What is American University of Sharjah?

Updated

American University of Sharjah (AUS) is a university in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, that describes itself as a leading university in the Gulf offering a world-class, American-style liberal arts education to students from around the world. It is relevant if you are looking for an English-language, US-modeled institution in the Gulf region that awards bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Academic model

AUS follows an American-style liberal arts approach. In practice, that means the university's academic structure is organized around colleges and schools, with a general education program sitting alongside major-specific study. The site lists a General Education Program as a distinct academic unit, which is a common feature of US-style curricula where students take courses outside their major.

The university also lists an Accelerated Master's Program and an International Study and Exchange option, both of which are typical of American university structures.

Degree levels and programs

AUS offers three degree levels:

  • Bachelor's degrees — the undergraduate entry point, with a dedicated admissions path and a New Undergraduate Student Guide and orientation.
  • Master's degrees — graduate study with its own admissions process, a New Graduate Student Guide, and graduate orientation.
  • Doctoral degrees — the highest level offered, listed alongside the other two under Admissions.

Programs are housed within "Colleges and Schools" and further divided into "Programs and Departments." The site also references graduate studies, the Registrar's Services, and an Academic Support Center as part of the academic infrastructure.

Location and student body

The university is located in Sharjah, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates. Its own description states it serves "students from around the world," and the site maintains a dedicated International Students page under Admissions, indicating that international enrollment is an established part of the institution. There is also a "Discover Sharjah" and "Visit and Explore AUS" section, suggesting the campus is presented as a destination for prospective students and visitors.

Admissions and financial information

Admissions at AUS is organized into several distinct areas:

  • Prospective Students
  • Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral Degrees
  • Admission Publications
  • International Students
  • Contact Admissions
  • Grants and Scholarships
  • Sponsorship Liaison Services
  • Testing Center
  • Sharakah Program
  • File Completion
  • Payment Guide

The presence of a Payment Guide and a Grants and Scholarships section indicates that cost and funding are handled through dedicated admissions channels. The specific tuition figures, fees, and scholarship amounts are not stated in the available material, so they would need to be confirmed directly through the Payment Guide or the admissions office.

Campus life and resources

Beyond academics, AUS lists a range of student-life and support services:

  • Residential Halls
  • One Stop Solution Center
  • Athletics and Recreation
  • Career Services
  • Health and Wellness
  • Student Life and Sustainability
  • Library
  • Students with Disabilities
  • Complaint Hotline
  • Fazaa

The site also notes 127 clubs and associations represented at the AUS Club Fair, and a Virtual Campus Tour for those who cannot visit in person.

Accreditation and institutional standing

AUS references MSCHE Reaccreditation and an Institutional Research and Analytics office. MSCHE refers to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, a US regional accrediting body, which is consistent with the university's American-style positioning. The site also lists Rankings, a Strategic Plan 2025–2030, and a Vision of the Founder under "About AUS."

Who this is for

AUS is likely relevant if you want an American-modeled education in the Gulf, are considering undergraduate or graduate study in the UAE, or need an English-language institution with international student services. If you are looking specifically for tuition numbers, scholarship eligibility rules, or program-specific admission requirements, those details are not covered in the material summarized here and should be checked on the university's admissions pages.