History
The journey began in 2000 with the development of the Charter of Abu Dhabi University by his Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. After three years of planning - and following accreditation for all programs by what is now known as the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), UAE Ministry of Education - we opened our doors to 1,000 students across two campuses in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
Education
With five Colleges offering over 50 undergraduate and postgraduate programs, campuses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai and Al Dhafra Region, and multiple affiliations with globally renowned institutions, a UAE-wide, truly international quality education is guaranteed for all of our students.
Research
Abu Dhabi University is committed to the highest standards of research and innovation. The promotion of nationally and internationally competitive research is a core strategic goal, supporting the United Arab Emirates in making a significant contribution in a globally competitive environment in line with Abu Dhabi’s 2030 Vision.
We endeavor to conduct research that is:
- Meaningful to the individual academic
- Responsible and responsive to the needs of society
- Creative, innovative, and academically rigorous. ADU rewards risk-taking in the pursuit of excellence and offers the infrastructure to support this
Career
The Employability and Alumni Relations Office (EARO) is part of the Student Affairs Department, providing career and alumni services for ADU students and graduates.
EARO provides several employability services including but not limited to the following:
- Employability guidance
- Employability events
- Our Internship program, which is part of your graduation requirements, provides you with the opportunity to apply your academic knowledge with practical work experience.
- On-campus Student Employment Program Provides on-campus part-time employment to eligible students who wish to work and acquire valuable work experience while studying at ADU.
Top reasons to study here
- The University is recognized as a world-class institution committed to excellence in teaching, student experience, research and corporate education.
- Being rated by QS as 2nd globally for international faculty and 10th for international students, we consider diversity to be among our key strengths.
- Abu Dhabi University is committed to becoming the best institution of its kind in the region.
Abu Dhabi University Key Statistics & Highlights
- #201 Ranking
- 7,605 Students
- 3,194 Students (female)
- Private Institution Type
Abu Dhabi University Overview
Abu Dhabi University Scholarships
Abu Dhabi University Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to Abu Dhabi University. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
30 Apr 2026
LIFE Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
33600 EUR
Deadline
01 Jul 2026
Mundus MAPP EMJM Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2026
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
Moving Mates Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Anytime
AUFIN Global Impact Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
10 May 2026
Transform Your Future with Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
06 Jul 2026
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 SEK
Deadline
30 Apr 2026
Kreditkortlistan Financial Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
L. Austin Weeks Undergraduate Grant
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
500 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
CryptoRunner Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
750 USD
Deadline
15 Jun 2026
Studybay Fall Essay Contest
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
30 Apr 2026
Anthem Essay Contest
Read more about eligibility
Abu Dhabi University Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 8.1% United Arab Emirates
Top 20% Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
World University Rankings
201
By Times Higher Education
Dropped 10 places compared to 2025
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 201 | 191 | 201 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
QS World University Rankings
391
By TopUniversities
Climbed 110 places compared to 2025
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 580 | 501 | 391 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Student services
Counselling services are available to all ADU students. Counselling needs may concern academic or personal issues, and anything that may affect your academic success.
We also educate students on academic and interpersonal issues, assess and provide arrangements for special needs students, and offer assistance in the case of personal emergencies.
Our counselling services are, of course, completely confidential. You can rest assured that anything discussed with the student counsellor will not be discussed with anyone else.
Housing services
Discover different cultures, meet new people, and establish life-long friendships with all the conveniences of home in Abu Dhabi University's accommodation. Our segregated facilities are perfectly located on campus with access to a range of recreational facilities, shopping centers and food outlets. There is transportation for shopping trips, and other public transportation facilities are also available and easy to use.
Type of Residence in Abu Dhabi Campus- Private Single Occupancy with Bath and Kitchen
- Semi-Private Single Occupancy with shared Bath and Kitchen
- Double Occupancy with Bath and Kitchen
- Double Shared Occupancy with Shared Bath and Kitchen
Library services
The mission of the Abu Dhabi University Library is to serve the Abu Dhabi University students, faculty, staff, and the community. It is the intent of the library to provide access to the information needed to support and develop learning, teaching, and research.
ICT services
Wireless internet connection and computer labs throughout the campus complex provide students with convenient access to the latest technology and the internet.
Medical services
Students under ADU sponsorship, and all international and GCC students requiring health insurance, should apply through the Student Support Office in the Student Affairs Department.
Campus life
- Abu Dhabi Campus
Abu Dhabi University’s flagship campus is located in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi – the capital of the United Arab Emirates. This purpose-built, 368,000 sqm facility, opened in 2006, offers an inspirational place for study and extra-curricular activities alike.
- Al Ain Campus
- Abu Dhabi University’s Al Ain campus was opened in 2003 to meet the growing higher education needs of the Al Ain community and surrounding area.
- Dubai Campus
Abu Dhabi University (ADU) launched its brand new, state‐of‐the art Dubai campus in 2017.
- Al Dhafra Center
Opened for intake in Spring 2018, Al Dhafra Center is the fourth facility in ADU’s expanding portfolio.
Sports facilities
ADU’s sports and wellness programs provide you with opportunities for fun and fitness and complement your academic experience. By joining our sports teams you will get the opportunity to build valuable relationships with your peers, as well as develop leadership and teamworking skills.
We offer a wide variety of sports activities, with professional coaches to inspire a passion for the sport and help you maximize your athletic potential. For those who do not want to play competitively, we host a series of friendly matches and tournaments on campus.
The following sporting facilities are available at the Abu Dhabi campus:
- Football pitches
- Cricket Fields
- Basketball Court
- Volleyball Court
- Tennis Courts
- Gyms
Student clubs
Student clubs play a key role in university life and we encourage you to join as many as you like. Student clubs give you the opportunity to meet like-minded people and develop friendships, contribute to the community, gain experience, develop leadership skills, and also have a lot of fun. We also encourage you to establish your own clubs and societies relating to your personal interests.
The number of clubs is always expanding.- ADU Hands Club
- Anime Club
- Architecture & Design Club
- Art & Design Club
- Aviation Club
- Chess Club
- Chinese Club
- Cricket Club
- Desi Club
- Egyptian club
- Emirati Club
- eSports Club
- Green Club
- Ihsan Club
- Iraqi Club
- Japanese Club
- Jordanian Club
- Korean Club
- Moroccan Club
- Music Club
Accreditation
Abu Dhabi University is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). In addition, our College of Business is both EQUIS and AACSB accredited. Only 1% of business schools worldwide have this double accreditation.
Abu Dhabi University Campus Locations
#1 Main Campus
United Arab Emirates Country
Abu Dhabi City
#2 Branch Campus
United Arab Emirates Country
Al ‘Ayn City
#3 Branch Campus
United Arab Emirates Country
Dubai City
Abu Dhabi University Student Reviews & Awards
4
Based on 100 reviews
- 5 Star 40 Reviews
- 4 Star 38 Reviews
- 3 Star 15 Reviews
- 2 Star 3 Reviews
- 1 Star 4 Reviews
How Students Rated This University
- Overall Satisfaction 4.1
- Student Teacher Interaction 4.2
- Student Diversity 4.0
- Career Development 4.0
Experienced in research field
I have learnt soo many things about research field during my masters degree in jamia millia Islamia in Delhi .I would like to increase my experience in research field by doing PHD .
I'm waiting for your response dear
Hi How are you. I'm from Pakistan My overall study experience at this moment is very good
The University is very good I want the University
The University is very good and I want the University
Studied here? Share your experience
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2025
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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Overall SatisfactionHow would you rate your overall study experience?
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Student Teacher InteractionHow helpful were your teachers?
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Student DiversityHow diverse was the atmosphere at your university?
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Career DevelopmentDid the university provide support for your career development?
