About the university
The American University in Dubai (AUD) was established in 1995 by Elias Bou Saab, four years after a fact-finding mission began in 1991. It follows the American system, with a Fall semester from September to December, a Spring semester from January to April and two summer sessions. AUD says all its programmes are accredited by regional and global independent bodies.
AUD has over 2,000 students from more than 100 countries. Bachelor's programmes include business administration (majors in accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, advertising and AI in business), computer, electrical, mechanical and civil engineering, architecture, interior design, visual communication, game design, communication, psychology, biology and international studies. Master's programmes include an MBA and MSc degrees in artificial intelligence, construction management and innovation management.
Indian students look at AUD for its American-style education in Dubai and its QS ranking (620th in the world in 2027). Fees are higher than at many Dubai universities: AED 106,050 a year for any bachelor's programme. The H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid scholarship, open to all nationalities with 90% or more in school, can cover part or all of tuition.
The campus is on Sheikh Zayed Road and has student housing at AED 8,500 a semester for a shared room.
- Founded
- 1995, after a fact-finding mission that began in 1991
- Type
- Private American-style university
- Students
- Over 2,000 undergraduates, graduates and professionals, from more than 100 countries
- Campus
- Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, with university student housing
- QS World University Rankings 2027
- 620 in the world
- Undergraduate tuition
- AED 106,050 a year (flat fee for 12–16 credits a semester), including VAT
- Intakes
- Fall (September) and Spring (January)
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2027
620 in the world
Popular courses with Indian students
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.)
- Fee / year
- AED 106,050
- Duration
- 4 years full time (123 credit hours)
- Intakes
- Fall (September) and Spring (January)
- English
- IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 79 (from IELTS 6.0 / iBT 68 with a developmental English course)
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (B.S.Comp.E)
- Fee / year
- AED 106,050
- Duration
- Bachelor's degree (the BBA is 4 years full time; confirm the length for this programme)
- Intakes
- Fall (September) and Spring (January)
- English
- IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 79 (from IELTS 6.0 / iBT 68 with a developmental English course)
- Postgraduate
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
- Fee / year
- AED 86,940
- Duration
- About 2 years full time (36 credit hours, 12 courses)
- Intakes
- Fall (September) and Spring (January)
- English
- TOEFL or Academic IELTS required; AUD does not list the minimum score on the programme page
- Postgraduate
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (M.S.A.I.)
- Fee / year
- AED 72,450
- Duration
- About 2 years full time (30 credit hours)
- Intakes
- Fall (September) and Spring (January)
- English
- TOEFL or Academic IELTS required; AUD does not list the minimum score on the programme page
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.)
- Fee / year
- AED 106,050
- Duration
- Bachelor's degree (the BBA is 4 years full time; confirm the length for this programme)
- Intakes
- Fall (September) and Spring (January)
- English
- IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 79 (from IELTS 6.0 / iBT 68 with a developmental English course)
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (B.S.E.E)
- Fee / year
- AED 106,050
- Duration
- Bachelor's degree (the BBA is 4 years full time; confirm the length for this programme)
- Intakes
- Fall (September) and Spring (January)
- English
- IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 79 (from IELTS 6.0 / iBT 68 with a developmental English course)
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (B.S.C.E.)
- Fee / year
- AED 106,050
- Duration
- Bachelor's degree (the BBA is 4 years full time; confirm the length for this programme)
- Intakes
- Fall (September) and Spring (January)
- English
- IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 79 (from IELTS 6.0 / iBT 68 with a developmental English course)
- Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development
- Fee / year
- AED 106,050
- Duration
- Bachelor's degree (the BBA is 4 years full time; confirm the length for this programme)
- Intakes
- Fall (September) and Spring (January)
- English
- IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 79 (from IELTS 6.0 / iBT 68 with a developmental English course)
Fees for international students
| Course | Duration | Fee / year (AED) | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) | 4 years full time (123 credit hours) | AED 106,050 | ≈ ₹26.5 lakh |
| Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (B.S.Comp.E) | Bachelor's degree (the BBA is 4 years full time; confirm the length for this programme) | AED 106,050 | ≈ ₹26.5 lakh |
| Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) | About 2 years full time (36 credit hours, 12 courses) | AED 86,940 | ≈ ₹21.7 lakh |
| Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (M.S.A.I.) | About 2 years full time (30 credit hours) | AED 72,450 | ≈ ₹18.1 lakh |
| Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.) | Bachelor's degree (the BBA is 4 years full time; confirm the length for this programme) | AED 106,050 | ≈ ₹26.5 lakh |
| Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (B.S.E.E) | Bachelor's degree (the BBA is 4 years full time; confirm the length for this programme) | AED 106,050 | ≈ ₹26.5 lakh |
| Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (B.S.C.E.) | Bachelor's degree (the BBA is 4 years full time; confirm the length for this programme) | AED 106,050 | ≈ ₹26.5 lakh |
| Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development | Bachelor's degree (the BBA is 4 years full time; confirm the length for this programme) | AED 106,050 | ≈ ₹26.5 lakh |
Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at American University in Dubai with similar universities in Dubai (UAE).
Scholarships
- Undergraduate (all programmes)
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarship for Undergraduate Study
Value: Partial or full tuition waiver, kept until graduation if conditions are met
Eligibility: At least 90% high school average (or equivalent); financial need is also considered. Open to all nationalities. Awarded for Fall entry; apply through AUD's scholarship portal.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - Undergraduate (final year)
AUD Senior Scholarship
Value: 25%, 50% or 100% of tuition for one academic year
Eligibility: Senior students with a CGPA of 3.5 or more, no conduct violations and a documented change in financial circumstances.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - Postgraduate
AUD Alumni Tuition Waiver
Value: 25% tuition waiver until graduation
Eligibility: AUD graduates admitted to any AUD master's programme.
Official page (opens in a new tab)
Admission requirements
Undergraduate
- Attested transcripts for the last three years of school and the Class 12 certificate, plus a UAE Ministry of Education equivalency certificate. AUD does not publish a minimum percentage for Indian boards; ask admissions.
- Engineering: good standing in Mathematics, Physics and one more science. Biology: at least 70% in a science subject.
- Maths placement: an SAT score (590 for engineering and biology, 560 for business, architecture, design and other programmes) or AUD's own placement test.
- Architecture applicants submit an online portfolio.
Postgraduate
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
- MSc Artificial Intelligence: a degree in computer engineering, computer science or a related field and a GRE Quantitative score of at least 148; three years' work experience recommended.
- TOEFL or Academic IELTS scores, attested transcripts, a UAE equivalency letter, a statement of career objectives and two references.
Documents
- Online application and AED 420 application fee
- Attested Class 10–12 transcripts and certificate (undergraduate) or degree transcripts and certificate (postgraduate)
- UAE Ministry of Education equivalency certificate
- IELTS or TOEFL score report
- Passport copy and a health history form signed by a doctor
- AED 5,000 reservation deposit (counts towards tuition) after acceptance
Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.
English language requirements
| Test or route | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 for direct undergraduate entry; 6.0 with a developmental English course (ENGL100) |
| TOEFL iBT | 79 for direct entry; 68 with ENGL100. TOEFL ITP 550 (520 with ENGL100) |
| Waivers | Students from advanced curricula such as IB, A-Level or AP, or transferring from a recognised university, are exempt |
| English Bridge Program | For students below the minimum; AED 29,400 a semester for IELP 097 or ENGB 098 |
Accommodation and living costs
AUD offers student housing by semester. You pay a non-refundable AED 2,500 reservation fee and a refundable AED 1,000 security deposit, with the balance due a month before the semester starts. AUD can also sponsor the UAE student residence visa.
| Item | In AED | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Shared roomAED 17,000 a year | AED 8,500per semester | ≈ ₹2.1 lakh |
| Single room (if available)AED 28,000 a year | AED 14,000per semester | ≈ ₹3.5 lakh |
| Housing reservation fee | AED 2,500per semester | ≈ ₹62,500 |
| Student residence visa, passport deposit and health insuranceAED 2,000 visa + AED 3,000 refundable deposit + AED 3,200 insurance a year | AED 8,200first year | ≈ ₹2 lakh |
Campus and location
AUD's campus is on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, with student housing, schools of business, engineering, architecture, art and design, arts and sciences, education and the Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication.
- American-style semesters: Fall (September–December) and Spring (January–April), plus two summer sessions.
- University student housing with shared and single rooms.
- Students from more than 100 countries.
- University-sponsored UAE student residence visa.
- MMU International Progression Path for business students.
Careers and graduate outcomes
AUD points to its alumni of professionals, CEOs and entrepreneurs, but does not publish graduate employment figures on the pages we checked. See our Dubai guide for the rules on working after graduation.
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | 620 | QS World University Rankings |
Studying in Dubai (UAE)
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FAQs
How much does AUD cost?
Bachelor's tuition is AED 106,050 a year for any programme (12–16 credits a semester), plus AED 2,000 a year in services and technology fees, including VAT. Master's courses cost AED 14,490 each: AED 173,880 for the 12-course MBA and AED 144,900 for 10-course MSc programmes.
What IELTS score do I need?
IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 79 for direct entry to a bachelor's degree. With IELTS 6.0 or iBT 68 you can start but must take a developmental English course.
Is there a scholarship for Indian students?
The H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid scholarship is open to all nationalities with a school average of 90% or more and also considers financial need. It is awarded for Fall entry and can cover part or all of tuition.
Does AUD have student housing?
Yes. A shared room costs AED 8,500 a semester and a single room AED 14,000, plus a one-off refundable AED 1,000 deposit.
When can I start?
AUD admits students for Fall (September) and Spring (January). Applications are open for Spring and Fall 2027.
Sources
- American University in Dubai: homepage (opens in a new tab)
- American University in Dubai: university overview (opens in a new tab)
- American University in Dubai: Office of Finance (opens in a new tab)
- American University in Dubai: tuition and fees (opens in a new tab)
- American University in Dubai: accommodation fees (opens in a new tab)
- American University in Dubai: undergraduate admissions (opens in a new tab)
- American University in Dubai: scholarships (opens in a new tab)
- American University in Dubai: undergraduate programmes (opens in a new tab)
- American University in Dubai: graduate programmes (opens in a new tab)
- American University in Dubai: MBA (opens in a new tab)
- American University in Dubai: MS in Artificial Intelligence (opens in a new tab)
Official website: www.aud.edu (opens in a new tab)
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