Industry Partners Internship Guide 2025-2026

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Industry Partners
Internship Guide
mbzuai.ac.ae 2025-2026

Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence
3
Contents
About MBZUAI ............................................................................. 5
Vision, mission and strategic objectives ................................ 6
Benefits of the MBZUAI internship for
the host organization ................................................................ 8
Internship agreement ............................................................... 8
General guidelines ..................................................................... 8
Length and focus ........................................................................ 9
Expectations of the host organization .................................... 10
Role of the Internship Supervisor
at the host organization ............................................................ 11
Internship workflow
for the MBZUAI Student Careers Portal .................................. 12
Student’s course learning outcomes
for the MBZUAI internship (M.Sc.) ............................................ 14
Student’s program specific learning outcomes
for the MBZUAI M.Sc. internship .............................................. 15
Student’s course learning outcomes
for the MBZUAI internship (Ph.D.) ............................................. 16
Student’s program specific learning outcomes
for the MBZUAI Ph.D. internship .............................................. 17
MBZUAI Internship Agreement Form ....................................... 18

The University, in addition to its academic offerings,
will have a direct and indirect impact on AI
advancement in the UAE in multiple ways including,
but not limited to:
• Attracting international talent (faculty, students,
and research staff) and establishing Abu Dhabi as
a global hub of AI innovation and excellence
• Creating an active AI community and engaging in
AI research and publications
• Hosting global AI conferences that attract AI
experts to the UAE and the region
• Supporting the development of AI technology and
AI related startups
• Supporting governments and businesses by
providing AI consulting services and AI solutions/
applications
• Conducting training and workshops in various AI
fields for government entities and businesses
MBZUAI currently offers Ph.D. and M.Sc. programs
in five AI specializations: machine learning (ML),
computer vision (CV), natural language processing
(NLP), robotics (ROB), and computer science (CS).
The University also offers M.Sc. programs in Statistics
& Data Science and Applied Artificial Intelligence.
The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial
Intelligence (MBZUAI) was established in the
Emirate of Abu Dhabi, with a clear mission to
drive AI knowledge creation and development,
foster economic and social growth, and
position the UAE as a hub for the international
AI community.
About MBZUAI
POWER FROM
KNOWLEDGE
TO SERVE
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Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence
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Industry Partners Internship Guide
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Vision
Drive excellence in knowledge creation, transfer and use of AI to
foster economic growth and position Abu Dhabi as a hub for the
international AI community.
Mission
Establish and continually evolve interdisciplinary, collaborative
research and development capability in the field of AI, while
educating students to be innovators and leaders with the breadth
and depth to grow technology and enterprise in the UAE and globally.
Strategic objectives
As a unique institution, purpose built to lead the world in AI research,
MBZUAI seeks to be a paradise for transformative research; a cradle
for the best minds in computer science; and a hub for startups and
high-tech innovation.
Its strategic objectives are:
• Attract the best talent focused on AI
• Develop, train, and retain talent for the UAE economy
• Lead Abu Dhabi’s efforts to build and sustain an AI- based
knowledge economy
• Develop real business applications in collaboration with
industry and the public sector to enhance innovation,
productivity, and growth
• Be the birthplace for high-tech innovation and AI
startups in the UAE and the MENA region.
Vision, mission and
strategic objectives
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Industry Partners Internship Guide
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• For M.Sc. students, the internship
should be six weeks in length and
align with the working hours of
your organization. The internship
does not have to directly align with
the student’s research at MBZUAI.
• For Ph.D. students, the internship
should be three months in length.
Hours should align with the
working hours of your organization.
• Industry partners should publish,
when possible, all internship
opportunities to students via the
MBZUAI Student Careers Portal.
• MBZUAI students have the
functionality to add the
internship opportunity to the
MBZUAI Student Careers Portal
independently. The student will
then meet with their MBZUAI
Supervisor to discuss the
internship and gain their approval.
• The student will record their weekly
hours and weekly tasks using the
MBZUAI Student Careers Portal.
Industry Partners will receive
a notification to approve the
submitted hours via the MBZUAI
Student Careers Portal.
• Industry partners should provide
formal feedback of the student’s
performance at the end of the
internship by completing the
Internship Evaluation Form via the
MBZUAI Careers Portal (this can
also be shared via external link
if necessary).
• The Career Services and
Internships team shall be the
organization’s point of contact
regarding any issues which may
develop during the internship.
• Students are responsible for
reporting any periods of sickness
during the internship to the
Internship Supervisor at the
host organization.
• Ph.D internships are encouraged
upon the completion of the
second or third year of studies.
The majority of PhD internships
should be conducted between
mid-May to mid-August
Internships outside of this
period, shall be considered on a
case-by-case basis and require
internal approval.
• M.Sc. internships should be
conducted between mid-May to
mid-August, the summer after
the first year of the master’s
program. Priority is to MBZUAI
commitments, therefore
requests for second internships
are highly unlikely to receive
internal approval.
Benefits of the MBZUAI internship for
the host organization
• It enables you as the host organization to form a relationship with the
student prior to graduation, with the possibility of full-time employment
upon completion of studies.
• Alignment of future recruitment needs with an appropriate candidate pool.
• Development of AI related projects within the organization.
• Implementing MBZUAI student knowledge in business operations.
Internship agreement
Prior to student placements, the agreement shall be shared with you to sign and
indicate dates including the agreement’s renewal date. This is a signed agreement
by you as the host organization and MBZUAI. The document outlines the
expectations of all parties.
General guidelines
At least one (1) internship is mandatory for M.Sc. and Ph.D. students as a
graduation requirement.
Conducted primarily during the summer months (Mid May - Mid August).
Upon offering the internship, the student shall be asked to add the
opportunity to the MBZUAI Careers Portal. Upon your approval, you will
be prompted to add a specific internship description, demonstrating
how the MBZUAI learning outcomes shall be met.
Length and focus
Partner Internship Guide
Employer Internship Description *
Employer Signature*
Please click here to download and review the Industry Partners Internship guide and then
provide your signature below
The internship is intended to provide the student with hands-on
experience in artificial intelligence and an extension of classroom
learning and the student’s research (or proposed research).
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Expectations of the host organization
Confirmation of the appropriate internship dates in line with the
student’s academic commitments/needs (during the summer months).
Regular formal and on-the-job feedback to the intern by an
experienced supervisor.
That there are resources, equipment and facilities that support the
learning objectives/goals of the internship.
Induction and clear guidelines on health and safety procedures.
The provision of an appropriate work visa for the intern if applicable.
To seek MBZUAI approval prior to using the MBZUAI name and logo on
marketing or publicity material.
During the internship period to supervise the students/each student
for the mutually agreed number of hours and weeks.
The right to modify planned tasks and projects during the internship
period, as may be required by changes in circumstances. However,
the host organization should make every reasonable effort to ensure
that the student is placed in a similar position and receives access to
appropriate training and guidance.
Inform the student of his/her responsibilities regarding the
requirements pertaining to the internship (if overseas, this may relate
to transportation, accommodation, daily expenses).
Should the organization become dissatisfied with the student’s
performance, they should notify the Career Services and Internships
team before performing necessary disciplinary procedures.
For a global internship placement, we may require the organization to
submit additional documentation prior to the start of the internship
to ensure the health and safety of MBZUAI students (i.e. a copy of the
company license / information such as company website and LinkedIn
account).
The host organization shall be responsible for financially funding the
international internship, including visa requirements, health insurance,
flights (and other travel-related expenses), accommodation and a
daily stipend.
• Orient the student to the work
environment and establish a
schedule of work activities.
• Present the student to the
organization’s staff as a co-worker
in a manner which ensures the
student’s professional status.
• Provide the student with
meaningful work experience
throughout the period of the
internship as outlined in the
Learning Outcomes shared
by the Careers Services and
Internships team.
• Conduct with the student periodic
evaluation sessions to assess
the student’s performance and
progress, to review the projected
work scheduled to discuss matters
of concern.
• Notify the Career Services and
Internships team immediately
of any problems arising out of
association with, or supervision of
the student.
• Approve the weekly hours/
summary of tasks provided by the
student via the MBZUAI Student
Careers Portal and record any
sick leave. Discuss with the intern
the possibility of extending the
internship period (at the end of the
internship), to make up any time
missed due to sick leave. Please
note this must also be approved with
the MBZUAI Supervisor and Career
Services andInternship team.
• The Evaluation Form should be
completed within one month of the
student completing the internship.
Role of the Internship Supervisor
at the host organization
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Internship workflow
for the MBZUAI Student Careers Portal
Opportunity
posted on the
MBZUAI Student
Careers Portal.
Student
accepts/
rejects.
Student
meets
MBZUAI
Supervisor.
Opportunity
approved by MBZUAI
Career Services and
Internships team.
Industry
partner offers
position.
The internship is approved
by Industry Partner, the
MBZUAI Supervisor, and
MBZUAI Career Services and
Internships team (all of whom
shall receive a notification
from the MBZUAI Student
Careers Portal).
Industry Partner
evaluates the
internship
experience using a
survey available on
the MBZUAI Student
Careers Portal.
MBZUAI Supervisor
evaluates the
internship
experience via
submission of a
student report and
presentation.
Eligible
students
apply.
Industry partner signs
the MBZUAI Internship
Agreement and
reviews candidates.
Industry Partner adds
specific internship
description to
demonstrate how
learning outcomes shall
be met, and that the
student has a copy.
Student tracks hours
and lists tasks on
a weekly basis on
the MBZUAI Student
Careers Portal
Contact: Careerservices@mbzuai.ac.ae
M.Sc. 6 weeks
Ph.D. 3 months
Max 20 hrs/week for
term internships
with approval
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Student’s program specific learning outcomes
for the MBZUAI M.Sc. internship
Specific learning objectives for
machine learning
• Solve practical machine learning
problems and articulate the
solution in layman’s language.
• Identify the impact of machine
learning techniques on the domain
of interest or human society.
Specific learning objectives for
computer vision
• Demonstrate both theoretical and
technical skills regarding state-of-
the-art computer vision algorithms.
• Collaborate with stakeholders
related to computer vision (either
internal or external), along with
sharing relevant findings.
• Apply critical thinking skills and
present a computer vision research
problem solution clearly and
compellingly (in both verbal and
written form).
Specific learning objectives for
natural language processing
• Develop advanced skills in text
processing.
• Critically analyze and evaluate
various models for NLP.
• Apply statistical models to solve a
practical text processing problem.
Specific learning objectives for
robotics
• Identify practical problems
connected to robotics in industry.
• Apply industrial experience to
develop robotics solutions for
practical problems.
Specific learning objectives for
computer science
• Apply mathematical techniques
and/or statistical methods
in analyzing and improving
algorithms.
• Exercise computational thinking
toward the construction of a
product/service.
• Collaborate with stakeholders in
prototyping a product/service
that meets user needs and
expectations.
Specific Learning Outcomes
Statistics and Data Science
(master’s)
• Analyze and apply datasets with
supervised learning methods
for functional approximation,
classification, and forecasting and
unsupervised learning methods
for dimensionality reduction and
clustering.
• Investigate research questions
and designs by loading, extracting,
transforming, and analyzing data
from various sources.
Specific Learning Outcomes
Master in Applied Artificial
Intelligence
• Apply industrial experience to
develop artificial Intelligence
solutions for practical problems.
• Identify opportunities to apply
artificial intelligence to improve
organizational processes.
• Critically evaluate societal,
economic and human related
impacts of artificial intelligence
application.
Interpersonal skills / work ethic
Demonstrate ethical conduct in the workplace and life
Ability to learn
Reflect, acquire and apply new knowledge.
Professional development
Reflect on professional development, both now and for
the future.
Collaboration and teamwork
Function effectively in a team to create a collaborative
environment.
Student’s course learning outcomes
for the MBZUAI M.Sc. internship
Business / professional skills
Describe solutions and recommend strategies that meet
the business needs of the host organization to improve and
enhance business processes and operations.
Technical skills
Describe and apply technical skills in a wide range of
professional settings.
Communication
Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills
in a variety of work situations.
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Student’s program
specific learning
outcomes
for the MBZUAI
Ph.D. internship
Specific learning objectives for
machine learning
• Analyze practical machine learning
problems and apply the proposed
solution.
• Assess and reflect on the impact
of machine learning techniques
on domain on interest or human
society.
Specific learning objectives for
computer vision
• Apply research skills regarding
state-of-the-art computer vision
algorithms.
• Discuss and share relevant
computer vision research
findings with internal and external
stakeholders.
• Reflect critically on computer
vision research problems.
• Articulate and justify research
findings in the research project.
Specific learning objectives for
natural language processing
• Apply advanced skills in text
processing.
• Apply various models for NLP
findings in the research project.
• Generate solutions to a practical
text processing problem in the
research project.
Specific learning objectives for
robotics
• Analyze practical challenges
connected to robotics in industry.
• Formulate research findings to
develop robotics solutions for
practical problems.
Specific learning objectives for
computer science
• Analyze and improve mathematical
and/ or statistical algorithms.
• Apply computational thinking
towards the construction of a
product/service.
• Discuss with and justify research
findings to stakeholders and
prototype a product/service
that meets user needs and
expectations.
Student’s course learning outcomes
Analyze organizational business needs and
recommend (ML, CV, NLP, Robotics, CS based) solutions
to the host organization.
for the MBZUAI Ph.D. internship
Implement (ML, CV, NLP, Robotics, CS based) solutions and
improvements to the host organization.
Identify limitations, challenges and constraints
of the host organization.
Apply (ML, CV, NLP, Robotics, CS) technical skills to solve
complex organizational issues.
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MBZUAI Internship Agreement Form
Please find below the link to the
MBZUAI Internship Agreement Form.
This document outlines the essential
internship requirements, including duration
and targeted learning outcomes.
DOWNLOAD
the MBZUAI Internship
Agreement Form
Process:
Partner Organization Signature:
A representative from your organization
should review and sign the form.
Submission to MBZUAI:
Email the signed form to
Careerservices@mbzuai.ac.ae.
MBZUAI Sign-Off:
The form will be signed by MBZUAI’s Director
of Educational Affairs and returned to you via
email for your records.
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Published by:
Mohamed bin Zayed University
of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)
Masdar City
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
mbzuai.ac.ae
© Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence