Why Choose Abu Dhabi University?

• #1 in the UAE for Graduate Employability and #191 globally in THE World University Rankings 2025.
• QS World University Rankings 2026: #391 globally, placing ADU among the top universities worldwide.
• 60% international students from 100+ nationalities; ranked 14th globally for international student ratio.
• Recognized with WASC (U.S.), AACSB (Business), ABET (Engineering), RIBA (Architecture) accreditations.
• Awarded a QS 5-Star Rating for teaching, employability, facilities, and internationalization.

University of Abu Dhabi – Study at a Globally Ranked UAE Institution

Abu Dhabi University (ADU), founded in 2003, is one of the UAE’s leading private universities with campuses in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Al Ain. Ranked among the world’s top institutions, ADU offers accredited, English-taught programs to a diverse student body representing 100+ nationalities.

About Abu Dhabi University

• Established in 2003 as one of the UAE’s leading private universities.
• Campuses in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Al Ain, offering over 50 undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
• 7,500+ students representing 100+ nationalities, creating a diverse and global learning environment.
• National accreditation from the UAE’s Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA).
• International recognition including full institutional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (USA), plus program-specific accreditations such as ABET, AACSB, EQUIS, and RIBA.

Global Rankings of Abu Dhabi University

Abu Dhabi University (ADU) is consistently recognized among the world’s top universities for academic excellence, employability, and subject strengths in business, engineering, law, and health sciences.

Key Highlights:

• QS World University Rankings 2026: #391 globally (a jump of 110 places in one year).
• Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025: #191 globally.
• Business & Economics (THE Subject Rankings 2025): Ranked #62 globally and #1 in the UAE.
• Engineering (THE Subject Rankings 2025): Ranked in the 301–400 global band, with strong scores in teaching.
• QS Subjects – Business & Management Studies 2025: Ranked in the 151–200 global band, 1st in the UAE.

Ranking Body / Subject	Global Rank	UAE Standing
QS World University Rankings 2026	#391	5th in UAE
THE World University Rankings 2025	#191	Top 200 worldwide
THE Business & Economics 2025	#62	1st in UAE
THE Engineering 2025	301–400	Among UAE leaders
QS Business & Management 2025	151–200	1st in UAE

Programs and Courses at the Abu Dhabi University

Abu Dhabi University (ADU) offers a diverse portfolio of internationally recognized programs designed to prepare students for success in today’s competitive world. With accreditations from top global bodies and strong industry links, ADU’s degrees combine academic rigor, practical skills, and career relevance.

Program Level	Fields of Study	Key Accreditations / Highlights
Undergraduate	- Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Computer, Electrical, Cybersecurity) - Business (Finance, Management, Marketing, Accounting) - Arts & Social Sciences (International Relations, Psychology, Mass Communication, Education) - Law (Arabic & English tracks) - Health Sciences (Public Health, Biomedical Sciences, Environmental Health & Safety)	- ABET for Engineering - AACSB & EQUIS for Business - RIBA validation for Architecture - CAA (UAE Ministry of Education)
Postgraduate	- MBA - Engineering Masters (AI, Cybersecurity, Project Management, Engineering Management) - Public Health - Information Technology - Education Leadership - Clinical Psychology - Law (Arabic & English)	- APHEA for Public Health - AACSB & EQUIS for Business programs - Global recognition of MBA
Doctoral	- PhD in Education - PhD in Engineering Management - PhD in Intelligent Systems Engineering - PhD in Law	- Research-driven programs - Designed to meet global and regional academic & industry needs
Language of Instruction	- Most programs taught in English - Select Law programs in Arabic	- Accessibility for international students

Eligibility for Admission to Abu Dhabi University

• Applicants must have a recognized high school diploma or equivalent. Certificates issued outside the UAE must be accompanied by an equivalency approval from the UAE Ministry of Education.
• Proof of English language proficiency is required. Accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL, or EmSAT for programs taught in English, with minimum scores varying by program.
• For postgraduate studies, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, usually in a field related to the intended program.
• Certain master’s and doctoral programs may require relevant work experience or a professional background, especially in leadership and management tracks.
• Applicants must submit the required documentation, typically including certified transcripts, diplomas, passport copy, passport-size photo, equivalency letter (if applicable), and proof of English proficiency.
• ADU admits students across Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer intakes, with deadlines listed in the academic calendar.
• Conditional admission may be granted in some cases, such as when English proficiency or subject prerequisites are not fully met. Students may need to complete additional requirements before receiving full admission.

Admission Requirements for Abu Dhabi University

Abu Dhabi University welcomes students from the UAE and over 100 nationalities, with clear entry criteria for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. Admission is based on academic qualifications, proof of English proficiency, and submission of required documents, with multiple intakes available across Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer semesters.

Undergraduate Applicants

• Must hold a recognized high school diploma or equivalent. Certificates issued outside the UAE must have an equivalency letter from the UAE Ministry of Education.
• Proof of English proficiency: minimum IELTS Academic 5.0, or equivalent scores in TOEFL iBT or EmSAT, for English-taught programs.
• Required documents include: certified high school transcripts, attested diplomas/certificates, passport copy, and passport-size photograph.
• A non-refundable application fee must be paid upon submission.
• International applicants may need to complete credential verification with the UAE Ministry of Education.

Postgraduate Applicants

• Must hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education, in a field relevant to the program applied for.
• Proof of English proficiency: typically IELTS 6.0 (Academic) or equivalent, such as TOEFL iBT 79 or EmSAT 1400, for English-medium programs.
• Required documents include: certified copies of degree certificates and transcripts, equivalency letter if degree is from outside the UAE, passport copy, passport-size photograph, and where applicable, a CV, recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose.
• Certain programs, especially in leadership or doctoral tracks, may require relevant work experience.

Application Deadlines and Intakes

• Admissions are offered in Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer semesters.
• Application deadlines vary depending on the intake; applicants should follow the official Academic Calendar for the specific semester.

Tuition Fees & Scholarships at Abu Dhabi University

Abu Dhabi University provides competitive tuition rates along with a wide range of scholarships and financial support to ensure higher education remains accessible for talented students from the UAE and around the world.

Program Level	Approximate Annual Tuition (AED)	Approximate in GBP*
Undergraduate	AED 47,000 – AED 64,500	GBP 9,600 – GBP 13,200
Postgraduate (Master’s)	AED 44,000 – AED 88,200	GBP 9,000 – GBP 18,000

*GBP values are based on average 2025 exchange rates; actual costs depend on currency fluctuations.

Scholarships and Financial Aid at Abu Dhabi University

Abu Dhabi University offers a wide range of scholarships to support talented students and make higher education more accessible. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and special achievements while fostering diversity among the student community.

Main Scholarship Options

• University Scholarship: 15%–50% tuition waiver for high-achieving students based on high school grades. Renewable each year with a minimum GPA requirement.
• H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Scholarship: Comprehensive support for outstanding UAE-educated students, covering tuition, registration, and student fees.
• Merit-Based Graduate Scholarship: Tuition reductions for postgraduate students with strong academic records.
• Athletic Scholarship: Partial tuition support for students who demonstrate excellence in sports.
• Family Tuition Waiver: Discounts available for families with multiple students enrolled at ADU.

Scholarship Application Process

• Submit an admission application.
• Indicate interest in applying for a scholarship.
• Provide required documents (academic transcripts, achievements, or supporting evidence depending on scholarship type).
• Applications are reviewed by the university’s scholarship committee.
• Successful applicants are notified along with their admission decision.

Payment Flexibility

• Tuition is billed per credit hour, depending on the program and College.
• Students can use installment plans and approved financial arrangements.
• Additional one-time fees may apply, such as application, registration, and service fees.
• Maintaining full-time enrollment (usually 12 credit hours per semester) may be required to retain some scholarships.

Campus and Student Life at Abu Dhabi University

• Campuses: ADU has campuses in Abu Dhabi (main campus), Dubai, and Al Ain, providing easy access for students across the UAE.
• Modern Facilities: Students enjoy state-of-the-art laboratories, advanced libraries, innovation hubs, and fully equipped sports complexes that support both academic and recreational needs.
• Student Community: A wide variety of clubs, cultural associations, and campus events foster leadership skills, networking, and a vibrant multicultural experience.
• Accommodation: ADU offers on-campus housing with separate residences for male and female students, featuring multiple room types, study lounges, gyms, and dining services.
• International Diversity: With students from 100+ nationalities, ADU provides a truly global environment, enriching both academic and social life.

Why Choose Abu Dhabi University?

• Ranked #1 in the UAE for graduate employability, #2 in the GCC, and #3 in the Arab region in global employability rankings.
• Offers a wide range of English-taught undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields such as Engineering, Business, Law, Health Sciences, and Arts & Social Sciences.
• Business programs accredited by both AACSB and EQUIS, placing ADU among the top business schools worldwide.
• Degrees backed by internationally recognized accreditations (including WASC, ABET, RIBA, and APHEA), ensuring global recognition.
• Strong industry connections and career services that enhance employability and open pathways to global career opportunities.

*Need assistance to study in UAE? Y-Axis is here to assist you in all the ways.

Acceptance Rate of Abu Dhabi University

Abu Dhabi University maintains a moderately selective admissions policy, ensuring access for qualified students while upholding strong academic standards. Applicants who meet the required criteria — including a recognized high school diploma or bachelor’s degree, proof of English language proficiency, and submission of attested documents — have strong chances of admission.

With students from over 100 nationalities, ADU reflects a commitment to diversity and inclusivity, making it an attractive choice for international students seeking quality education in the UAE.

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

• Admission Counselling: Guidance on course selection, document preparation, and meeting application deadlines.
• Visa Support: Step-by-step assistance with UAE student visa requirements, documentation, and approvals.
• Scholarship Guidance: Help in identifying eligible scholarships and preparing strong applications to maximize funding opportunities.
• Career & Post-Study Advice: Expert support on internships, job opportunities in the UAE and GCC, and pathways to long-term career growth.