Zayed University
Zayed University
Zayed University is a federal, government-funded university established in 1998 and named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates. It operates two purpose-built campuses, one in the Al Ruwayyah and Academic City area of Dubai and a larger flagship campus in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. Founded originally as a women-only institution and opened to male students in 2008, it is today a co-educational university with gender-segregated campus facilities. Teaching follows an American-style, credit-based model delivered in English, anchored by a general education core, and the university enrols roughly 7,700 to 8,000 students across seven academic colleges. Zayed University was the first UAE federal university to earn international institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in the United States, alongside national accreditation from the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation.The university offers 22 undergraduate degrees and a focused set of nine master's programmes across colleges spanning business, communication and media, arts and creative enterprises, humanities and social sciences, natural and health sciences, technological innovation, and interdisciplinary studies, and it placed #588 in the QS World University Rankings 2027, a record high for the institution.
5 years · Undergraduate
4 years · Undergraduate
4 years · Undergraduate
4 years · Undergraduate
4 years · Undergraduate
4 years · Undergraduate
UAE national undergraduates enrolled under the government scholarship scheme receive full tuition funding for up to five academic years from initial enrolment, after which they move to self-funded status. Published per-credit rates apply to self-funding nationals, non-nationals and students seeking a second undergraduate degree. Other graduate charges: deferred admission AED 5,000, registration reinstatement AED 3,150, challenge exam AED 5,000, official transcript AED 52.50, diploma replacement AED 157.50.
Scholarship details available on request.
Zayed University admits undergraduates for a main Fall intake and a smaller Spring intake. Entry is based on secondary school completion, English-language proficiency (minimum 80% in Grade 12 English or TOEFL iBT 72) and, for many majors, minimum subject grades in mathematics, English or a science. UAE nationals apply through the Ministry of Education portal; international and non-national applicants apply through ZU e-services.
Confirm you meet the secondary-school completion requirements (Appendix A) and the subject requirements for your chosen degree (Appendix B).
Minimum 80% in Grade 12 English or TOEFL iBT 72, and where the programme requires it, 80% in Grade 12 Mathematics or SAT Math 530. BSc Intelligent Systems Engineering requires 85% / TOEFL 79 and 85% / SAT Math 590, plus Physics and one further Science at 80%.
UAE nationals apply through the Ministry of Education portal; international and non-national applicants apply through ZU e-services. Graduate applicants apply through the ZU graduate application service.
Attested certificates and transcripts, a Ministry of Education equivalency certificate for non-UAE curricula, passport copy and photograph, and the application fee (AED 250 + VAT undergraduate, AED 420 graduate).
Undergraduate decisions for Fall are released in August, and in December for the Spring intake. Graduate admission decisions are not subject to appeal.
A smaller second intake; classes begin in January/February 2027.
MA Communication, Master of Legal and Judicial Studies, MSc Digital Transformation and Innovation, MSc Cybersecurity: Last date to apply online. Published for the Spring 2027 / Fall 2027 cycle.
MSc Counselling Psychology (limited seats): Last date to apply online, for UAE and international applicants alike.
MSc Finance, Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs, MSc Environment and Sustainability Sciences, MSc Human Nutrition, international applicants: Earlier deadline for international applicants to these four programmes.
MSc Finance, Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs, MSc Environment and Sustainability Sciences, MSc Human Nutrition: Last date to apply online for UAE-based applicants.
As a UAE federal university, Zayed University sponsors the student residence visa for enrolled international students who do not already hold a UAE residence visa. The visa is issued for one year at a time and is renewable on proof of continued enrolment, and mandatory UAE medical insurance is required. Students who are dependents on a UAE-resident parent's visa may study under that sponsorship instead.
Zayed University offers an active, inclusive campus life across its Abu Dhabi and Dubai campuses, supported by a dedicated Student Life office. Students join more than 30 student-run clubs, take part in the Ya Hala orientation and the First Year Ambassadors programme, and build their profile through the UniquelyZU co-curricular experience, while the Student Careers and Alumni Department connects them to internships and employers.
On-campus student residences at the Abu Dhabi campus (opened 2016) house full-time international undergraduate and graduate students who lack accommodation in Abu Dhabi. Domestic and local students are not eligible, and exchange students are housed when space allows.
The Student Careers and Alumni Department supports students and graduates with career counselling, a Student Career Portal, an internship programme run in partnership with employers, employer engagement, Career Advocate Leaders and an On-Campus Employment programme, with graduate employment support continuing for up to one year after graduation.
Zayed University operates two full campuses, in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which it describes as a nationwide initiative spanning the country's two main cities. Degrees are offered across both; check the individual programme for campus availability.
A large central library on each campus with study and seminar spaces, digital resources and special collections.
A landmark auditorium and events venue (theatre seating around 1,000) used for graduations and conferences at the Abu Dhabi campus.
Teaching and research laboratories supporting the health, environmental and natural-science programmes.
Computing and IT laboratories supporting the College of Technological Innovation.
Individual graduate studios for Animation, Interior Design, Graphic Design and Visual Art, plus a Foundation Studio, Drawing Studio, Painting Studio, Graphic Design Junior Studio, two Interior Design Studios, a Faculty Research Studio, Ceramic Studio and Kiln Room, Jewelry Studio, Spray Room and Seminar Space.
Fully equipped Macintosh labs for Graphic Design and for Video and Photography, high-spec Windows labs for Interior Design and Animation, a Digital Printing Lab with large-format printers, scanners and a vinyl cutter, a printmaking facility with presses, letterpress and image-transfer equipment, screen printing stations, a darkroom for traditional photography and screen printing, a Fabrication Lab with 70W and 150W laser cutters and 3D printers, a fully equipped wood shop, a material library for Interior Design, and the Hallway, University Public and College Private galleries.
Technology-driven teaching spaces with smart boards and video conferencing.
Indoor fitness facilities for students and staff on both campuses.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Appointed President and CEO of Zayed University effective November 2025, Dr. Hall previously served as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Victoria in Canada and in senior leadership at the University of Newcastle in Australia.
Chief Strategy Officer
Chief Operations Officer
Dean of Academic Affairs and Acting Associate Provost
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Zayed University, Abu Dhabi Campus, Khalifa City, P.O. Box 144534, Abu Dhabi, UAE (Dubai campus: Al Ruwayyah, near Academic City, P.O. Box 19282, Dubai)
