About the university

Zayed University is a public university in the United Arab Emirates established in 1998 and named after the founding father of the nation, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It operates campuses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and is known for its focus on innovation in education, leadership development, and research aligned with national priorities. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, business, communication, education, IT, and sciences. It follows an American-style education system with English as the main language of instruction. Zayed University places strong emphasis on student leadership, digital transformation, and preparing graduates for government and private sector roles in the UAE.

Key information

• Location: Abu Dhabi, AE
• Ranking #6
• QS #595
• THE #801
• National ranking #4
• Institution type: public

Popular faculties

• Business
• Information Technology
• Communication and Media Sciences
• Education
• Arts and Design
• Psychology

Programs (3)

• Business Administration
• Computer Science
• Marketing

Student body

• Total students: 7,800
• Undergraduate: 6,500
• Graduate: 1,300
• International students: 2%

Campus life

Campus life at Zayed University is structured, modern, and focused on leadership development. The university provides separate campuses for male and female students and offers modern facilities including libraries, labs, and innovation spaces. Student life emphasizes academic excellence, leadership programs, and community engagement rather than large-scale social entertainment. Many activities are centered around academic clubs, workshops, and national initiatives. The environment is culturally regulated but highly supportive, making it suitable for students who prefer a disciplined and structured educational experience aligned with UAE national development goals.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: $300 - $900 / per month

Housing options

• On-Campus Housing
• Student Apartments
• Shared Housing

Student clubs and organizations

• Leadership Club
• Business Society
• Media Club
• IT Club
• Cultural Clubs

Sports

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

Career & internships

Employment rate: 85%

Partner companies

• UAE Government Entities
• ADNOC
• Emirates Group
• PwC
• Deloitte
• Microsoft

Internships: Zayed University integrates internships and practical training into many programs, especially in business, IT, education, and communication. Students often complete placements in UAE government entities and private companies. The university supports career readiness through workshops, employer networking, and career fairs. Internship requirements vary by program but are an important part of preparing students for employment in the UAE labor market.

Admission requirements

Required tests

• IELTS
• TOEFL

Required documents

• Online Application
• High School Certificate
• Academic Transcripts
• IELTS/TOEFL
• Passport Copy
• Personal Statement

Minimum GPA: 2.8

Tuition costs

• $6,000 - $20,000 / per year
• Acceptance rate: 80.00%
• Scholarships available: Zayed University offers merit-based scholarships and financial aid for high-achieving students, particularly UAE nationals and top-performing international students. Scholarships may include tuition reductions, full or partial coverage depending on GPA and admission results. Continued eligibility usually requires maintaining strong academic performance. Additional support may be available for special categories and leadership achievements. Funding is competitive and limited, with emphasis on academic excellence and student contribution.

Quick facts

• Founded: 1998
• Teaching languages: english
• Study formats: offline

Contact

• Website: https://www.zu.ac.ae
• +971-2-599-3000