Abu Dhabi University
Innovate. Inspire. Lead. Global Impact.
📍 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
🏆 #4 in United Arab Emirates · QS World #391 · THE World #191
Quick Facts about Abu Dhabi University
- Type: Private
- Students: 10,000
- International: 43%
- Campus: Multiple Campuses
- Tuition: $16,000 – $30,000/year
- Language: English, Arabic
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
- Intakes: Fall, Spring
About Abu Dhabi University
Academics
ADU offers over 50 undergraduate and postgraduate programs across its five colleges: Arts, Education and Social Sciences, Business, Engineering, Law, and Health Sciences. The university is recognized for its commitment to internationally respected education, holding accreditation from the UAE's Commission of Academic Accreditation and the US-based Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Notably, its College of Business holds both AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, a distinction shared by only two percent of business schools worldwide. Many engineering programs are ABET accredited, and the Bachelor of Architecture program has received Part 1 validation from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
International Students
Abu Dhabi University is a highly international institution, ranking 5th globally for international faculty and 32nd globally for international student diversity in the QS World University Rankings 2026. With over 10,000 students from more than 100 nationalities, international students make up 48% of the student body. The university provides support services to ensure a seamless transition for international students, including assistance with visa processes and health insurance. English is the primary language of instruction, and the university offers various clubs, societies, and sporting activities to foster cultural integration and a vibrant student life.
Campus & Location
ADU's flagship campus in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, offers a world-class learning environment with state-of-the-art educational technology and modern facilities. The campus includes 61 laboratories, 75 classrooms, food outlets, and male and female dormitories. Sporting facilities are extensive, featuring football pitches, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, and cricket fields. Abu Dhabi itself is a dynamic capital city known for its rich culture, innovation, and growth, offering a diverse urban experience for students.
Career Outcomes
Abu Dhabi University is highly regarded for graduate employability, ranking 3rd in the UAE and 222nd globally in the 2026 Times Higher Education Global Employability University Ranking. The university's career services team supports students and alumni in career path discovery, CV development, and securing internships and graduate placements. ADU maintains strong industry connections, and its graduates are found in influential positions within and beyond the region, with many securing employment before graduation in companies like Huawei, Abu Dhabi Airports, Mediclinic, Mubadala, and ADNOC. The ADU Innovation Center also fosters a startup culture through an entrepreneur club and incubation program.
Information for International Students at Abu Dhabi University
Abu Dhabi University in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates welcomes international students, with 43% of the student body coming from abroad.
- 43% of students are international
- Visa support available
- On-campus work allowed
- Student housing available
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English, Arabic
Admissions Requirements for Abu Dhabi University
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Abu Dhabi University:
- IELTS minimum: 5
- TOEFL minimum: 61
- GPA minimum: 2.5
- Application fee: $315
- Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%)
- Application deadline: Rolling basis
Programs at Abu Dhabi University (3 programs)
Abu Dhabi University offers 3 programs across Bachelor levels.
Bachelor Programs (3)
- Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication (BA) — 48 months · English
Students explore various aspects of media, including journalism, public relations, advertising, and digital media, preparing them for careers in communication industries.
Field: Mass Communication
Career outcomes: Journalist, PR Specialist, Advertising Executive, Content Creator - Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students learn to design, construct, and maintain infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems, focusing on sustainability and safety.
Field: Civil Engineering
Career outcomes: Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Project Manager - Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication (BA) — 48 months · English
Students explore various aspects of media, including journalism, public relations, advertising, and digital media, preparing them for careers in communication industries.
Field: Mass Communication
Career outcomes: Journalist, PR Specialist, Advertising Executive, Content Creator
Scholarships & Tuition at Abu Dhabi University
Annual tuition for international students: $16,000 – $30,000/year
✅ Abu Dhabi University offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Abu Dhabi University
- National Ranking: #4 in United Arab Emirates
- QS World University Ranking: #391
- Times Higher Education (THE): #191
- Ranking tier: Unranked
- Research output: High
Campus & Facilities at Abu Dhabi University
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Multiple Campuses
- Average class size: 30
Key Highlights
- Largest private university in UAE
- Internationally accredited programs
- High international student diversity
- Globally recognized business school
- Multiple campuses across UAE
Accreditation
- UAE Ministry of Education
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- AACSB
- EQUIS
- ABET
- Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
- Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA)
- Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA)
Fields of Study at Abu Dhabi University
- Engineering
- Business
- Arts
- Law
- Sciences
Notable Alumni
- Zahra Lari
- Balqees
- Ghaliaa Chaker
- Abdullah Al Salmani
- Fakhrriyyah Hashim
Frequently Asked Questions about Abu Dhabi University
What is Abu Dhabi University?
Abu Dhabi University is a private university located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It has approximately 10,000 students, with 43% being international students.
How much does it cost to study at Abu Dhabi University?
Tuition fees at Abu Dhabi University for international students range from $16,000 – $30,000/year. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Abu Dhabi University?
IELTS minimum: 5. TOEFL minimum: 61. GPA minimum: 2.5. Application fee: $315. Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%). Application deadline: Rolling basis.
What language are courses taught in at Abu Dhabi University?
Courses at Abu Dhabi University are taught in English and Arabic. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 5.
How many programs does Abu Dhabi University offer?
Abu Dhabi University offers 3 programs: 3 Bachelor's, 0 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Abu Dhabi University ranked?
#4 in United Arab Emirates · QS World #391 · THE World #191.
Does Abu Dhabi University offer scholarships?
Yes, Abu Dhabi University offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Abu Dhabi University provide visa support?
Yes, Abu Dhabi University provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.
Apply to Abu Dhabi University with Abroadly
Use Abroadly's AI-powered platform to manage your application to Abu Dhabi University. Get matched to programs, track deadlines, and organize documents — all in one place.