American University in Dubai (AUD): Admissions, Tuition & Scholarships Guide for International Students

The American University in Dubai, known as AUD, is a private, non-sectarian university founded in 1995 and based in Dubai Media City, beside Sheikh Zayed Road. It offers American-style undergraduate and master's degrees in business, engineering, architecture, interior design, communication, computing, and the arts and sciences, with a student body of more than 2,500, about 80% of whom are international. It is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education and accredited in the United States by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It should not be confused with the American University in the Emirates, which is a different institution. This guide covers exactly what American University in Dubai international students need to know: accreditation and ranking, admissions and English requirements, the published fees and how they add up, scholarships, campus life, and the UAE's post-study visa options.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: American University in Dubai, a private university in Dubai Media City, founded in 1995
• Students: more than 2,500, about 80% international
• Accreditation: SACSCOC in the United States and a licence from the UAE Ministry of Education, plus programme accreditation from AACSB (business), NAAB (architecture), and CIDA (interior design)
• QS World University Rankings 2027: #=620
• Undergraduate tuition: AED 53,025 per semester plus a AED 1,000 services and technology fee, or AED 54,025 per semester and about AED 108,050 per year, for 12 to 16 credit hours
• Master's tuition: about AED 13,797 to AED 14,490 per three-credit course, with 10 to 12 courses required
• English requirement: IELTS Academic 6.5, TOEFL iBT 79, or TOEFL ITP 550
• Scholarships: awards for students with averages of 90% or equivalent, including full tuition awards and monthly allowances

Rankings and reputation

AUD's #=620 position in the QS World University Rankings 2027 reflects a small, teaching-focused private university rather than a large research institution. Its stronger signals for applicants are its accreditation record: SACSCOC is one of the six regional accreditors recognised by the United States Department of Education, and its business, architecture, and interior design programmes hold specialised accreditations from AACSB, NAAB, and CIDA. These matter for professional recognition, especially for architecture and design, where accreditation can affect licensure in other countries, so confirm the accreditation of your exact programme.

Academics and signature programs

AUD's undergraduate colleges cover business administration, engineering, architecture and design, communication and media, and arts and sciences, and it offers master's degrees including an MBA. Teaching follows the American credit-hour system with liberal-arts general education alongside the major, and classes are small. Architecture and interior design students should budget for laptops, materials, and studio costs beyond tuition.

Admissions and international eligibility

AUD does not publish an acceptance rate that I could verify. Undergraduate applicants need a secondary school diploma judged equivalent to a UAE high school diploma, and third-party sources cite a minimum of 60% to 70% depending on the programme. Postgraduate applicants need a relevant bachelor's degree. The application fee is AED 420. After admission, students complete the UAE student visa steps, medical test, and Emirates ID processing.

English language requirements

• IELTS Academic 6.5, TOEFL iBT 79, or TOEFL ITP 550 is required before the semester begins
• Students with an IELTS score of 6.0 may still be accepted as degree candidates but take ENGL100 Developmental English
• Requirements can differ for graduate programmes, so confirm the score for your degree
• Extra English courses lengthen study time and add cost, so aim to meet the standard before you arrive

Application checklist

A typical application includes attested transcripts, English test results, passport copies, and photographs. Ask AUD which documents need attestation from your home country's authorities and from the UAE embassy, because attestation can take weeks.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

AUD's finance office lists regular undergraduate tuition of AED 53,025 per semester for 12 to 16 credit hours, plus a AED 1,000 services and technology fee, for AED 54,025 per semester and about AED 108,050 for the fall and spring semesters. Part-time study (under 12 credits) costs AED 4,599 per credit, and credits above 16 cost AED 3,549 each. Master's programmes charge per three-credit course, at about AED 13,797 to AED 14,490 per course, and with 10 to 12 courses required the total tuition comes to roughly AED 138,000 to AED 174,000. Fees include 5% VAT where applicable, and textbooks are extra. Some third-party sources quote lower annual undergraduate figures, but I have used AUD's own schedule.

Estimated living costs in Dubai

• Student housing is listed at about AED 8,500 to AED 14,000 per semester
• An optional residence visa package is listed at AED 8,200, including AED 3,200 of annual health insurance
• The UAE has no personal income tax, which helps part-time workers and graduates
• The Dubai Metro and buses serve central areas, while taxis are widely used
• Summer temperatures are very high, so plan air-conditioned housing and transport

Scholarships

AUD lists a range of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students, some covering full tuition, housing, or living allowances. Named awards include the William Jefferson Clinton Scholarship (full tuition for one semester and on-campus housing), the ICT Fund Scholarship (a full tuition waiver for an academic year plus a monthly allowance), the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority Intilaq Scholarship (a full tuition waiver plus a monthly allowance of AED 6,500), and the H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarship (partial or full tuition). Undergraduate scholarship candidates generally need an average of 90% or equivalent, and some awards are aimed at UAE nationals or residents, so confirm eligibility for each before you rely on it.

Campus life and student support

AUD's campus in Dubai Media City is close to the Marina, Internet City, and Palm Jumeirah districts, and its multicultural student body creates an international atmosphere in a small university. It offers clubs, student services, career support, and help with visas and orientation.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

Dubai's economy offers roles in finance, real estate, tourism, media, design, and technology, and AUD's business, communication, and design programmes align with these sectors. Ask how the university measures graduate outcomes and how it supports internships.

UAE post-study visa options

The UAE offers several routes for graduates. The Green Visa allows self-sponsored residence for up to five years, generally with conditions, and a job exploration visa of up to 120 days has been reported for graduates of top-ranked universities. The Golden Visa is reserved for exceptional graduates, and the UAE has extended the post-study grace period to 12 months. Conditions can depend on your degree and institution, so verify them with UAE authorities.

Health insurance and pre-arrival preparation

Students need a UAE resident student visa, a medical fitness test, an Emirates ID, and valid health insurance. Budget for these costs, the AED 420 application fee, and a housing deposit, and arrange accommodation early.

What to expect in your first months

The first weeks involve orientation, visa and Emirates ID steps, and finding housing. American-style teaching includes regular quizzes, assignments, and participation, and students who manage the credit load carefully in their first semester tend to do better.

A realistic four-year budget

At about AED 108,050 per year, four years of undergraduate tuition come to roughly AED 432,000, before housing at about AED 17,000 to AED 28,000 a year, insurance, and living costs. Full-tuition scholarships are rare, so plan the full amount and confirm all figures in writing.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• How many credits does my degree require, and what is the total tuition?
• Which scholarships apply to international students, and what averages are needed?
• How does the extra English course ENGL100 affect my timeline and cost?
• Which accreditation covers my exact programme, and is it recognised in my target country?
• What housing is available, and what does it cost?
• Which UAE post-study visa options apply to my graduates?

Who AUD suits best

AUD suits students who want a small, American-style, internationally accredited university in Dubai, especially in architecture, design, business, and communication, and who can fund a higher-priced programme. It may suit less well students who want the lowest cost, a globally top-ranked brand, or a large campus.

AUD compared with other Dubai universities

Dubai has many private universities and branch campuses, and tuition, accreditation, and teaching style differ widely. AUD's fees are at the higher end, and its accreditation record is a key part of what you pay for. Compare at least two other options on total four-year cost, programme accreditation, scholarship terms, and location.

Step-by-step application roadmap

1. Choose your programme and check its accreditation.
2. Confirm the English requirement and book a test if needed.
3. Apply with attested transcripts and passport details, and pay the AED 420 fee.
4. Accept your offer and pay the deposit.
5. Complete the UAE student visa, medical test, and Emirates ID steps.
6. Arrange housing and health insurance before orientation.

Preparing your documents early

Start certificate attestation early, because it involves several offices and can take weeks. Keep copies of everything, and ask the university to confirm fees and refund terms in writing.

Frequently asked questions