American University of Sharjah logo

American University of Sharjah

Sharjah, AE · Ranking #3

American University of Sharjah (AUS) is a leading private university in the Middle East, founded in 1997 by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. It follows a US-style liberal arts education system and is internationally accredited. AUS offers undergraduate, graduate, and PhD programs in engineering, architecture, business, arts, and sciences. The university is known for its strong academic rigor, high-quality faculty, and diverse student body representing over 90 nationalities. Located in University City, Sharjah, AUS provides a modern campus with advanced labs, research centers, and residential facilities. It emphasizes critical thinking, innovation, leadership, and global career readiness, making it one of the top choices in the UAE.

American University of Sharjah logo American University of Sharjah

American University of Sharjah

About the university

American University of Sharjah (AUS) is a leading private university in the Middle East, founded in 1997 by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. It follows a US-style liberal arts education system and is internationally accredited. AUS offers undergraduate, graduate, and PhD programs in engineering, architecture, business, arts, and sciences. The university is known for its strong academic rigor, high-quality faculty, and diverse student body representing over 90 nationalities. Located in University City, Sharjah, AUS provides a modern campus with advanced labs, research centers, and residential facilities. It emphasizes critical thinking, innovation, leadership, and global career readiness, making it one of the top choices in the UAE.

Key information

  • Location: Sharjah, AE
  • Ranking #3
  • QS #332
  • THE #601
  • National ranking #3
  • Institution type: private

Popular faculties

  • Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Business Administration
  • Computer Science
  • Media Studies
  • Design

Programs (4)

  • Architecture
  • Business Administration
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Computer Science

Student body

  • Total students: 5,500
  • Undergraduate: 4,500
  • Graduate: 1,000
  • International students: 84%

Campus life

Campus life at AUS is highly international, academically intensive, and community-driven. Students from over 90 nationalities create a multicultural environment with strong peer collaboration. The campus features modern classrooms, research labs, libraries, sports complexes, and residential halls separated by gender. Students actively participate in clubs, leadership programs, competitions, and cultural events. AUS places strong emphasis on student engagement, academic excellence, and personal development, offering workshops, career fairs, and networking opportunities with global companies. The structured academic environment is demanding but prepares students well for global careers.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: $500 - $900 / per month

Housing options

  • On-Campus Dormitory
  • Shared Apartment
  • Private Apartment

Student clubs and organizations

  • Engineering Clubs
  • Business Clubs
  • Cultural Clubs
  • Debate Clubs
  • Media Clubs
  • Student Council

Sports

  • Football Team
  • Basketball Team
  • Volleyball Team
  • Athletics Team

Career & internships

Employment rate: 90%

Partner companies

  • Google
  • Microsoft
  • PwC
  • Deloitte
  • Emirates
  • Etisalat

Internships: AUS has strong industry connections across the UAE, especially in engineering, architecture, and business sectors. Students are encouraged to complete internships as part of their academic programs, with many majors requiring practical training. The university collaborates with multinational companies, government entities, and regional firms, providing access to internships in fields like construction, finance, tech, and consulting. Career Services supports students with placement, CV preparation, and interview training. Many students secure internships during studies, often leading to full-time employment after graduation.

Admission requirements

Required tests

  • IELTS
  • TOEFL

Required documents

  • Online Application
  • Academic Transcripts
  • High School Certificate
  • English Test (IELTS/TOEFL)
  • Personal Statement
  • Passport Copy

Minimum GPA: 3

Tuition costs

  • $28,000 - $32,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 60.00%
  • Scholarships available: AUS offers a comprehensive financial aid system combining merit scholarships, need-based grants, and special awards. Merit scholarships are automatically awarded at admission and typically cover 10–30% of tuition for students with high academic performance (around 90–95%+ averages). Top-tier scholarships such as the Chancellor’s or President’s Awards can cover up to 75–100% of tuition, housing, and fees for exceptional students with leadership and extracurricular achievements. Need-based financial grants can cover 5–50% depending on financial situation, and combined aid packages may reach up to ~55% or more of total costs. Graduate students may access assistantships with tuition waivers and stipends.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1997
  • Teaching languages: english
  • Study formats: offline

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