American University Of Sharjah [AU SHARJAH], Sharjah Courses, Fees, Ranking, & Admission Criteria

American University Of Sharjah - [AU Sharjah], Sharjah, Sharjah

Sharjah, SharjahLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1997established year
6170enrollment
Private
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Study Abroad Team

Updated on - Sep 7, 2026

American University of Sharjah is a private, American-model research university located in University City, Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates. It is ranked #258 in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and holds the #3 position in the UAE.

American University of Sharjah offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs across five colleges, with all instruction delivered in English. AUS enrols students from over 90 nationalities, and Indian nationals form close to 11% of the student body. Popular AUS choices for Indian applicants include the NAAB-accredited Bachelor of Architecture, four Engineering streams, Computer Science, Business Administration, the MBA, and Mass Communication. Applicants can review peer options on the MS universities in UAE list.

  • QS World Ranking 2027: #258 globally, #3 in the UAE
  • Acceptance Rate: 70% to 80% (estimated)
  • Intakes: Fall (August), Spring (January), Summer
  • UG Tuition: AED 110,876 per year (INR 28.56 lakh)
  • Indian Student Share: ~11% of total enrolment
  • Application Fee: AED 420 (INR 10,819) inclusive of VAT

Fee schedules are revised each academic year and levied per semester. Merit scholarships covering 10% to 20% of tuition are offered automatically at admission to applicants with 95% or above in Grades 10 and 11. The UAE issues a student residence visa sponsored by AUS after admission, and monthly living costs in Sharjah are lower than in Abu Dhabi or central Dubai.


Exchange rate used: 1 AED = INR 25.76 as of September 2026

Admission Status: Closing Soon (Spring 2027 intake). The Spring 2027 application deadline is 24 December 2026, with early file completion by 21 December 2026. Fall 2027 applications open on 19 October 2026, with early file completion by 5 July 2027 and classes starting 23 August 2027. Indian applicants aiming for the Fall 2027 cycle should target early file completion to secure merit review and housing.

Popular Courses and Fees at American University of Sharjah 2027

American University of Sharjah charges a uniform undergraduate tuition of AED 55,438 per semester for 12 to 16 credits, translating to AED 110,876 per academic year. Graduate programs are billed per credit hour, with most master’s programs charged at AED 5,480 per credit. AUS fees do not vary by nationality, so Indian students pay the same tuition as UAE residents.

American University of Sharjah PG Courses and Fees 2027

Master’s programs typically require 30 to 36 credits, completed over 3 to 4 semesters. The MBA carries a heavier credit load at 43 credits. INR figures below reflect the full-program tuition at the current AED-INR rate.

ProgramTotal Fee (AED)Total Fee (INR lakh)Entry Requirement
MBA235,64060.7 lakhBachelor’s with CGPA 3.0/4.0 or 60% (recommended); GMAT or GRE waiver possible
MS in Computer Engineering164,40042.4 lakhBachelor’s with CGPA 3.0/4.0 or 60% (recommended)
MS in Electrical Engineering164,40042.4 lakhBachelor’s with CGPA 3.0/4.0 or 60% (recommended)
MS in Mechanical Engineering164,40042.4 lakhBachelor’s with CGPA 3.0/4.0 or 60% (recommended)
MS in Civil Engineering164,40042.4 lakhBachelor’s with CGPA 3.0/4.0 or 60% (recommended)
MS in Chemical Engineering164,40042.4 lakhBachelor’s with CGPA 3.0/4.0 or 60% (recommended)
MS in Engineering Systems Management197,28050.8 lakhBachelor’s with CGPA 3.0/4.0 or 60% (recommended); work experience preferred
MA in Translation and Interpreting164,40042.4 lakhBachelor’s with CGPA 3.0/4.0 or 60% (recommended)
MA in TESOL164,40042.4 lakhBachelor’s with CGPA 3.0/4.0 or 60% (recommended)
MA in Urban Planning197,28050.8 lakhBachelor’s with CGPA 3.0/4.0 or 60% (recommended)

[Source: American University of Sharjah Graduate Tuition Schedule]

American University of Sharjah UG Courses and Fees 2027

Undergraduate programs are four years long except Bachelor of Architecture, which runs five years. Semester tuition is fixed at AED 55,438 for full-time enrolment; the annual figure is AED 110,876 across two regular semesters.

ProgramDurationTotal Fee (AED)Total Fee (INR lakh)Entry Requirement
Bachelor of Architecture (NAAB-accredited)5 years554,380142.8 lakhClass 12 with 85% or above (recommended); Math and Science required
BS in Mechanical Engineering4 years443,504114.2 lakhClass 12 with 85% or above (recommended); Math and Physics grade B minimum
BS in Computer Science4 years443,504114.2 lakhClass 12 with 85% or above (recommended); Math and Science required
BS in Business Administration4 years443,504114.2 lakhClass 12 with 85% or above (recommended); Math required
BA in Mass Communication4 years443,504114.2 lakhClass 12 with 65% or above (minimum); 85% for competitive review

[Source: American University of Sharjah Undergraduate Tuition Schedule]

Insider note: Indian applicants cluster in Engineering, Architecture, and Business at AUS, with Computer Science demand rising fastest since 2024 as recruiters in Dubai’s tech corridors hire on-campus.

Read More: American University of Sharjah Programs and Fees Guide


American University of Sharjah Admission 2027

American University of Sharjah runs a Fall (August) and Spring (January) intake for both undergraduate and graduate applicants, with a limited Summer cycle for select programs. Fall is the primary intake for Indian students because most engineering and architecture programs sequence courses starting in August.

American University of Sharjah UG Admission Dates 2027

Undergraduate admissions run rolling reviews within each cycle, with a hard file completion deadline before classes begin.

MilestoneDateNotes for Indian Applicants
Spring 2027 application deadline24 December 2026Submit transcripts and English test by early December for review
Spring 2027 early file completion21 December 2026Files completed by this date receive priority review
Fall 2027 applications open19 October 2026Recommended for Indian applicants seeking scholarships
Fall 2027 early file completion5 July 2027Housing and merit review require completion by this date
Fall 2027 programme start23 August 2027Orientation runs 16 August 2027

[Source: AUS Undergraduate Admission Deadlines]

American University of Sharjah PG Admission Dates 2027

Graduate deadlines vary by programme; the AUS Office of Enrolment publishes each master’s programme’s cutoff separately. Indian applicants should confirm on the official page.

MilestoneDateNotes for Indian Applicants
Spring 2027 graduate deadlineVaries by programme; confirm on official pageMost engineering master’s close mid-November 2026
Fall 2027 graduate applications openExpected October 2026 (based on prior cycle)MBA cohort begins recruitment October 2026
Fall 2027 graduate deadlineVaries by programme; confirm on official pageEngineering master’s typically close June 2027

[Source: American University of Sharjah Graduate Admissions Office]

Planning note: Indian applicants should begin WES or AUS credential verification at least eight weeks before the file completion deadline, as Indian transcript authentication from CBSE, ICSE, and State boards can take four to six weeks.

Read More: AUS Admissions Guide with Universities in UAE


American University of Sharjah Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027

American University of Sharjah admission requirements for Indian applicants centre on academic performance, English proficiency, and credential verification, with subject-specific prerequisites for engineering, architecture, and business tracks.

American University of Sharjah UG Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027

  • Class 12 Academic: 65% or higher in the Senior Secondary Certificate, or 65% in the best two years; 85% or higher is recommended for competitive review
  • English Test: IELTS Academic 6.5, or TOEFL iBT 80, or TOEFL ITP 550; IELTS Indicator and TOEFL Home Edition not accepted
  • Subject Requirements: Math and Physics at grade B for Engineering and Data Science; Math for Business; Math and Science for Computer Science, Architecture, and Interior Design

American University of Sharjah PG Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027

  • Bachelor’s Degree: Four-year bachelor’s with CGPA 3.0/4.0 or 60% and above (recommended equivalency); WES or official evaluation accepted
  • English Test: IELTS Academic 6.5, or TOEFL iBT 80, or TOEFL ITP 550
  • Standardised Tests: GMAT or GRE required for the MBA and select engineering master’s; waivers available for candidates with strong professional experience
  • Credential Verification: Attested Class 10, Class 12, and bachelor’s transcripts submitted through the AUS applicant portal

Key insight: AUS accepts only IELTS Academic and TOEFL for English proof and does not recognise PTE Academic or Duolingo English Test, so Indian applicants should not book PTE if AUS is their primary target.


American University of Sharjah Acceptance Rate 2027

American University of Sharjah admits roughly 70% to 80% (estimated) of complete applicants, with tighter selection for Architecture, Engineering, and Computer Science tracks. AUS does not publish official acceptance rate figures, so the range above is a third-party-derived estimate and should be treated as directional.

Indian applicants with 85% or higher in Class 12 and strong subject grades typically move through review without issue. The competitive floor tightens for merit-scholarship candidates targeting 95% and above.

Reality check: The 70% to 80% band is misleading if you read it as easy entry; strong Indian applicants clear it comfortably, but Architecture portfolios and Engineering subject grades separate scholarship-tier candidates from the rest.

Read More: American University of Sharjah Acceptance Rate and MBA Universities in UAE


American University of Sharjah Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027

Indian students at American University of Sharjah face an annual outlay of roughly AED 155,000 to AED 195,000 (INR 39.9 lakh to INR 50.2 lakh), covering tuition, housing, food, and personal expenses.

American University of Sharjah Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027

Tuition is uniform across nationalities and billed per semester for undergraduates and per credit for graduates. Application, activity, and technology fees apply separately.

Fee ComponentAmount (AED)Amount (INR lakh)
UG Tuition (per semester)55,43814.28 lakh
UG Tuition (per year)110,87628.56 lakh
PG Tuition (per credit)5,4801.41 lakh
Application Fee (with VAT)4200.11 lakh
Student Activity Fee (per semester)4430.11 lakh
Technology or Lab Fee (per course)1,552 to 1,7000.40 to 0.44 lakh
Seat Reservation Deposit5,0001.29 lakh
English Bridge Program (per semester)36,0129.28 lakh

[Source: American University of Sharjah Tuition and Fees Schedule]

Monthly Cost of Living in Sharjah for Indian Students at American University of Sharjah

Sharjah is materially cheaper than Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but on-campus housing is priced separately by room type. Figures below are directional estimates based on AUS-published residential fees and Sharjah market rates.

ExpenseMonthly (AED)Monthly (INR)
On-campus Accommodation (shared)1,170 (estimated)30,138 (estimated)
On-campus Accommodation (private)2,500 (estimated)64,400 (estimated)
Food1,000 to 1,500 (estimated)25,760 to 38,640 (estimated)
Transportation250 to 400 (estimated)6,440 to 10,304 (estimated)
Books and Supplies300 to 500 (estimated)7,728 to 12,880 (estimated)
Personal400 to 800 (estimated)10,304 to 20,608 (estimated)
Total Monthly3,500 to 5,500 (estimated)90,160 to 1,41,680 (estimated)
Total Annual42,000 to 66,000 (estimated)10.82 to 17.00 lakh (estimated)

[Source: American University of Sharjah Residential Halls and Sharjah market estimates]

Insider note: On-campus shared housing at AED 7,000 per semester is the cheapest safe option for first-year Indian students; off-campus flats in Muweileh near AUS run higher once utilities are included.

Read More: Study in UAE Guide for Indian Students


American University of Sharjah Campus, Facilities and Student Life

American University of Sharjah sits on a purpose-built 1.6 million square-metre campus in University City, Sharjah, roughly 30 minutes by taxi from Dubai International Airport.

  • Location: University City, Sharjah, with bus links to Dubai Metro at Al Ittihad and Union stations
  • Housing: Guaranteed on-campus residence for first-year international students; shared rooms at AED 7,000 per semester, private rooms at AED 15,000
  • Facilities: NAAB-accredited Architecture studios, dedicated engineering labs, a 24-hour library, and a 5,000-seat auditorium
  • Indian Community: Roughly 11% of the student body is Indian; the Indian Student Association hosts Diwali, Holi, and Independence Day events on campus

What Indian students say: AUS feels international from day one, with roommate matching often placing Indian first-years with peers from South Asia or the GCC. Off-campus, Sharjah’s Muweileh area has multiple South Indian and North Indian restaurants within walking distance.


American University of Sharjah Scholarships 2027

American University of Sharjah offers eight named scholarship programmes for new and continuing undergraduates, plus need-based grants. Several are open to Indian applicants without a separate application.

ScholarshipTypeAward ValueEligibilityDeadline
President’s ScholarshipMerit100% tuition, housing, stipend, three annual flights, insuranceIELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 94; 98% CGPA in Grades 10 and 11 with 3 APs at grade 5, or SAT 1400Expected March 2027 (based on prior cycle)
Chancellor’s ScholarshipMerit100% tuition, housing, insuranceUAE secondary route; IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 94; 98% CGPA and 2 APs at grade 5Expected March 2027 (based on prior cycle)
Merit ScholarshipAcademic10% to 20% of tuition and lab fees95% or above in Grades 10 and 11Automatic at admission
Sharakah School ScholarshipNomination45% tuition, lab, and housing95% or above in Grades 10 and 11 with school nominationExpected May 2027 (based on prior cycle)
Family Tuition GrantFamily25% tuition discount per siblingTwo or more simultaneous full-time undergraduates in familyExpected August 2027 (based on prior cycle)

[Source: American University of Sharjah Financial Grants and Scholarships]

Planning note: Indian applicants for the President’s and Chancellor’s scholarships must submit IELTS or TOEFL by the March deadline; late English scores are a common reason files miss scholarship review even when academics qualify.

Read More: MS Universities in UAE with Scholarships


American University of Sharjah Rankings 2027

American University of Sharjah’s strongest global result is its QS World University Ranking, where it moved to #258 in 2027 from #272 in 2026, a 14-place gain and its fifth consecutive year of improvement.

Ranking BodyLatest EditionPrevious EditionTwo Editions Back
QS World2027: #2582026: #2722025: #332
THE World2026: #501-600 band2025: #601-800 band2024: #601-800 band
US News Best Global2026-2027: #11712025-2026: #11802024-2025: #1198
Collegedunia Study Abroad2026: #613 global, #7 UAENANA

[Source: QS, THE, US News, Collegedunia Study Abroad]

AUS is ranked #1 in the UAE for Employer Reputation in the QS 2027 tables and holds nine subject-level UAE No. 1 positions including Accounting, Architecture, Business, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Electrical Engineering, and Linguistics. The QS Global MBA 2026 ranks the AUS MBA in the Top 200 worldwide and No. 2 in the UAE.

Key insight: The QS Top 300 position matters for Indian applicants because Indian public-sector recruiters and the SBI Global Ed-Vantage loan tier both recognise Top 300 institutions for premium loan and hiring processing.

Read More: American University of Sharjah Rankings Analysis


American University of Sharjah Placements and Career Outcomes 2027

American University of Sharjah does not publish a consolidated placement rate or median starting salary; career outcomes are reported by college and by employer surveys, and the QS Global MBA ranks AUS No. 2 in the UAE for Middle East and Africa employability.

  • Employer Reputation: #1 in the UAE in QS World University Rankings 2027 Employer Reputation indicator
  • MBA Placement Standing: QS Global MBA 2026 ranks AUS Top 200 globally, #2 in UAE, and #7 in the Middle East and Africa
  • Recruiter Sectors: Engineering firms, construction and consulting groups, GCC banks, and technology majors recruit on campus; specific hire counts not officially disclosed
  • Career Support: The Career Advising Centre runs annual career fairs, employer visits, and internship placements coordinated by each college
  • Post-Study Route: The UAE Green Visa allows AUS graduates to remain up to five years for job search or entrepreneurship without an employer sponsor

Insider note: Indian AUS graduates in Engineering and Business typically stay in the UAE for two to five years on the Green Visa, with median starting salaries in Dubai reported by market surveys in the AED 12,000 to AED 18,000 per month band (INR 3.09 lakh to INR 4.63 lakh); this is a market estimate, not an official AUS placement figure.

American University of Sharjah vs Peer Universities

Indian applicants typically compare American University of Sharjah with two other UAE campuses in the QS Top 400 and one cross-country reference. The table below focuses on QS World rank and annual PG fee.

UniversityQS Rank 2027Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026Annual PG Fee (AED / INR lakh)Differentiator
American University of Sharjah#258#613 global, #7 UAE65,760 to 78,912 / 16.9 to 20.3 lakhAmerican-model curriculum, NAAB Architecture, QS #1 UAE Employer Reputation
Khalifa UniversityNANANAUAE public research university, strong energy and STEM focus
United Arab Emirates UniversityNANANAUAE’s flagship public university, broader humanities coverage
Heriot-Watt University DubaiNANANAUK-branch campus in Dubai, engineering and business focus

[Source: QS World University Rankings 2027, Collegedunia Study Abroad]

American University of Sharjah stands out for its QS Top 300 position combined with UAE No. 1 Employer Reputation, the strongest combined signal for Indian applicants weighing UAE options against Malaysia or Ireland.

American University of Sharjah is the right fit for the Indian applicant who wants a QS Top 300 credential inside the GCC, a four-year total investment near INR 114 lakh, and access to Dubai’s job market via the UAE Green Visa route. The clearest advantage is the combination of the NAAB-accredited Architecture stream and the QS #1 UAE Employer Reputation, which converts to on-campus hiring in engineering and business.

AUS is not the right fit for applicants who need publicly funded tuition, a PhD-heavy research profile, or a two-year post-study work visa comparable to the UK Graduate Route; UAE University in Al Ain remains the closer alternative for that budget and research profile.


American University of Sharjah FAQs

Ques. What English tests does AUS accept for Indian applicants?

Ans. American University of Sharjah accepts only IELTS Academic 6.5, TOEFL iBT 80, and TOEFL ITP 550 for Indian applicants. PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, IELTS Indicator, and TOEFL iBT Home Edition are not recognised. Indian applicants planning AUS as their primary target should book IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT centre-based sittings in India and avoid the online variants that AUS explicitly excludes from consideration.

Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at AUS?

Ans. UAE student visa holders may take up part-time work with a no-objection letter from AUS and a valid work permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources. On-campus student assistant roles are common in the library, labs, and residential halls. Off-campus internships during the semester require the same NOC route, and full-time work is restricted during regular term weeks.

Ques. Is the GRE or GMAT waived for engineering master’s applicants?

Ans. American University of Sharjah waives the GRE for engineering master’s candidates who hold a bachelor’s from an ABET-accredited program with a CGPA of 3.3 or higher. For the MBA, the GMAT or GRE waiver is granted to applicants with at least five years of managerial experience or a professional qualification such as CA or CFA. Indian applicants should submit a waiver request with the application, not after.

Ques. How much is the AUS application fee for Indian students?

Ans. The AUS application fee is AED 400 plus 5% VAT, totalling AED 420 or roughly INR 10,819 at the September 2026 exchange rate. It is non-refundable, paid online through the applicant portal by credit card, and waived only for holders of the President’s or Chancellor’s scholarships. Indian applicants should keep the payment receipt for their visa file.

Ques. Which Indian education loans recognise American University of Sharjah?

Ans. State Bank of India’s Global Ed-Vantage scheme, HDFC Credila, and Avanse Financial Services recognise AUS as an approved institution for education loans up to INR 1.5 crore. SBI’s premium tier applies because AUS sits inside the QS Top 300. Applicants should submit the AUS offer letter, fee schedule, and one year’s cost estimate to secure loan disbursal aligned to each semester’s tuition cycle.

Ques. Does AUS require a portfolio for architecture applicants from India?

Ans. Yes, Bachelor of Architecture applicants at American University of Sharjah submit a portfolio of freehand drawings, technical work, and creative pieces alongside the standard application. The portfolio is reviewed for spatial thinking rather than polished output. Indian applicants without formal art training can submit sketchbooks and personal projects; NATA or JEE Paper 2 scores are not required or considered.

Ques. Can Indian students bring dependents on a UAE student visa?

Ans. Indian students at AUS may sponsor dependents such as a spouse or child once they hold the UAE student residence visa and demonstrate a monthly income threshold set by the UAE General Directorate of Residency, currently AED 4,000 with accommodation or AED 3,000 with employer housing. Undergraduate scholarship holders rarely qualify because of the income floor; graduate students with sponsored roles typically do.

Ques. What documents does AUS need for Indian transcript verification?

Ans. American University of Sharjah requires attested Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets and passing certificates from CBSE, ICSE, or State Board applicants, plus a WES or official evaluation for bachelor’s degrees at the master’s level. Attestation runs through the MEA in India and the UAE Embassy in New Delhi. Indian applicants should start the process at least eight weeks before the AUS file completion deadline.

American University of Sharjah Program Fees & Deadlines

ProgramImportant DatesFeesApplication FeesEligibility
Applcation Deadline for Summer 2026 Intake (14th May 2026)
Application Deadline for Spring 2027 Intake (25th Dec 2026)
USD 29,064 /Yr
AED 107,646 /Yr
400TOEFL- 80, IELTS- 6.5

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Important Date: 25 Dec, 2026
Entry Requirement: TOEFL- 80, IELTS- 6.5
USD 29,064 /YrAED 107,646 /Yr

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Exam Scores: IELTS6.5|TOEFL80
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USD 25,855 /YrAED 95,760 /Yr

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American University of Sharjah Ranking

2027202620252024

QS World University logo

Overall 258 out of 1504 in Global Ranking

#3 out of 9 in UAE 2027

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American University of Sharjah Scholarships


NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
Scholarships in Saudi ArabiaScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based

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American University of Sharjah Admissions

Attendance Cost

$29,064

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

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
$29,064 / Year
Post Graduate Program
$25,855 / Year

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