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Last modified: 2026-09-30

# American University of Sharjah (AUS): Admission, Fees and Scholarships

American University of Sharjah (AUS) is a private, non-profit university built on the American liberal-arts model in Sharjah's University City. It is licensed and accredited in the UAE and institutionally accredited in the United States by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and it ranks 258th in the QS World University Rankings 2027. Most applicants need about 85% in their final school year (4.0 for the Russian system), IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80, and a UAE Ministry of Education equivalency certificate. Bachelor's tuition for 2026/27 is a flat $30,190 (AED 110,876) a year in every major, and applications for Fall 2027 open on 19 October 2026.

The main building of the American University of Sharjah with the fountain in front. Photo: Gureni / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:American_University_of_Sharjah_(15).jpg), [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

| At a glance | 2026/27 academic year |
| --- | --- |
| Type | Private non-profit university founded in 1997 by the Ruler of Sharjah |
| Location | University City, Sharjah |
| Rankings | QS World University Rankings 2027: 258th; QS Arab Region 2026: 9th; Group 1 in the UAE national classification of universities |
| Accreditation | CAA licence and program accreditation (UAE); MSCHE institutional accreditation (US) since 2004; ABET, NAAB and AACSB for specific units |
| Programs | 33 majors and 49 minors at bachelor's level, over 20 master's degrees, 8 PhD programs |
| Bachelor's tuition | $30,190 (AED 110,876) a year at 12–16 credits per semester |
| Graduate tuition | $1,490 (AED 5,480) per credit; $1,190 (AED 4,371) for master's in the College of Arts and Sciences |
| Application fee | $110 (AED 400 + 5% VAT) for bachelor's; $130 (AED 450 + VAT) for master's |
| Fall 2027 intake | Opens 19 October 2026; early file completion by 5 July 2027 |

## Who AUS is for {#section-1}

AUS suits students who want a US-style degree — general education in the early years, a declared major, minors and credit-based progression — with accreditation that counts both in the UAE and in the United States. Its strongest draws are engineering, architecture, business and media. The Bachelor of Architecture was the first program outside North America accredited by the NAAB, and the School of Business Administration holds AACSB accreditation.

If price is the deciding factor, compare the public [Khalifa University](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-khalifa), which charges less per credit but has no business or design majors. Applicants below the grade threshold may find a foundation route at a Dubai branch campus such as [Middlesex University Dubai](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-middlesex-dubai) more realistic. For a US-model alternative inside Dubai, see [American University in Dubai](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-american-university-in-dubai), and for the full landscape, [universities in the UAE](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-the-uae) or the country page [study in the UAE](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-united-arab-emirates).

## Colleges and majors {#section-2}

- Architecture, art and design: architecture and interior design; graphic design; design management; film and new media design.
- Arts and sciences: psychology, physics and mathematics; biology; chemistry and biochemistry; data science; environmental sciences and sustainability; media communication; international studies; English language and literature.
- Engineering: civil, computer, electrical, mechanical and industrial engineering; chemical as well as chemical and biological engineering; mechatronics and intelligent systems; computer science; digital construction engineering and management.
- Business: marketing, management, finance, economics and accounting; information systems and business analytics; supply chain management.

The Achievement Academy runs the English Bridge Program for admitted students who have not yet reached the required English level.

## Undergraduate entry requirements {#section-3}

### Grades and subjects

AUS uses 85% in the final school year, or in the best two of the last three years, as its general guideline, and it is higher for competitive majors. It also publishes system-specific benchmarks: SAT Math 450+ for American diploma holders, 65% for CBSE and Pakistani boards, 13 for the French Baccalaureate, a full IB Diploma with 24 points, 3.0 in the German Abitur and 4.0 in the final year (or best two years) for the Russian curriculum, subject to the UAE equivalency.

| Intended major | Required subjects (grade B or equivalent) | Timing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Engineering, data science | Mathematics and physics | Maths in the last three school years; physics by Grade 11 at the latest, ideally Grade 12 |
| Business | Mathematics | In the last three school years |
| Sciences, computer science | Mathematics and a science | Science by Grade 11 at the latest |
| Architecture, interior design | Mathematics and a science | Maths in the last three school years; science by Grade 11 at the latest |

How your national grades translate into a "B" is decided by the admissions office, so aim for top marks in the subjects your major depends on.

### English

Full admission requires IELTS Academic 6.5, TOEFL iBT 80 (4.5 on the new scale) or TOEFL ITP 550, with scores valid for two calendar years. IELTS Indicator, TOEFL iBT Home Edition and Linguaskill are not accepted. Students below the threshold can be placed in the English Bridge Program at $9,810 (AED 36,012) per semester.

### Documents and attestation

Apply online at apply.aus.edu and upload:

- secondary school certificate and grade reports for the last three years;
- a Letter of Good Conduct from your school, on letterhead, signed and stamped;
- the UAE Ministry of Education Certificate of Equivalency;
- passport scan and a photo on a white background;
- IELTS or TOEFL score report.

Unattested scans are enough to start, but attested originals are required before enrolment. For schooling outside the UAE, AUS asks for attestation by the education authority, the ministry of foreign affairs of the country of study and the UAE embassy there, or — if your country allows it — by that country's embassy in the UAE followed by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The equivalency application goes online on the Ministry of Education website at least two months before classes; AUS plays no part in the decision, and students still waiting can register under a conditional admission contract.

## Admission timeline {#section-4}

| Term | Applications | Early file completion | Classes start |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Spring 2027 | 19 October to 24 December 2026 | 21 December 2026 | 11 January 2027 |
| Summer 2027 | 18 January to 13 May 2027 | 3 May 2027 | 31 May 2027 |
| Fall 2027 | From 19 October 2026 | 5 July 2027 | 23 August 2027 |

AUS labels the dates tentative and asks applicants to apply well before the deadline because of application volume, especially for high-demand majors.

## Scholarships and grants {#section-5}

New students can combine a financial grant, a merit scholarship and the family tuition grant, but together these cover at most 55% of tuition and fees. Two full scholarships sit outside that cap: the Chancellor's Scholarship for UAE school graduates and the President's Scholarship below.

| Award | Eligibility | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| President's Scholarship | Applicants who completed secondary school outside the UAE; fall intake only | 100% of tuition and lab fees, monthly stipend, on-campus housing, three round-trip tickets, medical insurance |
| Merit Scholarship | 95%+ average in Grades 10 and 11 (Grade 12 not counted) | 10–20% of tuition and lab fees, offered automatically at admission |
| Financial Grant | Admitted students with limited financial resources | Need- and merit-based amount; Fall 2026 deadline was 25 June 2026 |
| Family Tuition Grant | Second and further siblings enrolled full time | 25% of tuition |

The President's Scholarship requires IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 94. Applicants from education systems not listed separately need the equivalent of a 98% average and an SAT of 1400. The portfolio includes an essay on activities and planned contribution, evidence of leadership and achievements, a three-minute video and two recommendation letters. For Fall 2026 the deadline was 19 March 2026, and you must hold an admission offer before applying, so submit the admission application early in the cycle.

## Master's admission {#section-6}

Full admission requires a four-year bachelor's from an independently accredited university, a CGPA of 3.0/4.0 or equivalent, and the same English scores as for bachelor's entry (EmSAT English 1550 is also accepted). A CGPA of 2.5–2.99 can lead to conditional admission, except that the MBA and MA TESOL still require full English scores. Degrees earned outside the UAE need a Ministry of Education equivalency. Applicants submit a CV and at least two academic references sent from official institutional email addresses; MBA applicants add a GMAT or AUS MBA Admission Test report with no minimum score, and some programs require a statement of purpose.

| Fall 2027 master's milestone | Date |
| --- | --- |
| Applications open | 19 October 2026 |
| Deadline with graduate assistantship | 27 May 2027 |
| File completion | 17 June 2027 |
| Deadline without assistantship | 22 July 2027 |

Graduate assistantships cover up to nine waived credits per semester and/or a stipend of up to $5,450 (AED 20,000) per semester for no more than 20 hours of work a week; full assistants also get 50% off residence hall fees. Total tuition depends on the program's credit count in the catalog: a 30-credit program at $1,490 (AED 5,480) per credit, for example, comes to about $44,770 (AED 164,400). See also [master's in the UAE](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-in-the-uae).

## First-year cost {#section-7}

| Item, 2026/27 | Amount |
| --- | --- |
| Tuition, 12–16 credits | $15,100 (AED 55,438) per semester; $30,190 a year |
| Fewer than 12 credits | $1,310 (AED 4,825) per credit |
| Lab/technology fee | $420 or $460 (AED 1,552 or 1,700) per flagged course |
| Student activity fee | about $120 (AED 422 + VAT) per semester |
| Industry credentials and skills fee | about $20 (AED 70 + VAT) per semester |
| University health plan I | about $220 (AED 763 + VAT) per semester for Sharjah, Dubai or Northern Emirates visa holders |
| Seat reservation deposit | $1,360 (AED 5,000 incl. VAT), card payment online only |
| Residence hall, shared double room | $1,910 (AED 7,000) per semester; about $1,430 in year one after the 25% discount |
| Residence hall, single room with shared bath | $3,000 (AED 11,000) per semester |
| Residence hall, private room with bath and kitchenette | $4,080 (AED 15,000) per semester |
| Utilities fee | about $83 (AED 290 + VAT) per semester |
| Refundable dorm deposit | $270 (AED 1,000) |

Tuition, compulsory fees, insurance and a discounted shared room add up to about $33,930 for the first year. Lab fees, a mandatory laptop for engineering and business students, food, transport and flights come on top. The housing discount steps down to 20% in year two, 15% in year three and 10% afterwards.

Payment options are card via the Banner portal, bank transfer to Sharjah Islamic Bank, or cash through Al Ansari Exchange. For Fall 2026, new students paid by 27 August, or 50% by then and 25% in each of September and October under an installment plan. Students paying from Russia can check legal routes in [how to pay for studies abroad from Russia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia).

## Student visa and Emirates ID {#section-8}

Admitted students who do not hold a UAE residence visa need an AUS-sponsored student visa, which AUS applies for through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Sharjah:

1. Submit the Student Visa Request Form as soon as admission is confirmed and at least two months before arrival; undergraduates must first pay the seat deposit.
2. Wait for the entry permit, which UAE authorities issue in one to eight weeks. It is single-entry and valid for 60 days.
3. Enter the UAE on that permit, buy a UAE SIM card at the airport and notify the visa office.
4. Complete the government medical test (not required under 18) and biometrics for the Emirates ID.
5. Pay the fees through your student account and collect the Emirates ID from the visa office.

New students receive a two-year student visa, renewed yearly according to remaining semesters. The one-year package including Emirates ID costs $300 (AED 1,114.50) and the two-year package $360 (AED 1,314.50). Renewal with the Emirates ID costs about $150 (AED 556.76) for one year or $210 (AED 756.76) for two, and you must stay in the UAE during renewal because the medical test is taken in person. Entering on a visit visa or visa on arrival adds a $180 (AED 656) change-of-status fee and delays, so buy flights only after the entry permit is issued. See [UAE student visa](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-uae-student-visa) for the national framework.

AUS does not allow full- or part-time employment on a student visa. Internships related to your field are possible with a no-objection certificate from the visa office and AUS approval. After graduation AUS keeps the visa active for 90 days so you can collect your diploma and move to another status.

## AUS compared with two alternatives {#section-9}

| Criterion | AUS (Sharjah) | AUD (Dubai) | Khalifa University (Abu Dhabi) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Type | Private non-profit | Private | Public |
| US accreditation | MSCHE | SACSCOC | None institutionally; ABET for engineering and two science programs |
| Russian school certificate | 4.0 plus equivalency | No published benchmark | 4.0 plus equivalency |
| English | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 80 | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 79 | IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 79 |
| Tuition per year, 2026/27 | $30,190 | $29,420 including fees | about $22,120 |
| English pathway on campus | English Bridge, $9,810 per semester | Intensive English and English Bridge, $6,000–8,010 per semester | None; English required at entry |

## Common mistakes {#section-10}

- Applying to engineering without physics. Physics is mandatory for engineering and data science.
- Sitting an at-home or indicator test. AUS rejects them, and retaking can cost you the intake.
- Starting attestation late. Without attested originals and the equivalency, you cannot complete enrolment.
- Arriving as a tourist to save time. It adds $180 (AED 656) and delays the residence visa.
- Missing the March President's Scholarship deadline. You need an offer first, so apply for admission at the start of the cycle.
- Budgeting without lab fees. Engineering and science courses flagged in the catalog add $420–460 (AED 1,552–1,700) each.

## FAQ {#section-11}

### What grades do I need for American University of Sharjah?

The general guideline is 85% in the final year or the best two of the last three years, higher for competitive majors. AUS also lists system-specific rules, such as a 4.0 average for the Russian curriculum and SAT Math 450 for the American diploma.

### How much does AUS cost per year?

In 2026/27 bachelor's tuition is $30,190 (AED 110,876) a year (about $30,190) for every major at 12–16 credits per semester. Graduate study costs $1,490 (AED 5,480) or $1,190 (AED 4,371) per credit depending on the college. Housing, insurance and lab fees are extra.

### What IELTS score does AUS require?

IELTS Academic 6.5, TOEFL iBT 80 or TOEFL ITP 550 for bachelor's and master's admission, and IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 94 for the President's Scholarship. Scores are valid for two years; home and indicator formats are not accepted.

### Are there scholarships for international students at AUS?

Yes. The President's Scholarship covers full tuition, housing, flights and a stipend for students who finished school outside the UAE. Merit scholarships of 10–20% go to applicants with 95%+ averages, and need-based grants can bring combined aid up to 55%.

### Can I work while studying at AUS?

Not on an AUS-sponsored student visa, whether full time or part time. Field-related internships are possible with a no-objection certificate and university approval. Graduate students can hold assistantships worth up to $5,450 (AED 20,000) per semester.

### When should I apply for Fall 2027?

Applications open on 19 October 2026 and the early file-completion date is 5 July 2027. If you want the President's Scholarship or a competitive engineering seat, apply in the first months of the cycle, well before spring.

### What does StudyU do for AUS applicants?

Assessing your school record against AUS rules, choosing a major, preparing documents and attestation, scholarship essays and visa support are provided under an agreement with StudyU. Admission and awards are decided by AUS's Office of Enrollment Management, and the visa by Sharjah's residency authority.

## Sources {#section-12}

- [AUS: undergraduate application requirements, including system-specific benchmarks](https://www.aus.edu/admissions/bachelors-degrees/application-requirements)
- [AUS: undergraduate deadlines](https://www.aus.edu/admissions/bachelors-degrees/deadlines-and-important-dates-for-undergraduate-admissions)
- [AUS: tuition and fees 2026/27](https://www.aus.edu/admissions/bachelors-degrees/undergraduate-tuition-and-fees) and [payment guide, Fall 2026](https://www.aus.edu/admissions/payment-guide)
- [AUS: attestation](https://www.aus.edu/admissions/bachelors-degrees/attestation)
- [AUS: financial grants and scholarships](https://www.aus.edu/admissions/financial-grants-and-scholarships)
- [AUS: master's application requirements](https://www.aus.edu/admissions/masters-degrees/application-requirements) and [deadlines](https://www.aus.edu/admissions/masters-degrees/deadlines-and-important-dates-for-masters-admissions)
- [AUS: student visas — steps and fees](https://www.aus.edu/admissions/international-students/student-visas)
- [Russian Foreign Ministry consular service: UAE entry rules for Russian citizens](https://www.kdmid.ru/docs/united-arab-emirates/information-about-the-country/)
- [AUS: accreditation](https://www.aus.edu/about/aus-at-a-glance/accreditation), [rankings](https://www.aus.edu/about/rankings), [programs and departments](https://www.aus.edu/academics/departments-and-programs)

All conversions use the fixed rate of AED 3.6725 per US dollar; AUS figures were verified on 29–30 September 2026 and rounded to the nearest $1 (under $100) or $10.

To check whether your grades and English fit the AUS major you want, send an [application](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply).

During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.

## Next steps

- [Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi: Admission, Fees and Scholarships](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-khalifa)
- [Middlesex University Dubai: Foundation, Bachelor's Degrees and Fees](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-middlesex-dubai)
- [American University in Dubai (AUD): Programs, Fees and Admission](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-american-university-in-dubai)
- [Universities in the UAE for International Students: Types, Emirates and Status Checks](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-the-uae)
- [Studying in the UAE for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-united-arab-emirates)
- [How to Pay for Studies Abroad from Russia: What Works in 2026](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia)

Updated: September 2026