Abu Dhabi University
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Cost of LivingAED 46,584
- Tuition Fee FromAED 23,760
- Country Rank-
- Batch Strength7,500
- Global Diversity-
- Gender Ratio-
Overview
About
Abu Dhabi University is the largest private university in the United Arab Emirates. Established in 2003, the university has campuses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai and Al Dhafra. The university is the brainchild of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan who began the journey in 2000 with the establishment of the Charter of Abu Dhabi University. Three years and the accreditation of programmes by the UAE Ministry of Education later, the university started its campuses in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi. The campuses in Dubai and the Al Dhafra region were started in 2017-2018.
The university offers over 50 internationally accredited programmes in a variety of disciplines and detailed areas of study under its five colleges at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
- College of Business
- College of Engineering
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Law
- College of Health Sciences
- Academic Programmes for Military Colleges
The College of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences were the first to be conceived. Next came the College of Engineering followed by the College of Law. The university is revered in the United Arab Emirates and the Arab World as well as across the globe. Its founders strive for excellence in teaching, learning and education across all platforms.
Abu Dhabi University boasts extensive accreditation credentials across all its programmes. The institute is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education and the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). The university’s college boasts double accreditation from the EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Only 1% of business schools the world over are awarded this double accreditation. Programmes under the College of Engineering and computing programmes are internationally accredited by ABET (Engineering Accreditation Commission and Computing Accreditation Commission respectively). The university’s architecture programme at the undergraduate level has earned accreditation from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The accounting programme is recognised by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the university also has an agreement with the International Financial Consultants (IFC). The United States of America’s leading human resource professional association, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) professionally certifies the university’s Human Resource Management programme at the postgraduate level.
The university welcomes students from countries all across the globe as well as neighbouring countries from the Arab Region. The Abu Dhabi University acceptance rate is at 75% making the admissions policy not very stringent.
Ranking
QS World University Ranking 2024:
Abu Dhabi University has shown excellence by securing 251–300 spot on the global scale.Over the last few years, Abu Dhabi University has seen a steady rise in ranking numbers by independent ranking bodies, education journals and research publications not only in the country and the Arab Region but also across the world. It is regarded as one of the best universities focused on excellence in education in all aspects as well as professional programmes. The Abu Dhabi University rankings consistently place the university among the top 10 in the country, and the top 20 universities in the Arab World and its rank fluctuates between 700 and 750 in world university rankings.
Owing to its impressive list of international accreditations across all its programmes, the university boasts excellent rankings in terms of course-wise rankings for its courses provided by the College of Business and the College of Engineering.
Year
QS Ranks
US News Ranks
2025
#501
-
2023
#651 - 700
-
2022
#701 - 750
-
Facilities
The university has four campuses across the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai and Al Dhafra. Different programmes under the university’s five colleges are provided at different campuses and the Abu Dhabi University facilities at each campus are world-class and contemporary with cutting-edge provisions, technology and spaces.
The university’s flagship campus is in Khalifa City in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Its Dubai campus is situated in the Dubai Knowledge Park, the Al Ain campus is located in the heart of the city and its latest Al Dhafra campus is located in the AL Dhafra Centre. Some of the university’s facilities across its campuses include state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, food outlets, recreational spaces, on-campus dormitories, staff housing and much more.
Notable Alumni
Courses
Admission
Abu Dhabi University Entry Requirements
The university is known for opening its doors to students hailing from countries from distinct parts of the world. Its entry requirements do not discriminate on the grounds of religion, gender, race, nationality, ethnicity or disability. To land a foot in the university and enrol in any of its programmes, students must meet its eligibility criteria. Some of the Abu Dhabi University entry requirements are overarching and do not depend on what course one chooses to enrol in, while some are specific to the programme the student chooses to pursue at the university. Below listed are the entry requirements for the university’s undergraduate and postgraduate programmes respectively.
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
- Candidate has to submit their completed online application form through the university website.
- The accepted English language proficiency tests include TOEFL, IELTS and English emSAT.
- In case of having enrolled in a foreign curriculum (Private school in the UAE or qualification issued outside the country) for previous education, a relevant equivalency letter issued by the UAE Ministry of Education is to be furnished.
- Previous academic records of Year 12/13 of schooling to be provided.
- A certified copy of the high school certificate is required.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Postgraduate programmes include professional diploma programmes, Master’s programmes and Doctorate programmes.
- A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline is required from a university accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education.
- A minimum CGPA of 2.0 is required on a 4.0 scale.
Abu Dhabi University Fees
University fees are determined by a variety of factors. The primary one is whether a student is classified as a home or international student followed by what course they wish to pursue and at what level. The Abu Dhabi University fees are not classified by course but instead by the College or Department that the course falls under. The tuition fees for undergraduate students vary from those of graduate students. The university fees are determined by the study plan for each student and there is a set amount charged per credit hour. The tuition fees also vary from campus to campus with students incurring varied fees per credit hour at the university’s four different campuses. Undergraduate tuition fees per credit hour range from AED 1100 to AED 1700 depending on the course and campus. Postgraduate tuition fees range from AED 2900 to AED 3700 per credit hour.
Abu Dhabi University Placements
While the university does not have a department catered to careers after graduation and employability services for its graduates, specialists, professionals and counsellors across the university help students find a job suited to their interests, and aptitudes based on their qualifications. Abu Dhabi University placements are known to engage in several career fairs and exhibitions to help students engage with relevant employers across the country as well as the world. Average salaries of students pursuing different profiles after graduation range from AED 87,000 to AED 1,38,000.
Scholarship
Regardless of the programme you are studying, there are several scholarship opportunities provided by Abu Dhabi University as well as other organisations. With so many scholarships available now, overseas students can greatly lower the financial burden of studying in a new country. You can apply for scholarships to study at the university through UniScholars. You can find the following types of scholarships based on your academic performance and financial situation:
- Merit-based scholarships
- Need-based scholarships
- Country-specific scholarships
- College-specific scholarships
- Student-specific scholarships
Finances
Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds in order to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at Abu Dhabi University. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!
Accommodation
There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend Abu Dhabi University. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or in a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.
UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in the United Arab Emirates is on average quite high. While the cost of living in some cities there is exorbitant, Abu Dhabi can be found right in the centre of the scale with living costs neither too high nor too low. For students though, the cost of living in Abu Dhabi tends to be a bit steep considering they are just taking charge of their finances. Below mentioned are the average costs a student might incur while studying at Abu Dhabi University.
|
Particulars |
Expenses (per month) |
|
Off-campus accommodation |
AED 1210 |
|
On-campus accommodation |
AED 2080 |
|
Transportation |
AED 85 |
|
Food |
AED 1860 |
|
Utility |
AED 374 |
|
Entertainment |
AED 238 |
|
Groceries |
AED 374 |
|
Clothes |
AED 262 |
|
Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation |
AED 4318 |
|
Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation |
AED 5188 |