• The main campus building at the American University of Sharjah in University City. Jeff Topping / The National
    The main campus building at the American University of Sharjah in University City. Jeff Topping / The National
  • American University of Sharjah during the Sharjah Light Festival 2019. Courtesy of Sharjah Light Festival
    American University of Sharjah during the Sharjah Light Festival 2019. Courtesy of Sharjah Light Festival
  • Electrical engineering students at the American University of Sharjah. Pawan Singh / The National
    Electrical engineering students at the American University of Sharjah. Pawan Singh / The National
  • American University of Sharjah campus. Courtesy: American University of Sharjah
    American University of Sharjah campus. Courtesy: American University of Sharjah
  • The American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
    The American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
  • The campus of the American university of Sharjah, which was founded in 1997.
    The campus of the American university of Sharjah, which was founded in 1997.
  • American University of Sharjah campus. Courtesy: American University of Sharjah
    American University of Sharjah campus. Courtesy: American University of Sharjah
  • The American University of Sharjah stand was popular during the Najah education fair in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National
    The American University of Sharjah stand was popular during the Najah education fair in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

UAE's best universities: American University of Sharjah


Daniel Bardsley
  • English
  • Arabic

As thousands of final-year students in the UAE submit their applications to local universities, we take a look at some of the best higher education options in the Emirates and what they have to offer

Where is it from?

Sharjah

When was it founded?

1997

What is it?

American University of Sharjah is one of the largest and best-established stand-alone universities in the UAE. It was founded by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, nearly a quarter of a century ago. AUS offers courses in a host of subjects in the arts, business, design, humanities, science, social sciences and technology. In line with its large size and substantial research base, it performs well in international rankings (and is 7th in the QS listings for the Arab region).

Where is it based?

University City, Sharjah.

How has it handled the Covid-19 pandemic?

AUS makes the health and safety of students and the wider community a priority.

The university quickly adapted to online learning in 2020, supplemented by online student success initiatives. AUS also attempted to maintain an active social and extra-curricular life through virtual activities and events.

Important events were held virtually. During 2020 and 2021, graduating students were honoured through online celebrations. More recently, face-to-face graduation events have been held for students whose graduation could previously not take place in-person.

AUS has taken steps to address financial hardship by extending merit scholarship renewals, increasing need-based support and initiating a Covid-19 Summer Support Fund. With the return to face-to-face learning in all classes from January 31, 2022, AUS continues to prioritise health and safety, adhering to directives from the UAE Ministry of Education.

What are examples of the tuition fees?

Dh384,560 – bachelor’s degrees (four years at Dh96,140 per year. Architecture is a five-year course).

Dh156,750 – master of urban planning

Dh113,700 – master of science in mathematics

Dh285,000 – doctor of philosophy in business administration

(additional fees, such as lab fees and application fees, may apply)

AUS offers “a comprehensive merit and need-based financial aid programme for undergraduate students and graduate assistantship opportunities for graduate students”.

What subject areas does it teach?

Bachelor’s degrees include architecture, biology, business administration, chemistry, computer science, design management, economics, engineering (several sub-disciplines), English language and literature, environmental sciences, interior design, international studies, mass communication, mathematics, multimedia design, physics, psychology, visual communications.

Master’s degrees include accounting, business administration, construction management, engineering (several sub-disciplines), engineering systems management, finance, mathematics, teaching English to speakers of other languages, translation and interpreting, urban planning.

Doctoral degrees include business administration, engineering systems management, and materials science and engineering.

As well as degree programmes, there are courses and minors in many subjects.

What doesn't it teach?

Agriculture, anthropology, archaeology, biochemistry, classics, criminology, dentistry, geology, law, medicine, modern languages, sports science and veterinary medicine.

Where is it ranked globally?

348th – QS World University Rankings

801st – 1000th – Times Higher Education World University Rankings

In the global QS subject area rankings, AUS is ranked in 11 subject areas and is in the 150–200 category in Arts and Design, Architecture and the Built Environment, Civil Engineering, and Accounting and Finance.

Who goes there?

There are 5,198 students from 86 countries. The best-represented country is the UAE, followed by Egypt, then, jointly, India and Jordan.

Who has gone there?

- Sarah Al Amiri, a computer science graduate, is the Minister of State for Advanced Sciences and chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency.

- Adib Fahim, who studied for a bachelor’s degree in international relations, went on to become Afghanistan’s deputy intelligence chief.

- Lubna Al Qasimi studied for an executive MBA at AUS. She was the first woman to become a minister in the UAE government and has held positions including Minister of State for Tolerance.

Dr Susan Mumm, chancellor of American University of Sharjah. Photo: AUS
Dr Susan Mumm, chancellor of American University of Sharjah. Photo: AUS

A message from Dr Susan Mumm, chancellor of American University of Sharjah:

American University of Sharjah (AUS) is an independent, non-profit, co-educational institution offering a transformative experience that provides a foundation for future success.

The university offers one of the region’s most comprehensive need and merit-based scholarship programmes, which ensure broad access to higher education.

Students who join AUS are supported through a comprehensive First-Year Experience (FYE) programme, which is intended to facilitate the transition to university life.

An AUS education encourages intellectual discovery and critical reflection, promotes an appreciation of the various modes of human inquiry, and develops the knowledge and skills to contribute to the Gulf region and the world at large.

Accomplished full-time faculty members who are recognised in their fields offer degree programmes at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels.

Students at all levels have opportunities to work with faculty on research and creative projects that have an impact in the region and beyond.

In addition to providing a stimulating academic environment, the university supports a rich and varied programme of extra- and co-curricular activities with more than 70 student clubs and organisations.

AUS alumni have achieved tremendous success and are sought after by top graduate programmes and employers.

From supporting the Emirates Mars Mission to being awarded the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture, alumni are making a difference through their work in government, science, creative fields, non-profit organisations and business.

The five pillars of Islam
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Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 
Match info

Uefa Champions League Group B

Tottenham Hotspur 1 (Eriksen 80')
Inter Milan 0

Cricket World Cup League 2

UAE squad

Rahul Chopra (captain), Aayan Afzal Khan, Ali Naseer, Aryansh Sharma, Basil Hameed, Dhruv Parashar, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Waseem, Omid Rahman, Rahul Bhatia, Tanish Suri, Vishnu Sukumaran, Vriitya Aravind

Fixtures

Friday, November 1 – Oman v UAE
Sunday, November 3 – UAE v Netherlands
Thursday, November 7 – UAE v Oman
Saturday, November 9 – Netherlands v UAE

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Anxiety and work stress major factors

Anxiety, work stress and social isolation are all factors in the recogised rise in mental health problems.

A study UAE Ministry of Health researchers published in the summer also cited struggles with weight and illnesses as major contributors.

Its authors analysed a dozen separate UAE studies between 2007 and 2017. Prevalence was often higher in university students, women and in people on low incomes.

One showed 28 per cent of female students at a Dubai university reported symptoms linked to depression. Another in Al Ain found 22.2 per cent of students had depressive symptoms - five times the global average.

It said the country has made strides to address mental health problems but said: “Our review highlights the overall prevalence of depressive symptoms and depression, which may long have been overlooked."

Prof Samir Al Adawi, of the department of behavioural medicine at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman, who was not involved in the study but is a recognised expert in the Gulf, said how mental health is discussed varies significantly between cultures and nationalities.

“The problem we have in the Gulf is the cross-cultural differences and how people articulate emotional distress," said Prof Al Adawi. 

“Someone will say that I have physical complaints rather than emotional complaints. This is the major problem with any discussion around depression."

Daniel Bardsley

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Skoda Superb Specs

Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol

Power: 190hp

Torque: 320Nm

Price: From Dh147,000

Available: Now

Florence and the Machine – High as Hope
Three stars

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg

Tottenham v Ajax, Tuesday, 11pm (UAE).

Second leg

Ajax v Tottenham, Wednesday, May 8, 11pm

Games on BeIN Sports

Voices: How A Great Singer Can Change Your Life
Nick Coleman
Jonathan Cape

Turkish Ladies

Various artists, Sony Music Turkey 

CRICKET%20WORLD%20CUP%20QUALIFIER%2C%20ZIMBABWE%20
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Water waste

In the UAE’s arid climate, small shrubs, bushes and flower beds usually require about six litres of water per square metre, daily. That increases to 12 litres per square metre a day for small trees, and 300 litres for palm trees.

Horticulturists suggest the best time for watering is before 8am or after 6pm, when water won't be dried up by the sun.

A global report published by the Water Resources Institute in August, ranked the UAE 10th out of 164 nations where water supplies are most stretched.

The Emirates is the world’s third largest per capita water consumer after the US and Canada.

Updated: April 19, 2022, 6:40 AM