🏛️American University of Sharjah

Sharjah, UAE

QS World 2026 · #364

A private, American-curriculum university in the UAE, accredited in both the US and the region.

About AUS

AUS follows an American-style liberal arts curriculum and is accredited by the same US regional accreditor used by mainstream American universities (the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, since 2004), giving its degrees direct US-equivalent recognition. It's particularly well regarded for Engineering and Architecture.

Why students choose it

  • US-accredited (Middle States), giving degrees direct American-equivalent recognition
  • American-style liberal arts curriculum
  • Strong Engineering and Architecture reputation

🎓 Free application support for AUS

Submit a free enquiry and Tutopiya's admissions team will guide you through your application to AUS — personal statement, interview prep and deadlines — at no cost, no obligation. Application fees are typically waived through our university partnerships.

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Typical entry grades

AAB (A Level)  ·  IB 32

High tier · indicative for the flagship courses below — always verify per-course requirements directly with the university.

Tuition (international, per year)

AED 60,000–AED 100,000/yr

high tier for UAE — figures are typical ranges, not this specific university's published fee.

Language of instruction

English

Campus

campus campus, Sharjah

🏆 Scholarships to look into

Informational only — scholarship amounts, deadlines and even which schemes are running change often (sometimes per intake), so treat this as a starting point, not a guarantee. Always confirm current details directly with the scholarship provider or AUS's financial aid office.

UAE scholarship access varies sharply by institution type: some private universities have genuinely need-blind, full-need-met admission for all students regardless of nationality, while federal universities' funding is largely reserved for Emirati citizens (see the citizenship/PR fee note above).

  • NYU Abu Dhabi financial aid: Need-blind admission and meets full demonstrated financial need for every admitted student, regardless of nationality — comparable to a small number of highly selective US universities.
  • University merit scholarships: Other private universities (e.g. Khalifa University, American University of Sharjah) offer merit-based scholarships tied to entry grades — check each university individually.

Want help figuring out which of these you'd actually qualify for? Talk to a free Tutopiya counsellor.

Popular courses

Mechanical Engineering

⏱️ Typical duration: Often 4 years rather than the country's standard Bachelor's length, especially where the programme includes an integrated Master's (e.g. UK MEng) or an industry placement year

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Typical entry: Requires Mathematics + Physics

Business

⏱️ Typical duration: 4 years

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Typical entry: Mathematics helps but usually isn't required recommended

Architecture

⏱️ Typical duration: Often longer than a standard Bachelor's — commonly a 3-year Bachelor's plus a further 2-year Master's for full professional accreditation

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Typical entry: Portfolio

Computer Science

⏱️ Typical duration: 4 years

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Typical entry: Requires Mathematics

Mass Communication

⏱️ Typical duration: 4 years

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Durations are typical for UAE — always confirm the exact length (including any placement or integrated Master's year) on the course's own page before applying.

Not sure which course fits your grades and interests? Run the full shortlist builder →

How to apply

Main intake(s)
September, January
Typical deadline
Rolling — apply at least 2–3 months before your intended intake

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0–6.5 overall

Most universities waive this requirement if you've completed 2+ years of English-medium schooling (e.g. IGCSE / A Level / IB) — always confirm the specific university's waiver policy before booking a test.

See where AUS ranks on your personal shortlist

Enter your grades and budget in the free UAE University Shortlist Builder to see whether AUS is a reach, target or safety for you — alongside every other UAE university that matches.

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AUS FAQ

Quick answers about grades, tuition, deadlines and applying to AUS as an international IGCSE / A Level / IB student.

What grades do I need to get into AUS?

As a typical benchmark for international entry, AUS expects around AAB at A Level or 32 points on the IB Diploma. This is indicative for AUS's flagship courses — competitive subjects like Medicine and Law usually sit above this baseline, and the exact requirement varies by course, so always confirm the specific figure on AUS's own admissions page before applying.

How much does AUS cost for international students?

International tuition at AUS typically falls in the AED 60,000–AED 100,000/yr range (high tier for UAE). This is a typical range for the university's tuition tier, not AUS's specific published fee for every course — confirm the exact figure for your intended programme directly with the university.

When is the application deadline for AUS?

AUS follows UAE's typical intake calendar: September, January, with applications generally due rolling — apply at least 2–3 months before your intended intake. Always verify the exact date on AUS's own admissions page, since deadlines can shift year to year.

What IELTS score do I need for AUS?

UAE universities, including AUS, typically ask international applicants for 6.0–6.5 overall. Most universities waive this requirement if you've completed 2+ years of English-medium schooling (e.g. IGCSE / A Level / IB) — always confirm the specific university's waiver policy before booking a test.

What is AUS known for?

A private, American-curriculum university in the UAE, accredited in both the US and the region. AUS follows an American-style liberal arts curriculum and is accredited by the same US regional accreditor used by mainstream American universities (the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, since 2004), giving its degrees direct US-equivalent recognition. It's particularly well regarded for Engineering and Architecture.

Can I apply to AUS with IGCSE, A Level or IB qualifications?

Yes — AUS accepts applicants from IGCSE-to-A-Level, IGCSE-to-IB-Diploma, and directly from the IB Diploma. Tutopiya's free UAE University Shortlist Builder matches your predicted or actual grades against AUS and every other UAE university we track, tagging each as reach, target or safety.

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