Zayed University
A well-established university providing quality higher education. Offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with dedicated faculty and supportive learning environment.
- Acceptance Rate
- 55.1%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.4
- Size
- Large (30,019 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:24
- Setting
- suburban
- Graduation Rate
- 79.0%
- Retention Rate
- 75.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $15,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $18,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Campus life at Zayed University reflects both the university's origins as a women's institution and broader Emirati cultural values. Separate sections of campus serve male and female students for many activities, though coeducational spaces have expanded in recent years. Student organizations cover interests from entrepreneurship to community service, with leadership development being a consistent theme. The campus facilities include modern fitness centers, dining options serving both local and international cuisine, and study spaces designed for group work. Many Emirati students commute from home, maintaining family connections that remain central to local culture. Housing is available primarily for international students and those from other emirates. The university calendar accommodates religious observances, with reduced schedules during Ramadan and breaks for Eid celebrations. Athletics receive less emphasis than at American universities, though intramural sports and fitness programs attract participation. The absence of an on-campus social scene typical of Western universities reflects local customs, with student socializing occurring through clubs, study groups, and off-campus gatherings. Career preparation permeates student life, with internships and professional development integrated throughout the experience.
Location & Surroundings
Abu Dhabi, the UAE's capital and wealthiest emirate, provides an unusual setting for university life. The city of about 1.5 million residents spreads across islands and the mainland, featuring a mix of ambitious architecture and traditional neighborhoods. The Zayed University campus sits in a purpose-built academic zone, accessible by car but less connected to the city's emerging public transport network. Abu Dhabi's climate presents the most significant adjustment for many students, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 40 degrees Celsius from May through September. The city essentially moves indoors during summer, with air-conditioned malls and indoor facilities providing the main gathering spaces. Beaches and waterfront areas offer recreation during the pleasant winter months, when temperatures hover around 25 degrees. The city lacks the historic university neighborhoods found in older academic cities, reflecting its recent development. Cultural offerings have expanded dramatically, with the Louvre Abu Dhabi and other museums providing genuine world-class attractions. Cost of living runs high by global standards, though Emirati students often live with family. The Dubai campus offers a different environment in a more commercially oriented city about an hour away.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Emirati citizens attend Zayed University tuition-free, a benefit reflecting the UAE government's investment in developing its national workforce. This policy means most students face minimal direct educational costs, though living expenses in Abu Dhabi run high for those not living at home. International students pay fees comparable to other UAE universities, typically ranging from 40,000 to 60,000 UAE dirhams annually depending on program. The university provides substantial career services, reflecting the government's emphasis on Emiratization of the workforce. Internship requirements are built into most programs, with placements in government ministries, major corporations, and family businesses. Career counselors work directly with employers who have Emiratization targets to meet, creating a hiring pipeline that favors Zayed graduates. Starting salaries for graduates entering government or major corporations tend to be generous by international standards. The alumni network remains young given the university's recent founding, but is growing as graduates advance into leadership positions. Graduate studies increasingly attract Zayed alumni, with many pursuing advanced degrees abroad before returning to the UAE workforce.
Campus Location
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