New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Summary
NYUAD is unlike many other universities in the UAE that are not primarily traditional career training institutions. Undergraduate education is rooted in the liberal arts and sciences. Students are not limited to one narrow professional track; they also complete a broad Core Curriculum, explore multiple disciplines, complete a major, develop research skills and participate in global education opportunities. According to the official NYUAD undergraduate pages, the university offers 26 undergraduate majors in Arts and Humanities, Engineering, Science and Social Science, and many minors and specializations.
Available undergraduate majors are Arab Crossroads Studies, Art and Art History, Film and New Media, History, Interactive Media, Literature and Creative Writing, Music, Philosophy, Theater, Bioengineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, General Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Business, Organizations and Society, Economics, Legal Studies, Political Science and Social Research and Public Policy. These are real undergraduate majors, not to be confused with graduate or PhD programs.
NYUAD is also a research powerhouse. The academic environment encourages students to ask novel questions, to complete capstone work, to participate in research labs, to collaborate with faculty and to use interdisciplinary approaches. Engineering students can collaborate on robotics, sustainability, urban systems, biomedical systems, cybersecurity and innovation-driven projects. Science students can study biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science and psychology and data-informed research. Students of social science may specialize in economics, government and politics, public policy, law, human behavior and social research. Arts and humanities students may pursue creative, historical, cultural, literary, philosophical and media-based inquiry.
NYUAD offers specialized graduate programs at the postgraduate level, not a broad list of general master’s programs. Graduate offerings. MFA in Art and Media. MSc in Interdisciplinary Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. Stern at NYUAD One-year Full-time MBA. These programs are separate from undergraduate majors and are designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree or accepted equivalent qualification. The MBA is provided through NYUAD’s Stern School and the MFA and MSc programs are within the graduate academic ecosystem of NYUAD.
Global PhD Student Fellowships: NYUAD offers doctoral fellowships in collaboration with NYU graduate schools in New York, including NYU Graduate School of Arts and Science, NYU Steinhardt and NYU Tandon School of Engineering. According to the official PhD page , global PhD students spend 1-2 years of coursework in New York before coming to NYU Abu Dhabi to complete research and thesis work. Fellowships cover tuition, fees, health insurance, stipend, degree-related travel assistance and on-campus housing in Abu Dhabi.
NYUAD is expensive relative to many other universities in the UAE. For full-time undergraduate students, the official undergraduate cost of attendance page lists 2026–2027 tuition at $68,576 and total estimated cost of attendance at $90,328. This equates to approximately AED 251,845 for tuition and approximately AED 331,730 for total estimated annual cost. But NYUAD also has a reputation for financial aid and scholarship support, especially for undergraduate students who apply through NYU’s financial aid process and for certain graduate programs.
Overall, NYU Abu Dhabi is best for academically strong students who want a global, research-rich, residential, English-medium university experience in the UAE. Of particular interest to students with an interest in the liberal arts, sciences, engineering, research, economics, public policy, creative arts, media, computer science, data science and AI, global affairs, graduate research and international career pathways.
About New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD)
NYUAD’s undergraduate model aims to promote broad intellectual development. Students major, but they also take courses across disciplines in a Core Curriculum and electives. This helps students develop writing, reasoning, quantitative thinking, global understanding, ethical reflection and research ability. NYUAD’s official undergraduate page states the university offers 26 undergraduate majors across Arts and Humanities, Engineering, Science and Social Science and students can choose from a wide range of courses over four years.
The university is particularly good for students who want flexibility in their studies. A student interested in computer science can also pick up philosophy, music, political science or economics. Students in the social research program may choose to study data, history, public policy or psychology. An engineering student can explore entrepreneurship, sustainability, design and global problems. This makes NYUAD ideal for students who want a broad academic foundation before choosing a specialized career or graduate pathway.
NYUAD is also a research active university. Graduate and PhD programs link students to cutting-edge labs, faculty research and NYU’s global scholarly community. Its PhD fellowships are particularly attractive, offering funding and research opportunities between New York and Abu Dhabi.
NYUAD is a good fit for students who are looking for a selective, international and academically rigorous university. It’s not the best fit for students seeking low-cost tuition, a large catalog of professional bachelor’s degrees or a traditional local commuter campus. It is strongest for students who want global education, research, interdisciplinary learning and strong academic mentoring.
New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) History
NYU Abu Dhabi was established through a partnership between New York University and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The university welcomed its inaugural class in 2010.
NYUAD was founded as NYU’s first degree-granting campus outside New York.
The institution was created to address the role of higher education in a global 21st-century context.
NYUAD developed a liberal arts and sciences college at its core.
The university built a residential campus on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.
NYUAD expanded undergraduate majors across arts, humanities, engineering, science and social science.
The university became known for its international student body and global network access.
NYUAD developed graduate programs including the MFA in Art and Media and MSc in Interdisciplinary Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
Stern at NYUAD introduced a one-year full-time MBA pathway in Abu Dhabi.
NYUAD expanded global PhD fellowship opportunities in collaboration with NYU schools in New York.
Today, NYUAD is recognized as one of the UAE’s most selective and globally connected universities.
New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Highlights
Established in 2010
Located on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Part of New York University’s global network
Offers 26 undergraduate majors across Arts and Humanities, Engineering, Science and Social Science
Strong liberal arts and sciences model
Every undergraduate student can access global study opportunities through NYU’s network
Offers selected master’s programs, including MFA, MSc and MBA pathways
Offers Global PhD Student Fellowships in collaboration with NYU schools
Medium of instruction is English
Strong for research, global education, interdisciplinary learning and residential campus life
Undergraduate tuition for 2026–2027 is approximately AED 251,845 after conversion from official US$ tuition
Total undergraduate cost of attendance for 2026–2027 is approximately AED 331,730 after conversion from official US$ estimate
Suitable for academically strong UAE and international students
Strong option for students seeking a global university experience in Abu Dhabi
New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Courses Offered
| UG Courses Offered | PG Courses Offered | PhD Courses Offered |
|---|---|---|
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New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Specialisations Offered
| UG Course Specialisations | PG Course Specialisations | PhD Specialisations |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities
Engineering
Science
Social Science
Multidisciplinary Study Options
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MFA in Art and Media
MSc in Interdisciplinary Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Stern at NYUAD One-Year Full-Time MBA
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Engineering and Science Global PhD Pathways
NYUAD Research Completion Areas
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New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Admission Process
Select the correct level: UG, PG or PhD.
For UG, apply through NYU undergraduate admissions and select NYU Abu Dhabi.
For PG, select the exact NYUAD graduate program such as MFA, MSc or Stern at NYUAD MBA.
For PhD, apply through the relevant NYU New York PhD program and indicate interest in NYUAD research.
Review academic entry requirements carefully.
Prepare academic transcripts and certificates.
Prepare English language proof if required.
Prepare personal essays, recommendations and activity details for undergraduate admission.
Prepare portfolio for MFA admission.
Prepare CV, statement of purpose and recommendations for graduate admission.
Prepare research direction and faculty fit evidence for PhD pathways.
Submit application by the official deadline.
Complete financial aid or scholarship forms where applicable.
Track application status through the official system.
Accept the offer if selected.
Complete visa, housing, health insurance, fee payment and enrollment steps.
Admission Details
NYUAD undergraduate admission is highly selective.
The undergraduate program is residential and full-time.
Undergraduate students can access global education through NYU’s academic network.
Graduate admissions are program-specific.
MFA applicants should prepare a strong creative portfolio.
MBA applicants apply through Stern at NYUAD.
PhD applicants apply through relevant NYU graduate schools.
PhD fellowship applicants should indicate preference for NYUAD research in the NYU application.
International students should apply early because visa, housing and financial aid documentation can take time.
Final fees and aid should always be checked on official NYUAD and NYU Stern pages before applying.
New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Courses Fees
All Undergraduate Programs
Official Tuition Basis: US$68,576 for 2026–2027 full-time undergraduate tuition
Approx Tuition in AED: AED 251,845 per year
Estimated Total Cost of Attendance: US$90,328 for 2026–2027
Approx Total Cost of Attendance in AED: AED 331,730 per year
Duration: Usually 4 Years
Eligibility: Recognized high school qualification or equivalent; strong academic record; English language proficiency; holistic admission review
Admission Mode: NYU Undergraduate Admission Route for NYU Abu Dhabi
PG Fees
Master of Fine Arts in Art and Media
Official Program Tuition and Fees: US$146,692 total for the 2025–2026 listed two-year estimate
Approx Total Tuition and Fees in AED: AED 538,726
Year 1 Tuition and Fees: US$78,170, approximately AED 287,136
Year 2 Tuition and Fees: US$68,522, approximately AED 251,591
Duration: Usually 2 Years
Eligibility: Recognized bachelor’s degree; strong creative portfolio; academic and artistic readiness; English language proficiency
Admission Mode: NYUAD Graduate Admission Route
Note: NYUAD states that MFA scholarships in recent years covered 50% to 85% of tuition and fees for admitted applicants.
Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Fee: Confirm on official program page before applying because fee details may be updated by intake
Approx Fee Category: Graduate tuition and funding vary by program and scholarship package
Duration: Program-based structure
Eligibility: Recognized bachelor’s degree with quantitative, computing, data science, engineering, mathematics, statistics or related preparation
Admission Mode: NYUAD Graduate Admission Route
Stern at NYUAD One-Year Full-Time MBA
Official Tuition Basis: US$122,680 estimated tuition for 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 academic years combined
Approx Tuition in AED: AED 450,542 total
Credits: 54
Duration: One-year full-time MBA structure
Eligibility: Recognized bachelor’s degree; professional readiness; MBA admission requirements; English language proficiency
Admission Mode: Stern at NYUAD MBA Admission Route
Note: Official Stern at NYUAD tuition page states that figures are estimated in US dollars.
PhD / Doctoral Fees
Global PhD Student Fellowships
Tuition and Fees: Provided through the Global PhD fellowship structure for admitted fellows
Health Insurance: Provided throughout the program
Stipend: Generous research assistantship and stipend provided by NYU Abu Dhabi
Housing: Campus accommodation at no cost in Abu Dhabi
Travel: Degree-related travel assistance between Abu Dhabi and New York
Duration: Coursework in New York for 1–2 years, followed by research and thesis completion in Abu Dhabi
Eligibility: Strong research profile; application through the relevant NYU New York PhD program with preference indicated for NYUAD research
Admission Mode: NYU Global PhD Application Route
Note: Official NYUAD PhD information states that tuition, fees, health insurance, stipend, travel assistance and Abu Dhabi accommodation are provided for Global PhD fellows.
New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Scholarships
NYUAD provides financial aid and scholarship options for eligible students.
Undergraduate financial aid is considered through NYUAD’s financial aid process.
The official cost of attendance page explains that outside financial support must be reported because it may affect aid determination.
MFA Art and Media applicants may receive scholarships; NYUAD states that admitted applicants in recent years were offered scholarships covering 50% to 85% of tuition and fees.
Top-ranked MFA admitted applicants may occasionally receive scholarships covering almost all tuition and fees.
Global PhD fellows receive tuition, fees, health insurance, stipend, degree-related travel support and Abu Dhabi accommodation through the fellowship structure.
Stern at NYUAD MBA applicants should check official MBA scholarship and funding pages separately.
Scholarship approval is not automatic after admission.
Applicants should prepare strong academic, creative, professional or research profiles depending on program.
Final scholarship rules can change by intake and should be verified on the official program page.
New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Carrer Outcomes
NYUAD graduates can build careers in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, the wider UAE, the United States, Europe, Asia and global markets.
Arts and humanities graduates can work in media, museums, cultural organizations, creative industries, education, writing, research, film, theater and public programs.
Engineering graduates can work in technology, infrastructure, sustainability, robotics, biomedical systems, consulting, urban systems and innovation sectors.
Science graduates can pursue research, laboratory work, data science, computing, psychology, biotechnology, environmental work and graduate study.
Social science graduates can enter policy, consulting, economics, public affairs, legal research, political analysis, NGOs, development organizations and social research.
Computer science and data graduates can work in software, AI, analytics, cybersecurity, research labs, product development and digital transformation.
MFA graduates can pursue creative practice, art production, media work, exhibitions, curatorial projects, creative entrepreneurship and higher research.
MBA graduates can move into management, consulting, finance, strategy, entrepreneurship, operations, technology management and regional leadership roles.
PhD graduates can pursue academic research, postdoctoral roles, advanced industry research, laboratory leadership, policy research and innovation-focused careers.
The NYU global network can support international career mobility and further study pathways.
New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Important Links
Official Website: https://nyuad.nyu.edu
NYUAD History: https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/about/the-nyuad-campus/history.html
Location and Directions: https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/about/contact-and-location/location-and-directions.html
Undergraduate Majors and Minors: https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/academics/undergraduate/majors-and-minors.html
Undergraduate Cost of Attendance: https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/apply/undergraduate/scholarships-and-financial-aid/cost-of-attendance.html
Graduate and PhD: https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/apply/graduate.html
MFA Art and Media Funding: https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/academics/graduate-and-phd/mfa-art-and-media/funding.html
PhD Programs: https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/academics/graduate-and-phd/phd-programs.html
Stern at NYUAD MBA Tuition: https://stern.nyuad.nyu.edu/programs-admissions/mba-program/tuition-scholarships/tuition/
Contact NYUAD: https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/about/contact-and-location/contact.html
