Khalifa University is a public research university based in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It is ranked #147 in the QS World University Rankings 2027, becoming the first UAE institution to enter the global top 150.
KU offers over 60 English-medium bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programmes across engineering, science, medicine, business, and humanities. Indian applicants can choose from 20 master’s tracks and 6 PhD programmes, all delivered on the Abu Dhabi campus. The Fall (September) cycle is the single annual intake for international candidates, and the university publishes India-specific entry requirements for both Class XII and bachelor’s holders. Indian students planning to study at engineering-focused universities in UAE commonly shortlist KU alongside the federal peer set.
- Ranking: #147 in QS World University Rankings 2027 (jumped 30 places from #177)
- Acceptance rate: 9% (estimated)
- Primary intake: Fall (September) only
- PG total tuition: AED 150,000 (INR 35.33 lakh)
- UG annual tuition: AED 81,250 (INR 19.13 lakh)
- English requirement: IELTS 6.0 for UG, IELTS 6.5 for PG
Merit-based scholarships at KU can cover tuition up to 100% for shortlisted candidates, and graduates in priority STEM fields qualify for the UAE Golden Visa pathway. Cost of living in Abu Dhabi for a single student typically runs AED 4,500 to 7,200 per month (INR 1.06 lakh to 1.70 lakh). Applicants comparing MS universities in UAE should note the Fall 2027 UG cycle is expected to open in November 2026.
Exchange rate used: 1 AED = INR 23.55 as of June 2026
Admission Status: Opens November 2026 (est.) (Fall 2027 UG intake). Undergraduate applications for the Fall 2027 cycle are expected to open in mid-November 2026, based on the prior cycle’s 17 November 2025 opening, with the international deadline expected around early March 2027. Postgraduate applications for Fall 2027 typically open in December 2026 and close March 2027 under prior cycle patterns. The Fall 2026 intake has closed for both UG and PG programmes.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Khalifa University 2027
- Khalifa University Admission 2027
- Khalifa University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Khalifa University Acceptance Rate 2027
- Khalifa University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Khalifa University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Khalifa University Scholarships 2027
- Khalifa University Rankings 2027
- Khalifa University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Khalifa University vs Peer Universities
- Khalifa University FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Khalifa University 2027
Khalifa University charges tuition by credit hour, with the same rate applied to every bachelor’s programme and a separate uniform rate for master’s tracks. Undergraduate degrees require 130 credits over 4 years while postgraduate degrees typically require 30 credits over 2 years. Fees are set in AED and reviewed annually, and the university does not charge an application fee for UG programmes.
KU Fees for Master’s Programmes 2027
All master’s programmes carry the same per-credit rate of AED 5,000 across 30 credits, bringing total tuition to AED 150,000 (INR 35.33 lakh). Programme duration is 2 years, and no branch-campus variations apply. As per the Khalifa University fee schedule, PG tuition is billed each semester based on registered credit load.
| Program | Total Fee (AED) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Computer Science | 150,000 | 35.33 lakh | Bachelor’s with CGPA 7.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Mechanical Engineering | 150,000 | 35.33 lakh | Bachelor’s with CGPA 7.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Chemical Engineering | 150,000 | 35.33 lakh | Bachelor’s with CGPA 7.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Electrical and Computer Engineering | 150,000 | 35.33 lakh | Bachelor’s with CGPA 7.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Petroleum Engineering | 150,000 | 35.33 lakh | Bachelor’s with CGPA 7.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Aerospace Engineering | 150,000 | 35.33 lakh | Bachelor’s with CGPA 7.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Materials Science and Engineering | 150,000 | 35.33 lakh | Bachelor’s with CGPA 7.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Biomedical Engineering | 150,000 | 35.33 lakh | Bachelor’s with CGPA 7.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Nuclear Engineering | 150,000 | 35.33 lakh | Bachelor’s with CGPA 7.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Applied Chemistry | 150,000 | 35.33 lakh | Bachelor’s with CGPA 7.5/10 (recommended) |
KU Fees for Undergraduate Programmes 2027
Bachelor’s programmes charge AED 2,500 per credit across 130 credits, bringing total 4-year tuition to AED 325,000 (INR 76.54 lakh). Annual fees run AED 81,250 (INR 19.13 lakh) based on a standard load of 32 credits per year.
| Program | Total Fee (AED) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSc Computer Science | 325,000 | 76.54 lakh | Class 12 with 80% plus KUAT test |
| BSc Mechanical Engineering | 325,000 | 76.54 lakh | Class 12 with 80% plus KUAT test |
| BSc Civil Engineering | 325,000 | 76.54 lakh | Class 12 with 80% plus KUAT test |
| BSc Electrical Engineering | 325,000 | 76.54 lakh | Class 12 with 80% plus KUAT test |
| BSc Aerospace Engineering | 325,000 | 76.54 lakh | Class 12 with 80% plus KUAT test |
Insider note: Indian students at KU concentrate heavily in petroleum engineering, computer science, and aerospace engineering, driven by direct hiring links with ADNOC, EDGE Group, and Etihad. Choosing a programme aligned to these national employers strengthens placement chances at graduation.
Khalifa University Admission 2027
Khalifa University runs a single Fall intake in September, and Indian applicants apply through the international admissions track for both UG and PG programmes. The undergraduate portal opens each November and the postgraduate portal follows in December.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 UG applications open | Expected November 2026 (based on 17 November 2025 opening) | Apply via ugapply.ku.ac.ae |
| Fall 2027 UG applications close | Expected early March 2027 (based on 2 March 2026 close) | International deadline for Indian applicants |
| KUAT entrance test | Scheduled after UG shortlist review | Math, Physics, Chemistry papers of 90 minutes each |
| Fall 2027 PG applications close | Expected March 2027 (based on prior cycles) | Verify at pgapply.ku.ac.ae |
| Programme start | September 2027 | Fall intake orientation on the Abu Dhabi Main Campus |
[Source: Khalifa University Admissions Office 2026]
Planning note: Indian applicants should start credential verification 4 to 6 weeks before the deadline, since MOFA attestation of Indian degrees and transcripts adds processing time not covered by the university’s own review window.
Read More: Khalifa University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Khalifa University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
KU has separate academic and English requirements for its UG and PG tracks, and Indian applicants must clear the KUAT entrance test at the undergraduate level. As per the official India country page, Indian degrees are assessed on their published CGPA or percentage scale.
KU PG Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Academic: Bachelor’s degree with minimum CGPA 3.0/4.0 (equivalent to 75% or CGPA 7.5/10 on the Indian 10-point scale)
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.5 with no band below 5.5, or TOEFL iBT 91 (0-120 legacy scale)
- Documents: Statement of purpose, 2 recommendation letters, updated CV, and academic transcripts
- PhD direct route: Bachelor’s CGPA 3.5/4.0 (approximately 8.75/10) plus GRE Quant 150 minimum
KU UG Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Academic: Class 12 with minimum 80% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from CBSE, ICSE, or recognised State Board
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 79 (0-120 legacy scale)
- KUAT test plus interview: Math, Physics, and Chemistry papers of 90 minutes each, followed by a faculty interview
Key insight: English test waivers are available for Indian applicants who completed their most recent full degree at an English-medium institution, supported by an official Medium of Instruction letter from the school or college. Native English speakers from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are exempt outright.
Khalifa University Acceptance Rate 2027
Khalifa University does not publish an official acceptance rate. Based on applicant-to-enrolment estimates from third-party analyses, the acceptance rate sits at approximately 9% (estimated), placing KU among the most selective universities in the Middle East. This estimate is directional rather than officially confirmed and should be read as a broad guide only.
The low rate reflects strong domestic Emirati demand combined with a growing international applicant pool from South Asia, the wider Gulf, and Africa. Indian applicants competitive for KU typically hold Class 12 scores above 85% or bachelor’s CGPA above 8/10.
Reality check: The 9% headline number masks programme-level variation. Highly ranked tracks like petroleum engineering, computer science, and medicine are far more selective than newer humanities programmes, and Indian applicants should target the KUAT test with sustained preparation.
Read More: Khalifa University Acceptance Rate
Khalifa University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for an Indian student at KU ranges from AED 135,250 to AED 167,650 (INR 31.85 lakh to INR 39.48 lakh), combining tuition at AED 81,250 for a full UG year plus monthly living expenses in Abu Dhabi.
KU Fees for Indian Students 2027
Undergraduate tuition is AED 2,500 per credit while postgraduate tuition is AED 5,000 per credit. Doctoral programmes are AED 6,666 per credit with annual costs between AED 95,000 and AED 100,000 depending on credit load.
| Level | Total Tuition (AED) | Total Tuition (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (4 years) | 325,000 | 76.54 lakh |
| Postgraduate MS (2 years) | 150,000 | 35.33 lakh |
| PhD (per year) | 95,000 to 100,000 | 22.37 to 23.55 lakh |
Monthly Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi for Indian Students
Abu Dhabi is a mid-to-high cost city, and housing takes the largest share of a student’s monthly budget. Indian students typically share apartments in the Khalifa City area near the Main Campus to control accommodation cost.
| Category | Monthly Cost (AED) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared or on-campus) | 2,500 to 4,000 | 0.59 lakh to 0.94 lakh |
| Food | 1,000 to 1,500 | 0.24 lakh to 0.35 lakh |
| Transportation | 300 to 500 | 7,065 to 11,775 |
| Books and Supplies | 200 to 400 | 4,710 to 9,420 |
| Personal Expenses | 500 to 800 | 11,775 to 18,840 |
| Total Monthly | 4,500 to 7,200 | 1.06 lakh to 1.70 lakh |
| Total Annual | 54,000 to 86,400 | 12.72 lakh to 20.35 lakh |
[Source: Numbeo Abu Dhabi cost-of-living estimates 2026, all figures labelled estimated]
Insider note: Shared accommodation in Khalifa City near the Main Campus runs AED 2,500 to 3,000 (INR 0.59 lakh to 0.71 lakh) per month for a single room, and university residence halls are the cheaper option at approximately AED 12,000 to 16,000 (INR 2.83 lakh to 3.77 lakh) per academic year.
Read More: Cost of Living in UAE for Indian Students
Khalifa University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
Khalifa University operates two campuses in Abu Dhabi, with the Main Campus in Khalifa City hosting all Indian-relevant engineering, science, and PG programmes. The Sas Al Nakhl (SAN) Campus focuses on petroleum-linked research.
- Location: Main Campus sits 15 km east of downtown Abu Dhabi, with campus shuttle links to Yas Island and 30 minutes’ drive to Abu Dhabi International Airport
- Housing: On-campus residence halls available, with priority given to international students in their first academic year
- Research facilities: 40+ specialised labs including the Petroleum Institute complex, Advanced Robotics Lab, and Space and Aeronautical Research Institute
- Indian community: Active Indian Students Association hosts Diwali, Onam, and Independence Day celebrations, with informal networks across engineering and MSc tracks
What Indian students say: Indian students consistently rate the campus dining positively for accommodating vegetarian and North Indian preferences, and note that smaller PG class sizes make it easier to reach senior faculty for research advising and thesis supervision.
Khalifa University Scholarships 2027
KU offers a tiered scholarship system for international applicants, and Indian students with strong academic records typically qualify for tuition-inclusive support across UG and PG levels. As per the official Khalifa University scholarships page, awards are assessed during admission review and do not require a separate application.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UG Tier I Scholarship | Undergraduate merit | 100% tuition waiver plus textbooks | International UG applicants with top academic merit | Aligned with UG admission deadline |
| UG Tier II Scholarship | Undergraduate merit | 75% tuition waiver plus textbooks | International UG applicants with strong academic merit | Aligned with UG admission deadline |
| UG Tier III Scholarship | Undergraduate merit | 50% tuition waiver plus textbooks | International UG applicants with academic merit | Aligned with UG admission deadline |
| PG Tier I Scholarship | Master’s and PhD merit | 100% tuition waiver plus stipend AED 20,000 to 40,000 per month (INR 4.71 lakh to 9.42 lakh) | International master’s and PhD applicants with top merit | Aligned with PG admission deadline |
| PG Tier II Scholarship | Master’s and PhD merit | 50% to 75% tuition waiver plus textbooks | International master’s and PhD applicants with strong merit | Aligned with PG admission deadline |
[Source: Khalifa University Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarship pages]
Planning note: Scholarship tiering is decided at the point of admission, so a strong Class 12 score plus KUAT performance directly determines the tier level. Indian applicants targeting Tier I should apply as early as possible after the November portal opens, since higher tiers are limited in number.
Read More: Khalifa University Scholarships Guide
Khalifa University Rankings 2027
Khalifa University is the highest ranked university in the UAE, with its QS World rank rising from #202 to #147 across three editions. According to QS, THE, and US News, KU is now the first UAE institution inside the QS global top 150.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World | 2027: #147 | 2026: #177 | 2025: #202 |
| THE World | 2026: Band 201 to 250 | 2025: Band 201 to 250 | 2024: Band 251 to 300 |
| US News Global | 2025-2026: #340 | 2024-2025: #360 | 2023-2024: #391 |
[Source: QS, THE, US News Best Global Universities]
Key insight: A QS top 150 rank means KU graduates are visa-favourable for the Indian government’s Immigration to Study and Work incentives and are recognised for equivalence by AIU (Association of Indian Universities), a practical benefit when Indian students return home for further study or public-sector roles.
Read More: Khalifa University Rankings Analysis
Khalifa University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
KU has strong hiring links with UAE national employers, particularly in energy, defence, aerospace, and technology sectors. The university does not publish a central placement report, and salary outcomes vary sharply by discipline.
- Employment reach: Graduates typically move into UAE-based roles or convert to the UAE Golden Visa route for STEM fields
- Median starting salary (market indicator): AED 12,000 to 18,000 per month (INR 2.83 lakh to 4.24 lakh) for engineering fresh graduates in Abu Dhabi (estimated, not officially disclosed)
- Representative recruiters: ADNOC, EDGE Group, Etihad Airways, TAQA, Mubadala, ADIA
- Career support: Dedicated Career Development Centre runs sector-wise recruitment weeks and hosts an annual Career Fair
- Post-study work: UAE Green Visa allows a 5-year self-sponsored residency for skilled graduates, distinct from the 10-year Golden Visa route for high-achievers
Insider note: Indian graduates in petroleum engineering and computer science see the strongest conversion into ADNOC and TAQA roles, while humanities and business graduates rely more heavily on outside hiring or return to India. Programme choice is the single biggest driver of local placement outcomes.
Khalifa University vs Peer Universities
The peer set here covers the top UAE research universities that Indian applicants typically shortlist alongside KU. The comparison is anchored on QS rank, annual PG fees, and delivery focus.
| University | QS Rank 2027 | Avg Annual PG Fee (AED) | Avg Annual PG Fee (INR lakh) | One-line Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khalifa University | #147 | 75,000 | 17.66 lakh | Top-ranked UAE STEM research university |
| United Arab Emirates University | #261 | 60,000 (estimated) | 14.13 lakh (estimated) | Oldest UAE federal university with broad discipline mix |
| American University of Sharjah | #329 | 82,000 (estimated) | 19.31 lakh (estimated) | US-style liberal arts and engineering curriculum |
| New York University Abu Dhabi | NA (part of NYU global network) | Full aid model, tuition varies | Full aid model | Highly selective NYU global campus with need-blind aid |
| University of Sharjah | #432 | 55,000 (estimated) | 12.95 lakh (estimated) | Broad public university with medicine and dentistry strength |
KU stands out on rank trajectory (30 places gained in one QS cycle) and on direct hiring pipelines into ADNOC and EDGE Group. For Indian applicants prioritising research funding and STEM depth, KU is the strongest UAE choice.
Khalifa University fits Indian applicants who target a fully-funded STEM master’s or PhD in the Gulf, have Class 12 above 85% or bachelor’s CGPA above 8/10, and want direct access to Abu Dhabi’s energy and technology employers. Total investment of AED 150,000 (INR 35.33 lakh) for a master’s against a starting salary near INR 3.5 lakh monthly makes the ROI competitive, and the UAE Golden Visa route strengthens the case for engineering graduates.
KU is not the right fit for humanities or pure business applicants seeking a broad liberal-arts campus, or for students who need multiple intakes per year to align with delayed test scores. Indian applicants in those categories should compare NYU Abu Dhabi or American University of Sharjah, which offer wider programme diversity and different aid models.
Khalifa University FAQs
Ques. Does Khalifa University require GRE for master’s admission?
Ans. GRE is not mandatory for most master’s programmes at KU, and admission decisions rely on CGPA, English test scores, statement of purpose, and recommendation letters. GRE is however required for the PhD Direct-from-Bachelor route, where a minimum Quantitative score of 150 applies. Applicants with strong GRE scores may still submit them to strengthen competitive master’s applications in engineering.
Ques. How can Indian students get an English test waiver at KU?
Ans. Indian applicants qualify for an English test waiver if they completed their most recent full-time degree at an English-medium institution, supported by an official Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from the school or college. Native English speakers from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are exempt outright. All other applicants must submit IELTS 6.0 for UG or IELTS 6.5 for PG (or equivalent TOEFL scores).
Ques. What is the KUAT entrance test format at Khalifa University?
Ans. KUAT is a shortlist-stage entrance test for undergraduate applicants, covering three subjects: Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. Each paper runs 90 minutes and is delivered on-campus or at an approved international test centre. The test is scored programme-wise and combined with Class 12 marks to determine merit ranking. Indian applicants typically prepare using JEE Main level material.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at KU?
Ans. UAE student visa rules allow limited part-time work with prior approval from the university and the Ministry of Human Resources. On-campus roles such as research assistantships and tutoring are the most common route for Indian students, and PhD scholarship holders receive a monthly stipend that removes the need for external work. Off-campus commercial work is restricted.
Ques. Which Indian education boards does Khalifa University accept for UG?
Ans. KU accepts CBSE, ICSE, and recognised State Board Class 12 results from India, with a minimum 80% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Applicants from International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge A Levels are also accepted at equivalent thresholds. Board results must be officially attested by MOFA UAE and the Indian embassy before final enrolment, which adds 3 to 4 weeks of processing time.
Ques. Are there conditional offers available for Indian applicants at KU?
Ans. Yes, KU issues conditional offers to Indian applicants who are still awaiting final Class 12 results, IELTS or TOEFL scores, or bachelor’s transcripts at the point of application. The conditional offer specifies the pending item and the deadline by which it must be submitted, typically before the Fall orientation. Failure to meet the condition invalidates the seat.
Ques. What is the application fee for Khalifa University and can it be waived?
Ans. Undergraduate applications to KU carry no application fee, so Indian applicants pay nothing to submit the UG form. Postgraduate applications require AED 200 (INR 4,710), payable online at the time of submission. The PG application fee is generally non-refundable and non-waivable, though scholarship-tier applicants sometimes see the fee bundled into their financial support package.
Ques. Which banks offer education loans for Khalifa University?
Ans. Major Indian lenders including HDFC Credila, State Bank of India, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, and Avanse recognise Khalifa University for education loan disbursement, given its QS top 150 status. Loans typically cover tuition plus living expenses up to INR 40 lakh with property collateral, or up to INR 20 lakh unsecured for merit borrowers. Rates start around 9% to 11% depending on lender and applicant profile.
Khalifa University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BS Computer Science 4 years | USD 21,938 /Yr AED 81,250 /Yr | 200 | 75%: TOEFL: 79; IELTS: 6.0 | ||
M.S Computer Science 2 years | USD 40,500 /Yr AED 150,000 /Yr | 200 | TOEFL- 79 | IELTS- 6.0 | ||
B.S Mechanical Engineering 4 years | USD 21,938 /Yr AED 81,250 /Yr | - | GPA-3.0, TOEFL-79, IELTS-6.0 | - | |
M.S Chemical Engineering 2 years | USD 40,500 /Yr AED 150,000 /Yr | 200 | TOEFL- 79 | IELTS- 6.0 |
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Khalifa University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scholarships in Saudi Arabia | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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Khalifa University Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.ku.ac.ae/apply
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 610 | - | - | - |
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Comments
Found 6 Comments
I'm new in UAE. Recently I moved here with my family. I registered for my IELTS and took the exam, which will be held on 9 March and 24 March. Do I need anything else for admission?
KU might also accept scores from the Emirates Standardized Assessment Test (EmSAT) instead of IELTS. However, you can explore the KU courses to learn more about the curriculum, fees, and other details.