Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is a public French university founded in 2006 through a partnership between the Government of Abu Dhabi and Sorbonne Université in Paris, delivering French national degrees on a purpose-built campus on Al Reem Island. It offers foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across three schools, Arts & Humanities; Data, Science & Engineering; and Law, Economics & Business, with instruction primarily in French alongside selected English-taught degrees. Its diplomas are awarded by Sorbonne Université and Université Paris Cité and accredited by both the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation and the French Ministry of Higher Education.
1 years · Undergraduate (Foundation)
1 years · Undergraduate (Foundation)
1 years · Undergraduate (Foundation)
1 years · Undergraduate (Foundation)
3 years · Undergraduate
3 years · Undergraduate
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi charges tuition by level, with administrative fees of AED 2,700 per year included and tuition fixed for the duration of a programme. Bachelor (Licence) degrees are AED 215,100 in total over three years (about AED 71,700 per year); most master's degrees are AED 166,400 over two years (about AED 83,200 per year), with the Master in Social Research and Data Analysis at AED 143,400. Foundation years range from AED 48,700 (Intensive French) to AED 71,700 (Sciences; Records Management). A non-refundable application fee applies (AED 200 for bachelor's/foundation, AED 300 for master's). Fees for a few newer programmes (COAST, MIAI) are not yet published.
Full tuition and study-related fees for Emirati nationals and children of Emirati mothers (the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan 100% Scholarship).
For new high-school students by results: 50% (e.g. UAE government schools 95%+, American CGPA 3.8+, French Bac 16/20+) and 75% (97%+, CGPA 4.0, Bac 18/20+).
From the second semester onward, minimum average 12/20, renewed semester by semester on performance.
For transfer students: 40% (GPA 3.6+), 50% (GPA 3.8+), 75% (GPA 4.0).
For master's applicants by bachelor CGPA: 40% (3.6–3.79), 50% (3.8–3.99), 75% (4.0).
For students with a first-degree relative enrolled at SUAD.
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi admits once a year for the September intake. Applications are made online (UAE nationals may apply via NAPO), with a non-refundable application fee. French-taught programmes require French at B2 level; applicants below that level can enter through the Intensive French Foundation Year.
Complete the online application as soon as your Grade 12 first-term results are available (UAE nationals may apply via NAPO), and upload your supporting documents.
Pay the non-refundable application fee: AED 200 for bachelor's and foundation applicants, AED 300 for master's applicants.
Applications are assessed on academic record and language level. Some programmes require an entrance test (e.g. Sciences, COAST) or a French/English proficiency certificate.
Accept the admission offer at least two weeks before the academic year begins and complete enrolment and (for international students) the visa process through the Visa Office.
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi has a dedicated Visa Office that supports international students with the UAE student-visa process. Confirm current requirements and timelines with the office.
Student life at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi blends French academic culture with a diverse international community on the Al Reem Island campus, with around 40 student clubs, a Student Council, a modern sports institute, on-campus residences and a Career Centre.
On-campus residences house up to 500 students in gender-separated halls, with off-campus options nearby on Al Reem Island and in the city.
The Career Centre offers counselling, employability-skills development and employer connections, headlined by the annual Astrolabe Career Fair (80+ employers), alongside an active alumni network and council.
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi occupies a purpose-built campus of about 93,000 m² on Al Reem Island, inaugurated in 2011. It houses a library with the largest collection of French literature in the Gulf, science and computer laboratories, a theatre, seven research centres, a sports institute, on-campus residences for up to 500 students, landscaped French, Arabic and Germaine Tillion gardens, a cafeteria and around 1,000 parking spaces.
Houses the largest collection of French literature in the Gulf region, with study spaces and electronic resources.
Fully equipped computer laboratories and study areas with high-speed internet.
An on-campus theatre and auditorium for performances, lectures and events.
Teaching and research laboratories for the science and engineering programmes.
Seven research centres spanning AI, heritage, sustainability, humanities, global societies, health and data science.
Dedicated spaces for artistic and musical expression.
The Sorbonne Abu Dhabi Sports Institute: gym, multi-purpose hall, climbing wall, dance studio and martial-arts room.
Outdoor sports fields for football, volleyball and basketball.
French, Arabic and Germaine Tillion gardens across the campus.
On-campus residences for up to 500 students in gender-separated halls.
A 24/7 on-site clinic with medical and counselling support.
A cafeteria with a live cooking station, salad bar and two coffee shops.
Separate male and female prayer rooms and around 1,000 parking spaces.
Chancellor
Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and Professor of Private Law, appointed by Abu Dhabi Executive Council resolution in December 2024.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administrative and Financial Affairs
Chairperson, Executive Committee
Vice-President, International Relations & Corporate Partnerships
No reviews yet. Be the first to review Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.
No questions yet. Be the first to ask about Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, Al Reem Island, P.O. Box 38044, Abu Dhabi, UAE
