UNITED ARAB EMIRATES · SHARJAH
American University of Sharjah
private · Founded 1997 · Languages: en
In short
The American University of Sharjah (AUS) offers American-style degrees in the UAE and is known for its diverse student body and strong faculty. It is accredited by SACSCOC and provides various scholarship opportunities.
Key facts
- Type
- Private
- Founded
- 1997
- Students
- 5,675
- International students
- 5,675
- Acceptance rate
- 85%
- Tuition (intl)
- €69–77k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
The American University of Sharjah (AUS) is an independent, non-profit institution founded in 1997 in the UAE. Offering American-style education across four colleges — Architecture, Arts and Sciences, Business, and Engineering — AUS serves students from over 90 nationalities. It holds QS World Ranking 272 and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Why study here
- American-accredited degrees recognised globally, awarded from a campus in the UAE.
- Exceptional diversity with 90+ student nationalities in one community.
- Strong faculty: over 91% hold terminal degrees from leading world universities.
- Merit scholarships including the President's Scholarship for top academic performers.
- Strategic Gulf location with links to Dubai's finance, technology, and design sectors.
Student life
AUS offers a dynamic student life with 24 sports teams, 67 student clubs and organisations, and active community service programmes. On-campus residential halls provide a safe, amenity-rich environment. Career Advancement Services runs workshops, industry connections with PwC, Citibank, and others, and employability skills training. International students receive dedicated transition support and cultural integration programmes.
Fees
InternationalApplication Fee: AED 400 (undergraduate), AED 450 (graduate). Seat Reservation Deposit (undergraduate): AED 5,000 (non-refundable). Doctoral tuition fees per credit hour: AED 5,480. Total tuition cost for PhD programs ranges from AED 295,920 to AED 328,800. These fees are exclusive of UAE VAT on tuition, dorm charges, and Health Insurance Plan II.
HomeInternational and domestic students pay the same tuition at AUS as there is no separate domestic rate.
LivingOn-campus residential halls fees per semester for continuing students: Private room AED 15,000; Semi-private room AED 11,000; Shared room AED 7,000. Utilities Service Fee: AED 290 (plus 5% VAT). Room Reservation Fee: AED 500 (new applicants). Residential Halls Maintenance Deposit: AED 1,000 (refunded at final departure).
5% UAE VAT applies to certain fees including Activities Fee and Health Insurance Plan I. Tuition for undergraduate programmes is charged per credit hour.
Admissions
Undergraduate Minimum AverageEquivalent of 85% or above in final year of secondary school.
Doctoral Minimum CGPA3.00/4.00 or equivalent for Master's degree holders.
Mandatory Subjects for EngineeringMath and Physics (minimum Grade B).
Mandatory Subjects for BusinessMath (minimum Grade B).
IELTS7.0 (for President's Scholarship applicants)
TOEFL iBT94 (for President's Scholarship applicants)
Rankings
QS World University Rankings272
University scholarships
President's ScholarshipFull tuition
Merit ScholarshipPartial tuition based on academic performance
Accreditation
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); individual programmes hold ABET, AACSB, NAAB, and NASAD accreditation.
Programs
a selectionAmerican University of Sharjah · United Arab Emirates
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Marketing
This program provides a comprehensive understanding of marketing principles within the dynamic global business environment. You will learn how to identify and fulfill customer needs and desires through effective product and service strategies, recognizing that successful marketing is crucial for any organization's success. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing you for careers in fast-paced international commerce. The UAE's prominence in tourism and retail makes it an ideal location to study marketing, equipping you to thrive in this exciting profession.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
American University of Sharjah · United Arab Emirates
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) program at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) is an internationally accredited degree designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills for dynamic careers in the field. The program integrates theoretical learning with practical, hands-on experience, focusing on critical thinking and preparing students for leadership roles in engineering, research, and development. The curriculum emphasizes three core areas: thermofluids and energy systems; mechanical product design and manufacturing; and dynamics, control, and mechatronics. This ensures graduates gain both breadth and depth in their education, preparing them to excel in the workplace. The program also encourages participation in student chapters of professional engineering societies like ASME, SAE, and AIAA, and involves students in a year-long senior design project, often with international competition participation. Graduates are expected to demonstrate strong abilities in problem-solving, design, effective communication, ethical reasoning, teamwork, experimental analysis, and continuous learning, enabling them to adapt to evolving technological landscapes and contribute to sustainable development.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
American University of Sharjah · United Arab Emirates
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at AUS is designed to equip graduates with the skills necessary to thrive in today's global marketplace. It focuses on modern business practices and prepares students for dynamic careers. The program emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of business fundamentals within an international context, fostering effective communication, decision-making, and analytical skills. Graduates will be prepared for leadership roles in both public and private sectors, with an awareness of ethical, social, and environmental responsibilities in business.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
American University of Sharjah · United Arab Emirates
Master of Science in Finance
The Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program is designed to equip you with advanced analytical skills for a successful career in the global financial landscape. It offers rigorous training in finance, providing the quantitative and theoretical expertise needed for analytical roles in the finance sector. The curriculum is aligned with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) body of knowledge, preparing you for the CFA exams. For those considering doctoral studies, the optional thesis track offers relevant research training.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
American University of Sharjah · United Arab Emirates
Master of Science in Machine Learning
The Master of Science in Machine Learning (MSMLR) program at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills for careers in the rapidly evolving field of machine learning (ML) or for further doctoral studies. Machine learning is a critical component of artificial intelligence (AI) and is instrumental in developing innovative technologies across various sectors, from autonomous systems and healthcare to finance and consumer applications. This program emphasizes the development of research and leadership capabilities, fostering a strong understanding of scholarship, teamwork, and professional ethics within a global context. The curriculum is structured to meet high international standards, similar to those followed in the United States, and covers a broad range of advanced topics in ML, big data, deep learning, and related areas. Students will gain the expertise needed to contribute to the UAE's vision of a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation and advanced research.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
American University of Sharjah · United Arab Emirates
PhD in Engineering - Engineering Systems Management
The PhD in Engineering - Engineering Systems Management (PhD-ESM) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) prepares the next generation of academics and industry experts in various fields of Engineering Systems Management. This program focuses on critical research problems of national and global importance in the 21st century, covering areas such as Supply Chain Management, Sustainable Construction Project Management, and Smart Cities Management. Students will work closely with AUS engineering faculty, who are leaders in their respective fields, bringing diverse international academic backgrounds. This collaborative environment, including partnerships with other academic institutions and industrial organizations, fosters cutting-edge research and allows candidates to develop their own research interests. The program is flexible, admitting both part-time and full-time students, with full-time students potentially eligible for competitive graduate assistantships.
PhD
Level
€69k
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for United Arab Emiratesfull fundingAmerican University of Sharjah (AUS)
President's Scholarship at the American University of Sharjah
Open to first-time, first-year students who completed their secondary education outside the UAE and are enrolling at AUS in the fall semester. Applicants must meet high academic thresholds (such as IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL iBT 94 and top grades in their curriculum) and submit a portfolio demonstrating leadership and community contribution.
full
Funding
€60k
Max
Apr 15, 2027
Deadline
full fundingKhalifa University of Science and Technology
Khalifa University Graduate Scholarships
For high-achieving local and international students admitted to a master's or doctoral programme at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi. The scholarship covers full tuition plus a monthly stipend and benefits; admission and funding are assessed together, with intakes in autumn and spring.
full
Funding
€45k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUnited Arab Emirates University (UAEU)
United Arab Emirates University Scholarship
Open to national and international students of all nationalities applying for Master's, PharmD, DBA, or PhD study at United Arab Emirates University in Al Ain for the 2026/2027 academic year. Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or equivalent and demonstrate English language proficiency through a valid IELTS or TOEFL score where required. Required documents include a CV, attested transcripts, a Master's degree transcript for PhD applicants, two letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. There is no application fee.
full
Funding
€30k
Max
Mar 30, 2027
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)
For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.
full
Funding
€3000k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome International Training Fellowships
For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.
full
Funding
€150k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
European Commission - European Research Executive Agency (REA)
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships
Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will have defended their doctoral thesis by the call deadline) and have at most 8 years of full-time-equivalent research experience after the PhD. Applicants apply jointly with a host organisation - a university, research institution, business, SME, or other body based in an EU Member State or a country associated to Horizon Europe. European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to all nationalities for a project inside the EU or an associated country; Global Postdoctoral Fellowships are reserved for EU nationals or long-term residents who carry out a phase in a third country before returning to Europe. Researchers who have been displaced by conflict and those restarting a research career after a break are explicitly encouraged to apply.
full
Funding
€100k
Max
Sep 10, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What accreditations does the American University of Sharjah hold?
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The American University of Sharjah is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Additionally, several of its programs hold accreditations from ABET, AACSB, NAAB, and NASAD.
What are the tuition fees for doctoral programs at AUS?
+
Doctoral tuition fees at AUS are charged per credit hour at AED 5,480. The total tuition cost for PhD programs typically ranges from AED 295,920 to AED 328,800, excluding UAE VAT on tuition.
What is the estimated cost of on-campus accommodation at AUS?
+
On-campus residential hall fees per semester vary by room type, ranging from AED 7,000 for a shared room to AED 15,000 for a private room. These costs are for continuing students and do not include a Utilities Service Fee and a Room Reservation Fee for new applicants.
What are the English proficiency requirements for international students applying to AUS?
+
While specific scores for general admission are not detailed, President's Scholarship applicants need an IELTS score of 7.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 94.
What academic qualifications are needed for undergraduate admission?
+
Undergraduate applicants generally need an average equivalent to 85% or above in their final year of secondary school. Specific mandatory subjects with minimum grades are required for Engineering and Business programs.
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