Khalifa University
A prestigious research-intensive university with strong international recognition. Known for quality education, innovative research, and producing graduates who excel in their fields worldwide.
- Acceptance Rate
- 29.0%
- SAT Range
- 1330–1480
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.85
- Size
- Large (36,714 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:14
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 92.0%
- Retention Rate
- 87.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $15,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $25,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Campus life at Khalifa University unfolds across modern facilities in Abu Dhabi, a city where gleaming towers and traditional Gulf architecture exist side by side. The university campus provides laboratories, libraries, recreation facilities, and student spaces designed to support both academic work and community building. Students come from throughout the UAE and from countries across the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond, creating an international community within an Arab context. Housing options include dormitories for students who need campus accommodation and assistance finding apartments for those who prefer to live off campus. The UAE's conservative social norms shape campus life, with expectations around dress, behavior, and interaction between men and women that differ from Western universities. Student organizations cover academic clubs, cultural groups, and special interest activities, though within guidelines established by the university and UAE law. Sports facilities provide opportunities for recreation and competition, with intramural leagues and intercollegiate teams. Abu Dhabi itself offers beaches, shopping, cultural attractions, and entertainment options that students access during their free time. The desert climate means hot summers that drive activities indoors to air-conditioned spaces, while pleasant winter weather allows outdoor recreation. International students learn to navigate Emirati culture while forming friendships with peers from around the world. The presence of major international companies and government institutions in Abu Dhabi provides context for academic study, reminding students of the professional opportunities their education is preparing them to pursue.
Location & Surroundings
Khalifa University provides extensive support services reflecting its substantial resources and commitment to student success. Academic advising begins during orientation and continues throughout students' programs, with advisors helping navigate course selection and program requirements. The university library offers collections and electronic resources supporting technical education and research. Tutoring programs help students who struggle with challenging coursework, particularly in mathematics and foundational science courses that prove difficult for some. Writing centers assist students developing the communication skills that technical careers require. Computer facilities provide access to specialized software and high-performance computing resources. Financial aid offices administer scholarships that make education affordable for qualifying students. Housing services help students find accommodation, whether in university dormitories or off-campus apartments. Health services on campus address routine medical needs, with referrals to Abu Dhabi's healthcare system for more serious concerns. Counseling services support students facing personal challenges or mental health difficulties. International student services help those from outside the UAE navigate visa requirements, cultural adjustment, and practical matters of life in a foreign country. Career services begin working with students early, helping them understand professional opportunities and prepare for employment. Student affairs offices coordinate activities, organizations, and events that build community outside the classroom.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Career development at Khalifa University benefits from the UAE's deliberate efforts to build industries that will employ university graduates. The career services office maintains relationships with major employers including oil and gas companies, aerospace firms, government agencies, and the growing technology sector. Engineering graduates find positions at companies like ADNOC, the national oil company, and at international firms with operations in the UAE. The nuclear engineering program has direct connections to the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, which operates the UAE's nuclear power plants. Healthcare graduates enter clinical positions at hospitals and clinics throughout Abu Dhabi. Internship programs give students professional experience before graduation, with many internships leading to job offers. Career counselors help students prepare applications, practice interviews, and understand employer expectations. Job fairs bring recruiters to campus, creating opportunities for students to explore options and make connections. Alumni networks, though relatively young given the university's recent formation, are growing as graduates establish themselves professionally. Graduate school advising helps students planning to pursue advanced degrees, whether at Khalifa itself or at universities abroad. The UAE government's Emiratization policies create particular opportunities for Emirati graduates, who are prioritized for positions in certain sectors. International graduates often find opportunities with multinational companies operating in the Gulf region or return to their home countries with credentials that command respect.
Campus Location
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