Abu Dhabi University is one of the largest private universities in the UAE and counted among the top 2.8% institutions in the world. The university is committed towards offering high-quality comprehensive education through 50 undergraduate and graduate programs across the faculties of arts, law, education, business and management, engineering and sciences.

Programs offered at Abu Dhabi University are accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Additionally, its College of Business has attained double accreditation by EQUIS and AACSB and is among the only 1% business schools in the world to have this double accreditation.

At a program level, our College of Engineering has received international accreditation from the world-renowned ABET for many of its engineering programs, and the Bachelor of Architecture has received Part 1 validation from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)

Abu Dhabi University at a Glance

Establishment Year 2003
University Type Private
Campuses Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain & Al Dhafra
Total Enrollment 7,389
UG Retention Rate 85%
Graduation Rate 79%
Accepts International Students Yes
Scholarships for International Students Available
Website www.adu.ac.ae

Abu Dhabi University Rankings

Abu Dhabi University is counted among the top private universities in UAE and features in the ranking list of renowned ranking agencies like QS and Times Higher Education. Here’s a glimpse of ADU’s 2021 rankings:

  • Ranked #701-750 in QS Global World Rankings 2021
  • As per the latest Times HIgher Education rankings, Abu Dhabi University has been ranked:
    • #301–350th World University Rankings 2021
    • #301–400th Impact Rankings 2021
    • Young University Rankings 2020

Abu Dhabi University Programs

  • Abu Dhabi University offers a wide range of programs both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels across the college of Arts & Science, Engineering, Business, Health Sciences and Law.
  • The UG courses offered at Abu Dhabi University include bachelor’s degree courses, while the PG level courses include PG diploma, masters and doctoral degrees.
  • Abu Dhabi University has got licensure from the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, while all the programs are accredited by the ministry.
  • Furthermore, ADU has received accreditation from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and different ministries of Jordan, Syria, Turkey and Iran.

Abu Dhabi University Campus

  • Abu Dhabi University has a total of four campuses located in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai and Al Dhafra.
  • The Abu Dhabi campus is the main campus stretching over an area of 368,000 m2. Studying here students can indulge in a range of extracurricular activities and have a fulfilling study experience.
  • The Al Ain campus is located centrally in Al Ain, which is oldest permanently inhabited settlements in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Presently, the campus houses over 50 faculty members and 1500+ students from across 40 countries.
  • ADU’s Dubai campus was established recently in the year 2017 and covers an area of 8,000 m2

Abu Dhabi University Residence

  • Abu Dhabi University allows students to gel with students from across the globe and have a truly global experience by offering on-campus accommodation.
  • Students are provided with the option to choose between private single occupancy, semi-private single occupancy, double occupancy, and double shared occupancy.
  • While residing at the residence halls, students get to access shopping centers and food outlets and take part in a range of recreational activities.
  • In addition to public transportation, students can use transportation facilities offered by ADU for shopping trips.
  • For booking a room at student accommodation, you will be required to send an email to studenthousing@adu.ac.ae with essential information such as name, ID, contact number, required room type and joining semester.
  • After this, fill the student housing application form and send it to studenthousing@adu.ac.ae.

The cost of accommodation differs by the type of occupancy chosen by the student. Tabulated below are the cost of accommodation as per the room type:

Term or Semester Private Single Occupancy (AED) Semi-Private Single Occupancy (AED) Double Occupancy (AED)
Per Term (Fall or Spring) 14,250 12,800 7,600
Per Term (Winter or Summer) 4,300 3,850 2,300
Per Day 180 140 100

Abu Dhabi University Application Process

International students aiming to take admission at Abu Dhabi University, need to follow a simple application process and fulfill the admission requirements as discussed below:

  • Application Portal: ADU Online Application Portal
  • Application Fee: 300 AED
  • Admission Requirements:
    • Course specific requirements
    • English language test scores in the form of IELTS or equivalent TOEFL score
    • Equivalency letter: to obtained from UAE Ministry of Education by students with foreign credentials
    • Placements test: English Language Placement Tests in addition to ELP scores and Math Language Placement Tests for Engineering and Science courses
    • Passport-size photo with white background
    • Copy of passport information page
    • Academic transcripts and previous certificates

All the applications received by Abu Dhabi University are reviewed individually and it takes around 1 week to process the applications and release of admission decisions.

Abu Dhabi University Cost of Attendance

Before taking admission at Abu Dhabi University, it’s essential to have a rough estimate of expenses you will need to incur. The cost of attendance includes the tuition fee and living expenses, which is detailed below for your reference:

Program Type Semester-wise Tuition Fee (AED)
Undergraduate Programs 21,600-30,260
PG Diploma 8,640
Master-level Engineering Courses 22,680-25,515
MBA 22,700-25,560
Other Master Degree Programs 17,892-22,680

For a comfortable stay in Abu Dhabi, you will be required to spend between 10,000 and 15,000 AED on a monthly basis as living expenses. This includes expenses such as books & supplies, accommodation, food, transportation and other personal expenses.

Abu Dhabi University International Student Scholarships

In order to acknowledge students with high potential, Abu Dhabi University offers a wide range of scholarships catering to students excelling in different fields. These include:

Scholarship Name Benefit Eligibility Ongoing Eligibility Requirement
Academic Scholarship 20% rebate on the tuition fee GPA: 3.60 GPA: 3.60 + 12 credit hours completed per semester ( except for Winter and Summer terms)
Athletic Scholarship 25% rebate o the tuition fee Active participant of ADU sports team with GPA of 2.75 GPA: 2.75 + 2 credit hours completed per semester ( except for Winter and Summer terms)
Alumni Scholarship 20% rebate on the tuition fee ADU graduate with a GPA of 3.0 Maintain a GPA of 3.0
Merit-based Graduate Scholarship 25% rebate o the tuition fee GPA of 3.5 in UG Maintain a GPA of 3.5
Family Tuition Waiver 4 family members enrolled: 25% rebate on the tuition fee
3 family members enrolled: 20% rebate on the tuition fee
2 family members enrolled: 15% rebate on the tuition fee
GPA of 2.5 for each family member Maintain a GPA of 2.5

Abu Dhabi University can be a great place to pursue higher education for students seeking to study in the UAE. With international students accounting for 43% of the total student population, ADU seems to offer a fair chance to both domestic and international students to pursue a degree of their choice.