Question 1

Is AUE accredited?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The American University in the Emirates (AUE) is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees. AUE is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and its programs are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA).

Question 2

Which programs have specialized accreditation?

Accepted Answer

In addition to CAA accreditation for every program:

AACSB accredits the College of Business Administration and its Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration and Master of Sports Management (since 2022).

ABET’s Computing Accreditation Commission accredits the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (since 2017).

ACEJMC accredits the College of Media and Mass Communication.

NASAD has granted the Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design and Digital Animation Substantial Equivalency with accredited programs in the United States. Accreditation status by program →

Question 3

How can I verify AUE’s accreditation?

Accepted Answer

You can direct questions about AUE’s accreditation to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges in writing at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or through the SACSCOC website. Each program’s accreditation is listed on our Accreditation page.

Question 4

Can I visit the university before applying?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Prospective students and parents are welcome to visit the AUE campus, tour our facilities and meet our academic administrators, deans and program directors.

Question 5

What career support is there after graduation?

Accepted Answer

The AUE career office works closely with alumni and employers to place graduates in jobs that match their specialization.

Question 6

How do I apply?

Accepted Answer

Applying takes three steps. First, check the admission requirements, English proficiency requirements and placement tests for your applicant type. Second, apply online through the AUE admissions portal. Third, after you complete the form and upload your documents, you receive a tracking number to follow your application, and the admissions office sends your confirmation or offer as soon as possible.

Question 7

When are the application deadlines?

Accepted Answer

AUE admits students three times a year. The application deadlines are in September for the Fall semester, January for the Spring semester and May for the Summer semester.

Question 8

What documents do I need for a bachelor’s program?

Accepted Answer

You need your original Secondary School Certificate attested by the UAE Ministry of Education (or a certificate of equivalency for certificates from outside the UAE), a valid passport copy, a valid Emirates ID, a Certificate of Good Conduct from the local police, and a one-page (250-word) personal statement. All applicants also sit an entry interview.

Question 9

What documents do I need for a master’s program?

Accepted Answer

You need your bachelor’s degree certificate attested by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (with an equivalency letter for degrees from outside the UAE), your academic transcript, a valid passport copy, a valid Emirates ID, four passport-sized photographs, a Good Conduct Certificate and a one-page (250-word) personal statement. All applicants also sit an entry interview.

Question 10

What English test scores do I need?

Accepted Answer

Bachelor’s programs: TOEFL ITP 500, TOEFL iBT 61 or IELTS Academic 5.0.

Master’s programs taught in English: TOEFL ITP 550, TOEFL iBT 79 or IELTS Academic 6.0. Graduate programs taught in Arabic at the College of Law accept TOEFL ITP 500, iBT 61, IELTS 5.0 or EmSAT English 1100.

Doctoral programs: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 91.

Home editions of TOEFL and IELTS are not accepted; you must sit the test at an authorized testing center.

Question 11

Can I join AUE if I meet all the admission criteria except English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You will be granted conditional admission, limited to a set number of credit hours and certain General Education courses, and you will enroll in the Intensive English Program to raise your English score.

Question 12

Can I apply with a high school certificate from outside the UAE?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Non-UAE high school certificates are assessed in line with UAE Ministry of Education decrees, and you need a certificate of equivalency from the Ministry. In general, the certificate must be accepted for admission to public universities in the country that issued it, be obtained after at least 11 years of schooling, and include at least six subjects.

Question 13

Will I take placement tests?

Accepted Answer

New undergraduate students sit placement tests according to their program: Computer Technology for all students, Mathematics for Engineering and Technology and Business Administration, Physics for Engineering and Technology, Arabic for Law and Public Relations (Arabic), and Drawing for Design. Students who don’t pass take a preparatory course in that subject in their first semester.

Question 14

Does AUE accept transfer students?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in principle. Transfer applicants must be eligible for admission and meet the transfer credit criteria published in the University Catalog.

Question 15

Does AUE accept visiting students?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Visiting students need permission from their home university to study at AUE.

Question 16

What CGPA do I need for a master’s program?

Accepted Answer

Regular admission requires a bachelor’s CGPA of 3.00 out of 4.00. Applicants below 3.00 may be admitted conditionally or on probation, with a limit on credit hours and a minimum GPA to achieve in the first semester.

Question 17

Can I apply for a master’s program without a bachelor’s degree?

Accepted Answer

No. To be admitted to a graduate program at AUE, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

Question 18

Does the MBA require the GRE?

Accepted Answer

Yes. MBA applicants submit a valid GRE® test report on admission. Applicants without one are admitted conditionally for one semester and must sit the test before it ends. Use AUE’s institution code 2291 so your scores are sent to the university.

Question 19

Does AUE offer English courses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. AUE’s English Language Institute runs intensive English classes for students who have not yet achieved the required English score.

Question 20

Does my certificate need to be attested?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your certificate must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Education.

Question 21

How many semesters are there each year, and how long are they?

Accepted Answer

There are two regular semesters each academic year, Fall and Spring, of 16 weeks each, and two summer terms of 6 weeks each.

Question 22

How many credit hours can I take per semester?

Accepted Answer

Undergraduate students in good academic standing who meet all admission requirements can register for 9 to 18 credit hours in a regular semester.

Graduate students who meet all admission requirements can register for 6 to 12 credit hours in a regular semester.

Question 23

When are classes held?

Accepted Answer

Classes run on weekdays and at weekends, mornings and evenings, from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Question 24

Are graduate classes offered in the evening or at weekends?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Graduate classes are offered on weekday evenings and at weekends.

Question 25

What is the difference between bridging and core courses?

Accepted Answer

Applicants whose bachelor’s degree is in a different field from the master’s program they want to study take bridging courses, which give them the basic knowledge of the field. Core courses are mandatory for all students and are part of the program itself.

Question 26

Is class attendance mandatory?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Attendance is mandatory for all degrees and programs. Students who exceed the absence limit may fail the course.

Question 27

Will I have an academic advisor?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every AUE student is assigned a full-time academic advisor who specializes in the student’s program.

Question 28

How much are tuition fees?

Accepted Answer

Fees depend on the program. Total estimated fees range from AED 222,626 to AED 264,455 for bachelor’s programs and from AED 116,550 to AED 181,598 for master’s programs, including 5% UAE VAT. Fees are charged per credit hour.

Question 29

Is there an application or admission fee?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The undergraduate admission fee is AED 3,150, including ID and application fees (AED 1,050 for visiting students). The graduate cost of attendance includes a one-time admission fee of AED 3,675. Service fees are non-refundable.

Question 30

Do tuition fees increase each year?

Accepted Answer

Tuition and fees can increase each year, up to a maximum of 10% for tuition fees and 20% for service fees. Students are notified one semester in advance through the University’s official communication channels.

Question 31

Does AUE offer scholarships?

Accepted Answer

Yes. AUE offers a wide range of scholarships, grants and discounts to help students continue their education, including Excellence Merit awards based on high school results, family, athletic, government and corporate grants, and grants for new programs.

Question 32

Can I combine scholarships?

Accepted Answer

Most grants can’t be combined. Some can be combined with one other award: for example, the Government Employee grant (15%) with a Family Grant, Financial Aid, Excellence Merit or a New Program grant, and the 40% and 30% Excellence Merit awards with a New Program grant, up to a maximum of 50%. The combinability of each award is listed on the Financial Support page.

Question 33

How do I apply for financial aid?

Accepted Answer

Undergraduate students facing extreme financial hardship apply through the student portal. The University’s Financial Aid Committee reviews each application and its supporting documents, and students are notified of the outcome through the Student Life Office and the Community Engagement Department.

Question 34

How do I pay my fees? Can I pay in installments?

Accepted Answer

AUE offers flexible payment. You can pay in cash, by card or online, and you can arrange an installment plan with the Financial Affairs Department.

Question 35

What is the refund policy?

Accepted Answer

During regular semesters, tuition for a course you withdraw from is refunded 100% within 7 days after the last day of add/drop, 75% within 14 days and 25% within 28 days. There is no refund after 28 days. Refunds cannot be given in cash.

Question 36

Does AUE help with UAE residence visas?

Accepted Answer

Yes. AUE helps admitted students apply for a UAE residence visa. Approval of visa applications rests solely with the UAE immigration authorities. Visa fees are listed under student services fees.

Question 37

How much does a student visa cost?

Accepted Answer

The visa processing fee is AED 4,200 if you are inside the UAE and AED 3,675 if you are outside it. Other visa-related fees include the medical test (AED 420), Emirates ID (AED 189) and a passport deposit / security fee (AED 5,500). The visa renewal fee is AED 1,050.

Question 38

Does AUE provide transportation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. AUE provides transportation to destinations across Dubai and Sharjah.

Questions, answered.

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Studying at AUE

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