American University of Ras Al Khaimah
الجامعة الأمريكية في رأس الخيمة
A small, US-accredited, English-taught university in Ras Al Khaimah with flat per-semester tuition and a Fall and Spring intake.
- Tuition
- AED 60,260
- From · 2026-27
- Founded
- 2009
- QS World Ranking
- #608
- 2027 edition
- Campus
- Suburban
- 1.3 million sq ft
About AURAK
The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) traces its origins to 2005, when George Mason University opened a campus in Ras Al Khaimah, and was established as AURAK in 2009. It describes itself as a public, non-profit, independent, co-educational institution offering integrated American-style undergraduate and graduate programmes, taught in English. It has about 1,500 students from more than 60 nationalities, 95+ faculty and a 1.3 million sq ft campus.
Teaching is organised into three schools: Arts and Sciences, Business, and Engineering and Computing. There are 18 undergraduate programmes, from the Bachelor of Architecture and six engineering degrees to Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Psychology, Mass Communication and a BS in Business Administration with majors such as Finance and Financial Technologies and Business Analytics. AURAK holds UAE licensure through the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) and institutional accreditation from SACSCOC in the United States and the UK's QAA.
Admission is based mainly on your high school average and English level, with placement tests deciding your starting maths and science courses. It suits students who want a US-style credit-hour degree in a quiet emirate, small classes, and pathways such as a 3+3 route from Biotechnology to partner Caribbean medical schools.
Why students choose AURAK
US-style degrees with SACSCOC (US) and QAA (UK) institutional accreditation as well as UAE CAA accreditation.
Flat tuition of AED 30,130 per semester for 12 to 16 credit hours in most programmes, so a full load costs the same as a lighter one.
Merit scholarships from 20% (90% high school average) up to a 70% Presidential Scholarship (99% plus IELTS 7.0), open to all nationalities.
Pathways such as a 3+3 route from the BS in Biotechnology to MD programmes at Saba University School of Medicine or the Medical University of the Americas.
Admissions
Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 entry
Selectivity
AURAK does not publish an acceptance rate. Admission is by minimum high school average per programme (65% to 80% in the UAE curriculum; other certificates are converted to an equivalent grade) plus an English requirement.
Typical entry requirements
| UAE curriculum (Elite/Advanced/General) | Business, Biotechnology, Psychology: 70%; Mass Communication: 65%; Engineering: 75% Elite or Advanced track, 80% General track (General-track students take foundation Math and Physics) |
|---|---|
| Non-UAE curricula (international applicants) | All recognised certificates are accepted and converted to an equivalent grade against the same programme minimums; attested certificates and a UAE Ministry of Education equivalency are required after admission |
| Subject requirements | Engineering, Computer Science and AI: 80% in Mathematics and Physics (Chemical Engineering: Mathematics and Chemistry), or pass ACCUPLACER; Biotechnology: 80% in Biology or pass the placement test |
| English language | IELTS 5 · TOEFL iBT 61 IELTS Academic 5.0, TOEFL iBT 61 (paper-based 500), Duolingo English Test 80, or a pass on the Oxford Online Placement Test taken at AURAK. Students below this level can join AURAK's Intensive or Preparatory English Language Programme first (Preparatory entry from IELTS 4.5). |
Deadlines
- Spring 2027 intake Non-binding Next deadline · In ~3 months3 January 2027
AURAK admissions application deadline in the 2026-27 academic calendar; classes start 4 January 2027.
- Fall 2027 intake Non-binding In ~11 months29 August 2027
AURAK admissions application deadline in the 2027-28 academic calendar; first day of class 30 August 2027. International students should apply at least two months earlier to allow for the visa.
Past (2026 cycle): the Fall 2026 application deadline was 30 August 2026. AURAK admits on a rolling basis up to these calendar deadlines; the athletic scholarship had its own earlier deadline (11 August in 2025).
How to apply
Apply online through AURAK's application portal (AED 400 non-refundable application fee) with high school transcripts, passport and English test scores; applicants without a score take AURAK's placement tests. Admitted students pay a AED 4,000 seat reservation fee (credited to first-semester tuition). International students get a UAE student residence visa sponsored by the university (AED 2,000 visa fee plus AED 2,000 refundable deposit) and should start at least two months before the semester.
What admissions looks for
- A high school average at or above the programme minimum (65% to 80% depending on programme and track).
- Strong grades in the key subjects: 80% in Mathematics and Physics for engineering and computing, or in Biology for Biotechnology, otherwise a pass on the placement test.
- Enough English to study in English (IELTS 5.0 or equivalent), or a willingness to complete AURAK's English programme first.
- For scholarships, very high averages: 90% for the Faculty Scholarship up to 99% plus IELTS 7.0 for the 70% Presidential Scholarship.
Tips for applying to AURAK
- 1 If your high school Maths or Physics grade is under 80%, prepare for the ACCUPLACER test: passing it keeps engineering and computing open to you.
- 2 Aim for a 94% or 97% average if you can: it moves you from a 20% to a 30% or 40% tuition scholarship, renewable if you keep the required CGPA.
- 3 Get your certificates attested early; international students must also obtain an equivalency from the UAE Ministry of Education.
- 4 Consider the January (Spring) intake if you miss the autumn start: the Spring 2027 deadline is 3 January 2027.
Costs & financial aid
2026-27 · figures in AED
Merit scholarships for incoming first-year students of all nationalities: 20% (high school 90%), 30% (94%), 40% (97%) and a 70% Presidential Scholarship (99% plus IELTS 7.0), plus a one-year 15% grant and 30% athletic scholarships. Need-based Financial Grants are available to admitted undergraduates with limited financial resources.
- 70% tuition reduction (99% high school average and IELTS 7.0; keep a 3.75 CGPA)
- Presidential Scholarship
- 40% / 30% / 20% (97% / 94% / 90% high school average)
- Provost / Dean's / Faculty Scholarships
- 30% tuition reduction, 1-2 awards per year
- Athletic Scholarship
Academics
Academic calendar: Semesters (Fall, Spring, plus Summer)
BS in Artificial Intelligence
AURAK says it is the only CAA-accredited university offering AI as a full undergraduate programme.
BS in Biotechnology
Research access through an agreement with RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, and a 3+3 pathway to MD programmes at Saba and the Medical University of the Americas.
BS in Chemical Engineering (Petroleum concentration)
One of six engineering degrees; needs 80% in high school Maths and Chemistry or a placement test pass.
Bachelor of Architecture
Taught in the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, with a published cost-of-attendance breakdown for materials.
BS in Business Administration
Majors include Finance and Financial Technologies, Business Analytics, Digital Marketing, Accounting, HR and Hospitality and Tourism; ranked 401-450 by QS for Business and Management Studies (2026).
Research
- Research centres include the Advanced Technology and Artificial Intelligence Center, the RAK Research and Innovation Center and the RAK Center for Outdoor Comfort.
- The AURAK Center for Entrepreneurship supports student and staff start-ups.
- Transfer and dual-study partnerships with US universities including Wayne State University, the University of Texas at Arlington and Appalachian State University.
Schools & faculties
- School of Arts and Sciences
- School of Business
- School of Engineering and Computing
Student life
AURAK is a small campus: around 1,500 students from more than 60 countries. Students live in residential halls next to campus, with separate halls for men and women, in furnished studio apartments shared by two. Campus life is organised by the Student Government Association and Student Life department, with events such as Global Day and UAE National Day, museum trips and movie nights. Clubs include music, photography, sustainability, public speaking, gaming and national-community clubs, and students can start their own.
- Sports teams in badminton, basketball, football, table tennis, tennis and volleyball compete in inter-university events across the UAE.
- A multipurpose hall, separate male and female gyms, a walking track and outdoor pitches.
- Global Day and UAE National Day are highlights of the student events calendar.
- Free transportation for students and an airport pickup service for new international students.
Housing. AURAK offers residential halls next to campus (separate male and female halls) with furnished double-occupancy studios; rooms are allocated first-come, first-served per semester.
Location
Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost emirate of the UAE, known for its mountains, beaches, mangroves and archaeological heritage, and much quieter than Dubai further down the coast. The campus is in Seih Al Araibi on the edge of the city, AURAK lists student transportation as free, and the university points to Ras Al Khaimah's reputation as one of the easiest places for expats to settle.
Nearest airport: Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT); Dubai International (DXB) for most international flights
Frequently asked questions
How much does AURAK cost per year?
For 2026-27, full-time tuition is AED 30,130 per semester for most programmes and up to AED 32,600 for Chemical Engineering, or about AED 60,260-65,200 for two semesters. UAE and international students pay the same rates.
What IELTS score does AURAK require?
IELTS Academic 5.0, TOEFL iBT 61 or Duolingo 80. If you are below this, you can start in AURAK's English Language Programme.
When is the AURAK application deadline?
3 January 2027 for the Spring 2027 intake and 29 August 2027 for Fall 2027, according to the academic calendar. International students should apply at least two months ahead for the visa.
Does AURAK offer scholarships to international students?
Yes. Merit scholarships of 20% to 70% are open to all nationalities, based on the high school average (90% to 99%), and need-based grants are available after admission.
What grades do I need for engineering at AURAK?
A 75% high school average (UAE Elite or Advanced track; 80% General track) or equivalent, plus 80% in Mathematics and Physics, or a pass on the ACCUPLACER placement test.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
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