internship, the nature of the work to be undertaken, and any financial support or benefits to be provided;
submit a completed Internship Application Form and all supporting documentation, and obtain the required University approvals before commencing the internship;
for a research-based internship, submit a description of the proposed scope of work, planned activities, and expected outcomes. The Main Advisor shall provide a letter of support describing how the internship will contribute to and enhance the student's thesis or dissertation research; and
upon approval of a research-based internship, register for the appropriate thesis or dissertation research credits for the relevant semester (Fall, Spring, or Summer). Where applicable, the student shall also submit a Duty Travel Request (DTR) before commencing the internship.

During the Internship

During the internship, the student shall:

maintain regular communication with the Main Advisor and provide periodic updates on the progress of the internship;
maintain a record of the work undertaken during the internship to support the preparation of the final internship report;
conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner, comply with the policies and regulations of the host organization, and represent Khalifa University in a professional manner; and
for a research-based internship, maintain regular communication with the Main Advisor and the host organization supervisor to ensure appropriate oversight of the student's research activities.

After the Internship

Upon completion of the internship, the student shall:

submit a comprehensive internship report to the Graduate Studies Office, endorsed by the student's supervisor at the host organization and the Main Advisor, describing the activities undertaken, the outcomes achieved, and the contribution of the internship to the student's thesis or dissertation research, where applicable; and
for a research-based internship, the Main Advisor shall consider the outcomes of the internship as part of the student's research progress evaluation for the relevant semester.

Types of Internships

Research-Based

A research-based internship provides students with the opportunity to undertake research at an academic institution, research center, government laboratory, or other approved research organization. The internship shall be directly related to the student's thesis or dissertation research and provide access to specialized expertise, facilities, resources, or collaborative opportunities that enhance the student's research at Khalifa University. The Main Advisor shall monitor the student's research progress throughout the internship.

Industry-Based

An industry-based internship provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in an industrial, governmental, or professional environment relevant to their field of study. The internship may support the student's thesis or dissertation research through activities such as data collection, case studies, technology development, validation of research outcomes, or other professionally relevant activities.

Internship Application Procedure

The Graduate Studies Office (GSO) administers the internship application and approval process for graduate students. Internship opportunities may be undertaken with Khalifa University's partner institutions, government entities, industry organizations, or other approved academic and research institutions in the UAE or internationally. Applications shall be evaluated based on the student's academic merit, the quality and academic justification of the proposed internship, and its expected contribution to the student's program of study and, where applicable, thesis or dissertation research.