Zayed University Summary
For students who are interested in a UAE public university with English-medium academic programs, a modern campus environment and strong career-focused education, Zayed University is an especially good fit. Its undergraduate programs include arts, design, business, communication, humanities, social sciences, interdisciplinary studies, natural and health sciences and technological innovation. Major academic units include the College of Arts and Creative Enterprises, College of Business, College of Communication and Media Sciences, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Interdisciplinary Studies, College of Natural and Health Sciences, and College of Technological Innovation. Its official colleges page is here.
Zayed University offers bachelor’s programs at undergraduate level in creative fields, business, communication, technology, and interdisciplinary studies, humanities, social sciences and health-related areas. The undergraduate list includes Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design and Visual Arts; Bachelor of Science in Multimedia Design; Bachelor of Architecture; Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Finance, Marketing and Entrepreneurship; Bachelor of Science in Communication and Media Sciences; Bachelor of Science in Information Technology; Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Technology Management; and blended programs in Business Transformation, Computational Systems and Social Innovation. These programs are for students applying after high school or equivalent qualifications and should be treated as undergraduate programs.
In addition to undergraduate study, Zayed University offers graduate programs. Its official graduate program list for the 2025-2026 academic year includes master’s programs such as Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs, Master of Arts in Communication, Master of Legal and Judicial Studies, Master of Science in Counselling Psychology, Master of Science in Environment and Sustainability Sciences, Master of Science in Human Nutrition, Master of Science in Finance, Master of Science in Digital Transformation and Innovation, and Master of Science in Cybersecurity. These are postgraduate courses for students who already possess a bachelor’s degree or an accepted equivalent qualification.
Zayed University is not renowned as a comprehensive, PhD-granting university. Its official graduate program list for 2025–2026 is centered on master’s programs, not a broad doctoral portfolio. PhD or doctoral study should therefore be marked separately and with caution. Students who wish to pursue doctoral studies after ZU may use an appropriate master's degree as a basis to apply for PhD programs at UAEU, Khalifa University, University of Sharjah, American University of Sharjah or other PhD granting university depending on the discipline.
Zayed University fees are published in AED currency. The official undergraduate tuition page states that the tuition fee for self-funding national students and for non-national or international undergraduate students is AED 2,500 per credit hour, with an application fee of AED 250 + VAT. Graduate tuition is program dependent. The official graduate tuition table shows the Master of Science in Finance at AED 2,667 per credit hour, Master of Arts in Communication at AED 2,667 per credit hour, Master of Legal and Judicial Studies at AED 2,526 per credit hour, Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs at AED 4,267 per credit hour, Master of Science in Counselling Psychology and Environment and Sustainability Sciences at AED 2,500 per credit hour, Master of Science in Human Nutrition at AED 3,000 per credit hour, Master of Science in Digital Transformation and Innovation at AED 2,666 per credit hour, and Master of Science in Cybersecurity at AED 3,200 per credit hour.
In summary, Zayed University is a good fit for students who want a UAE public university with modern campuses, strong undergraduate options in business, communication, technology, design and social fields, and select master’s pathways in finance, communication, diplomacy, law, counseling psychology, sustainability, nutrition, cybersecurity and digital transformation. It is perfect for students seeking career-oriented education in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, supported by a national university and closely connected to the UAE’s development goals.
About Zayed University
ZU has a broad academic structure but is especially strong in the fields of communication, business, technology, design, interdisciplinary study, humanities and social sciences and health-related graduate education. Students can pursue practical and professional paths among the university's colleges, while developing communication, leadership, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. If you’re a student interested in business, you can pursue accounting, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship or business transformation. Students who are interested in technology can study information technology, information systems, areas related to cybersecurity, digital transformation or computational systems. Students who want to study creative education can choose animation, graphic design, interior design, visual arts, multimedia design or architecture.
Zayed University’s two-campus model offers students the possibility of accessing either Abu Dhabi or Dubai. Abu Dhabi has strong connections to the government and public administration, research, national development, cultural and corporate sectors. Dubai provides access to media, business, design, technology, tourism, entrepreneurship and international industry networks. This offers students flexibility according to the field and location they choose.
It is a university that is well suited to UAE Nationals and international students. “Both national and international students are accepted in the campuses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi,” according to official sources. If you are applying from outside the U.S., you should review admission requirements, language expectations, visa documents, tuition fees and program availability prior to applying.
Best for: students who want a structured education at a public university in the UAE. Strong bachelor’s pathways and certain master’s programs. Its visible graduate listings are oriented towards master’s programs, so it’s not the best bet for students who are specifically interested in a large PhD portfolio.
Zayed University History
Zayed University was founded in 1998.
The university is named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founder of the Nation.
It developed as a UAE public university with a national education mission.
The university built campuses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
ZU became known for educational innovation and leadership development.
It expanded undergraduate programs across business, technology, communication, design, humanities and social sciences.
The College of Arts and Creative Enterprises developed strong creative programs in design, animation, interior design, visual arts and multimedia.
The College of Business developed undergraduate programs in accounting, finance, marketing and entrepreneurship.
The College of Communication and Media Sciences developed media and communication pathways.
The College of Technological Innovation developed technology-focused bachelor’s and master’s pathways.
Zayed University added selected graduate programs in finance, communication, diplomacy, law, counseling psychology, sustainability, nutrition, cybersecurity and digital transformation.
Today, ZU is recognized as an important UAE public university with campuses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Zayed University Highlights
Public university in the UAE
Founded in 1998
Named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
Campuses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Welcomes national and international students
Strong for business, communication, technology, design, creative industries, humanities, social sciences and selected health-related graduate fields
Undergraduate tuition is AED 2,500 per credit hour for self-funding and international students
Undergraduate application fee is AED 250 + VAT
Graduate tuition varies by program and credit hour
Offers bachelor’s and master’s programs
Current visible graduate program list focuses on master’s programs
Medium of instruction is mainly English for many academic programs
Suitable for students seeking career-focused public university education in the UAE
Strong option for students interested in Dubai or Abu Dhabi campus life
Zayed University Courses Offered
| UG Courses Offered | PG Courses Offered | PhD Courses Offered |
|---|---|---|
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|
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Zayed University Specialisations Offered
| UG Course Specialisations | PG Course Specialisations | PhD Specialisations |
|---|---|---|
| Interdisciplinary Studies
Arts and Creative Enterprises
Business
Communication and Media Sciences
Technological Innovation
Humanities and Social Sciences
Natural and Health Sciences
|
Master of Science in Finance
Master of Arts in Communication
Master of Legal and Judicial Studies
Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs
Master of Science in Counselling Psychology
Master of Science in Environment and Sustainability Sciences
Master of Science in Human Nutrition
Master of Science in Digital Transformation and Innovation
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
|
Doctoral Progression Pathways After Zayed University
|
Zayed University Admission Process
Choose the correct study level: undergraduate or graduate.
Select the intended college and program.
Check whether the program is available at Abu Dhabi, Dubai or both campuses.
Review academic entry requirements.
Review English language requirements.
Prepare high school documents for undergraduate study.
Prepare bachelor’s degree documents for master’s study.
Prepare passport, Emirates ID or visa documents where applicable.
Complete the official application route.
Pay the application fee.
Upload required documents before the deadline.
Wait for university assessment.
Accept the offer if selected.
Complete fee payment, visa, registration and orientation steps.
Register for courses according to the academic calendar.
Admission Details
Undergraduate application fee is AED 250 + VAT.
Undergraduate tuition is AED 2,500 per credit hour.
Graduate tuition varies by program and credit hour.
ZU has campuses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Abu Dhabi campus contact number is +971-2-599 3111.
Dubai campus contact number is +971-4-402 1111.
The general toll-free contact number is 800-929338.
International students should confirm visa and document requirements before applying.
Students should verify program availability and fee details on official pages before final submission.
Graduate applicants should check the specific program coordinator, deadlines and required documents.
Zayed University Courses Fees
All Undergraduate Programs
Tuition Fee: AED 2,500 per credit hour
Application Fee: AED 250 + VAT
Approx Annual Fee: Around AED 75,000 based on 30 credits per academic year
Approx Total Fee: Around AED 300,000 for a 120-credit bachelor’s degree, depending on final credit requirements
Duration: Usually 4 Years for most bachelor’s programs; architecture may follow a longer professional structure depending on curriculum
Eligibility: Recognized high school qualification or equivalent; English language proficiency and program-specific requirements apply
Admission Mode: Zayed University Undergraduate Admission Route
PG Fees
Master of Science in Finance
Required Credits: 36
Fee: AED 2,667 per credit hour
Approx Total Fee: AED 96,012
Duration: Usually 1–2 Years
Eligibility: Recognized bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; finance, business or quantitative readiness preferred
Admission Mode: Zayed University Graduate Admission Route
Master of Arts in Communication
Required Credits: 36
Fee: AED 2,667 per credit hour
Approx Total Fee: AED 96,012
Duration: Usually 1–2 Years
Eligibility: Recognized bachelor’s degree in communication, media, humanities, social sciences or a related field
Admission Mode: Zayed University Graduate Admission Route
Master of Legal and Judicial Studies
Required Credits: 38
Fee: AED 2,526 per credit hour
Approx Total Fee: AED 95,988
Duration: Usually 1–2 Years
Eligibility: Recognized bachelor’s degree in law or a related field; legal background preferred
Admission Mode: Zayed University Graduate Admission Route
Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs
Required Credits: 30
Fee: AED 4,267 per credit hour
Approx Total Fee: AED 128,010
Duration: Usually 1–2 Years
Eligibility: Recognized bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, humanities, social sciences, law, public policy or a related field
Admission Mode: Zayed University Graduate Admission Route
Master of Science in Counselling Psychology
Required Credits: 48
Fee: AED 2,500 per credit hour
Approx Total Fee: AED 120,000
Duration: Usually 2 Years depending on study plan and practice requirements
Eligibility: Recognized bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, social sciences or related field; program-specific suitability requirements may apply
Admission Mode: Zayed University Graduate Admission Route
Master of Science in Environment and Sustainability Sciences
Required Credits: 36
Fee: AED 2,500 per credit hour
Approx Total Fee: AED 90,000
Duration: Usually 1–2 Years
Eligibility: Recognized bachelor’s degree in science, environment, sustainability, health, engineering or related field
Admission Mode: Zayed University Graduate Admission Route
Master of Science in Human Nutrition
Required Credits: 33
Fee: AED 3,000 per credit hour
Approx Total Fee: AED 99,000
Duration: Usually 1–2 Years
Eligibility: Recognized bachelor’s degree in nutrition, health sciences, biology, food science or related field
Admission Mode: Zayed University Graduate Admission Route
Master of Science in Digital Transformation and Innovation
Required Credits: 30
Fee: AED 2,666 per credit hour
Approx Total Fee: AED 79,980
Duration: Usually 1–2 Years
Eligibility: Recognized bachelor’s degree in business, IT, innovation, engineering, information systems or related field
Admission Mode: Zayed University Graduate Admission Route
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Required Credits: 30
Fee: AED 3,200 per credit hour
Approx Total Fee: AED 96,000
Duration: Usually 1–2 Years
Eligibility: Recognized bachelor’s degree in IT, computer science, information systems, cybersecurity, engineering or related field
Admission Mode: Zayed University Graduate Admission Route
PhD / Doctoral Fees
Doctoral Programs
Fee: Not applicable for a broad Zayed University PhD portfolio because the visible 2025–2026 graduate program listing focuses on master’s programs.
Duration: Not applicable for ZU broad doctoral study.
Eligibility: Students seeking doctoral study normally apply to another PhD-awarding university after completing a suitable master’s degree.
Admission Mode: Apply directly to the receiving PhD-awarding university.
Zayed University Scholarships
Zayed University may provide tuition-related support or scholarship options depending on student category and institutional policy.
Scholarship availability can differ between national students, international students and program levels.
Undergraduate tuition details are published separately from scholarship or funding rules.
Some students may be self-funded, while others may fall under funded or special admission categories.
Scholarship or funding support may depend on academic performance, nationality, program type, seat availability and university policy.
Students should check the official tuition and scholarship page before applying.
Graduate funding options may vary by program and intake.
Scholarship approval should not be assumed after admission.
Students may need to submit separate scholarship documents if a scholarship is available.
A strong scholarship profile should show academic achievement, leadership, motivation and clear program fit.
Zayed University Carrer Outcomes
Zayed University graduates can build careers across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, wider UAE, GCC countries and international markets.
Business graduates can work in accounting, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, banking, consulting, business transformation and corporate operations.
Communication graduates can work in media production, storytelling, public relations, tourism communication, cultural communication, corporate communication and digital content.
Technology graduates can enter IT support, cybersecurity, networks, web development, mobile app development, enterprise systems, business intelligence and digital transformation roles.
Creative graduates can work in animation, graphic design, interior design, visual arts, multimedia design, architecture support, creative studios and digital media production.
Interdisciplinary studies graduates can work in innovation, business transformation, computational systems, social impact, public service and project-based roles.
Finance master’s graduates can move into investment, corporate finance, banking, risk management and financial analysis roles.
Cybersecurity graduates can work in security operations, network security, information security management, digital forensics support and cyber risk roles.
Diplomacy and international affairs graduates can work in government, diplomatic services, international organizations, policy research and public affairs.
Counseling psychology, sustainability and nutrition graduates can pursue roles in mental health support, sustainability, environmental management, nutrition practice, public health and community wellbeing depending on professional requirements.
Zayed University Important Links
Official Website: https://www.zu.ac.ae
About Zayed University: https://www.zu.ac.ae/main/en/explore_zu/index
Contact ZU: https://www.zu.ac.ae/main/en/contact_us/index
Undergraduate Programs: https://www.zu.ac.ae/main/en/undergraduate-programs/index
List of Colleges and Institutes: https://www.zu.ac.ae/main/en/colleges/index
Undergraduate Tuition Fee: https://www.zu.ac.ae/main/en/undergraduate-programs/tuition-scholarship
Graduate Programs 2025–2026: https://www.zu.ac.ae/main/en/gsd/graduate-programs/programs-a-z
Graduate Programs by College: https://www.zu.ac.ae/main/en/gsd/graduate-programs/programs-college
Graduate Tuition Fees and Other Charges: https://www.zu.ac.ae/main/en/gsd/_admissions/admission-fees-other-charges
