American University of Sharjah
الجامعة الأميركية في الشارقة
A US-accredited university founded in 1997 in Sharjah, with 103 nationalities and one flat tuition for all majors.
- Students
- 6,727
- 5,983 undergraduates
- Student–faculty
- 13.4:1
- ratio
- Tuition
- AED 110.9K
- 2026-27
- Founded
- 1997
About AUS
American University of Sharjah was founded in 1997 by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, as an American-style university grounded in Islamic history and the needs of the UAE and the Gulf. It offers 33 majors and 49 minors for undergraduates, 24 master's programmes and eight PhD programmes through four units: the College of Architecture, Art and Design, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering and the School of Business Administration.
In fall 2025 AUS enrolled 6,727 students: 5,983 bachelor's students, 531 master's and 161 PhD students, from 103 nationalities. The largest groups were from the UAE (26.1%), India, Egypt and Jordan. Engineering is the largest college with 2,583 undergraduates, followed by business with 1,885. AUS reports 382 full-time faculty, a faculty-to-undergraduate ratio of 1:13.4 and first-year retention of 94% for the fall 2024 cohort.
Admission is competitive: new undergraduates in fall 2025 had an average high school grade of 97% and an average IELTS of 7.3. Every major costs the same, AED 110,876 a year in 2026-27. AUS suits strong students from across the Middle East and South Asia who want an American curriculum, English-language teaching and a large campus in Sharjah, next door to Dubai.
Why students choose AUS
US-style degrees across 33 majors in architecture and design, arts and sciences, engineering and business.
One flat tuition for all majors: AED 110,876 a year in 2026-27.
The President's Scholarship covers full tuition, housing, a monthly stipend and flights for top students who finished school outside the UAE.
A truly international campus: 103 nationalities in fall 2025 and 139 active student clubs.
Admissions
Fall 2027 entry
Selectivity
AUS does not publish applicant numbers. In fall 2025 it fully admitted 1,357 bachelor's students, of whom 1,297 enrolled; new undergraduates had an average high school GPA of 97% and an average IELTS score of 7.3.
Typical entry requirements
| Secondary school certificate (any system) | 85% minimum guideline; fall 2025 entrants averaged 97%. UAE Ministry of Education certificate of equivalency required (except UAE Thanaweyya 'Ammah and Applied Technology graduates) |
|---|---|
| Engineering and Data Science | Mathematics and Physics at grade B or better |
| Business | Mathematics at grade B or better |
| Sciences (including Computer Science), Architecture and Interior Design | Mathematics and a science subject at grade B or better |
| English language | IELTS 6.5 · TOEFL iBT 80 TOEFL iBT 80, TOEFL ITP 550 or IELTS Academic 6.5. Fall 2025 entrants averaged IELTS 7.3. An English Bridge Program is available at extra cost. |
Deadlines
- Spring 2027 applications Non-binding Next deadline · In ~3 monthsDecember 24, 2026
Opened October 19, 2026; classes start January 11, 2027.
- Fall 2027 applications open Non-bindingOpens October 19, 2026
Early file completion for fall 2027 is July 5, 2027; classes start August 23, 2027. AUS encourages applicants to apply early because of high demand.
- President's Scholarship (fall entry) Non-bindingScholarship-specific deadline
Requires an admission offer first; for students who completed secondary school outside the UAE.
AUS lists tentative dates. For fall 2027 it publishes an opening date (October 19, 2026) and an early file completion date (July 5, 2027) rather than a single closing deadline.
How to apply
Apply online at apply.aus.edu as a new student, then upload transcripts, English test scores, the UAE certificate of equivalency (where required), passport and ID scans and a photo. Admitted students pay a AED 5,000 seat reservation deposit. The application fee is AED 400 plus VAT.
What admissions looks for
- Strong secondary school results relative to the 85% guideline, especially in the final years.
- Required subjects at grade B or better for your intended major.
- English test scores (TOEFL or IELTS) and SAT results where applicable.
- Early application: AUS says the number of qualified applicants and seat availability affect decisions.
Tips for applying to AUS
- 1 Apply early in the cycle: AUS warns that high application volumes can limit places in your preferred major.
- 2 Get your UAE certificate of equivalency started early if you studied outside the UAE public system.
- 3 If you finished school outside the UAE with top grades (for example 40 IB points, three A-levels and five GCSEs all at A, or 98% with SAT 1400), apply for the President's Scholarship after receiving your offer.
- 4 Budget for a designated laptop: business and engineering students must buy one in their first semester, and architecture, art and design students at the start of their third year.
Costs & financial aid
2026-27 · figures in AED
New first-time students can combine a need-based financial grant, a merit scholarship and a Family Tuition Grant to cover up to 55% of tuition and fees. The President's Scholarship, for top applicants who completed secondary school outside the UAE, covers 100% of tuition and lab fees plus a monthly stipend, on-campus housing, flights and medical insurance.
- Up to 55% of tuition and fees
- Maximum combined grant and scholarship for new students
- IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 94; IB 40 points, or 3 A-levels and 5 GCSEs at A, or 98% with SAT 1400
- President's Scholarship requirements (examples)
- AED 5,000 (inclusive of VAT)
- Seat reservation deposit
Academics
Academic calendar: Semesters (fall, spring and summer)
Computer Engineering (bachelor's)
One of AUS's largest majors, with 70 bachelor's degrees awarded in 2024-25.
Computer Science (bachelor's)
86 graduates in 2024-25, up from 41 in 2020-21.
Architecture (bachelor's)
Taught in the College of Architecture, Art and Design, which also offers Interior Design, Design Management, Multimedia Design and Visual Communication.
Finance (bachelor's)
Finance is the most-awarded business major, with 117 graduates in 2024-25.
International Studies (bachelor's)
An interdisciplinary major in the College of Arts and Sciences, with a related master's programme.
Research
- Eight PhD programmes, with 161 PhD students in fall 2025.
- PhD degrees awarded rose to 15 in 2024-25, in Engineering Systems Management and Materials Science and Engineering.
- Dedicated research centres and endowed chairs and professorships.
Schools & faculties
- College of Architecture, Art and Design
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Engineering
- School of Business Administration
Student life
AUS has 33 sports teams (19 for men, 14 for women), 139 active student clubs including 41 cultural clubs and 57 academic associations, and 442 active volunteers in community service. About 22.5% of students live on campus in the residential halls, and 673 students work on campus. With 103 nationalities, social life mixes Emirati, South Asian, Arab and Western students.
- 139 active student clubs.
- 33 varsity sports teams.
- Residential halls housing about 22.5% of students.
- 442 active student volunteers.
Housing. On-campus residential halls are available; 22.5% of students lived on campus in fall 2025.
Location
AUS is in the emirate of Sharjah, which borders Dubai on the UAE's northern coast. Sharjah is a large city with a strong focus on culture and heritage; Dubai and its airport are a short drive away.
Nearest airport: Sharjah International Airport (SHJ); Dubai International Airport (DXB) is nearby
Notable alumni
- SA Sarah Al AmiriUAE Minister of Education and former deputy project manager of the Emirates Mars Mission; bachelor's and master's in computer science
- LK Lubna Khalid Al QasimiFirst woman to hold a ministerial post in the UAE; Executive MBA from AUS
- MK Mona KattanCEO of fragrance brand Kayali; bachelor's in finance (2008)
- FA Fadel Al MheiriEmirati filmmaker; AUS graduate
Frequently asked questions
How much does American University of Sharjah cost?
For 2026-27, tuition is AED 110,876 a year (AED 55,438 per semester) for every major, plus possible lab or technology fees of AED 1,552-1,700 per course.
What grades do you need for AUS?
The published minimum is 85% in the final year of secondary school, but admission is competitive: fall 2025 undergraduate entrants averaged 97%.
What IELTS or TOEFL score does AUS require?
IELTS Academic 6.5, TOEFL iBT 80 or TOEFL ITP 550. The average IELTS of fall 2025 entrants was 7.3.
When can I apply to AUS for fall 2027?
Applications for fall 2027 open on October 19, 2026, with early file completion by July 5, 2027. AUS recommends applying early because of high demand.
Does AUS offer scholarships to international students?
Yes. New students can receive combined grants and merit scholarships worth up to 55% of tuition and fees, and the President's Scholarship fully funds top applicants who finished school outside the UAE.
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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