American University of Sharjah (AUS) Summary
The American University of Sharjah, or AUS, is one of the most respected private not-for-profit universities in the UAE. The university, located in University City, Sharjah, is known for its American-style liberal arts model, strong academic standards, international student community, professional programs, research activity and strong reputation in engineering, architecture, business, arts, sciences, communication, computing, design and humanities. Founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah, AUS was envisioned as an institution to emerge as a leading university in the Gulf region.
AUS is particularly suitable for students seeking an American style of education in the UAE. Its academic model integrates major-specific study with general education, communication skills, critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, exposure to the humanities and professional preparation. This distinguishes the university from those that train students for a narrow technical discipline. At AUS, an engineering student doesn’t only take technical courses, but also partakes in communication, ethics, teamwork and broader academic development. The business student learns finance, accounting, management or marketing, but also analytical thinking, writing, technology use and global business awareness. Design or architecture student develops studio practice, creative thinking, portfolio work and professional presentation ability.
At the undergraduate level, AUS offers bachelor’s degrees in architecture, interior design, economics, English, international studies, media communication, psychology, biology, business administration, accounting, finance, management, marketing, supply chain management, information systems and business analytics, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, computer science, data science, design management, digital construction engineering and management, electrical engineering, environmental sciences, film and new media design, graphic design, industrial engineering, mathematics, mechanical engineering, physics and other professional areas. AUS’s official majors page lists its undergraduate majors separately from graduate and doctoral programs, which makes the academic structure clear for students applying after high school.
At the postgraduate level, AUS offers master’s programs in international studies, media studies and practice, TESOL, translation, business administration, business data analytics, trans-disciplinary design, accounting, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, construction management, data analytics engineering, economics and policy, electrical engineering, engineering systems management, environmental sustainability and management, finance, machine learning and mathematics. These programs are designed for students who have a bachelor’s degree and want to receive advanced professional, academic or technical training.
AUS has some PhD programs at the doctoral level including civil and environmental engineering, biosciences and bioengineering, electrical and computer engineering, engineering systems management, finance, management, materials science and engineering and mathematics. These are listed separately on AUS’s official doctoral program page so PhD pathways should not be confused with master’s programs.
The university is also strong on visibility in rankings. American University of Sharjah is one of the top private universities in Sharjah and is ranked #=272 in QS World University Rankings 2026. This ranking visibility, together with AUS’s American-style curriculum and strong professional programs, makes it attractive for students from the UAE, India, the GCC and wider international markets.
Fees at AUS are listed in AED. Undergraduate Tuition (all majors) 2026-2027 AED 55,438 per semester or AED 110,876 per year for 12 to 16 credits Lab/Technology Fees and Student Activity Fees are charged separately where applicable. Graduate tuition is listed by credit hour, with many master’s programs charged at AED 5,480 per credit hour. Tuition for doctoral programs is also listed separately by PhD program. In general, AUS is suitable for students who want a top-ranked university in the UAE with American-style education, strong English-medium programs, challenging academics and career options in engineering, business, architecture, design, computing, media, research and professional fields.
AUS is particularly suitable for students seeking an American style of education in the UAE. Its academic model integrates major-specific study with general education, communication skills, critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, exposure to the humanities and professional preparation. This distinguishes the university from those that train students for a narrow technical discipline. At AUS, an engineering student doesn’t only take technical courses, but also partakes in communication, ethics, teamwork and broader academic development. The business student learns finance, accounting, management or marketing, but also analytical thinking, writing, technology use and global business awareness. Design or architecture student develops studio practice, creative thinking, portfolio work and professional presentation ability.
At the undergraduate level, AUS offers bachelor’s degrees in architecture, interior design, economics, English, international studies, media communication, psychology, biology, business administration, accounting, finance, management, marketing, supply chain management, information systems and business analytics, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, computer science, data science, design management, digital construction engineering and management, electrical engineering, environmental sciences, film and new media design, graphic design, industrial engineering, mathematics, mechanical engineering, physics and other professional areas. AUS’s official majors page lists its undergraduate majors separately from graduate and doctoral programs, which makes the academic structure clear for students applying after high school.
At the postgraduate level, AUS offers master’s programs in international studies, media studies and practice, TESOL, translation, business administration, business data analytics, trans-disciplinary design, accounting, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, construction management, data analytics engineering, economics and policy, electrical engineering, engineering systems management, environmental sustainability and management, finance, machine learning and mathematics. These programs are designed for students who have a bachelor’s degree and want to receive advanced professional, academic or technical training.
AUS has some PhD programs at the doctoral level including civil and environmental engineering, biosciences and bioengineering, electrical and computer engineering, engineering systems management, finance, management, materials science and engineering and mathematics. These are listed separately on AUS’s official doctoral program page so PhD pathways should not be confused with master’s programs.
The university is also strong on visibility in rankings. American University of Sharjah is one of the top private universities in Sharjah and is ranked #=272 in QS World University Rankings 2026. This ranking visibility, together with AUS’s American-style curriculum and strong professional programs, makes it attractive for students from the UAE, India, the GCC and wider international markets.
Fees at AUS are listed in AED. Undergraduate Tuition (all majors) 2026-2027 AED 55,438 per semester or AED 110,876 per year for 12 to 16 credits Lab/Technology Fees and Student Activity Fees are charged separately where applicable. Graduate tuition is listed by credit hour, with many master’s programs charged at AED 5,480 per credit hour. Tuition for doctoral programs is also listed separately by PhD program. In general, AUS is suitable for students who want a top-ranked university in the UAE with American-style education, strong English-medium programs, challenging academics and career options in engineering, business, architecture, design, computing, media, research and professional fields.
