Abu Dhabi University
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates • Founded 2003 • World Rank #2789
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 2003, the Abu Dhabi University is a for-profit private higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large city of Abu Dhabi (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants).
This institution also has a branch campus in Al Ain. Officially licensed by the Ministry of Education of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi University (ADU) is a small-sized coeducational Emirati higher education institution.
Abu Dhabi University (ADU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 21-year-old Emirati higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
ADU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
The geographic and contact details below cover where Abu Dhabi University is and how to reach its administrative offices. Campus emergency contact is typically distinct from general inquiries.
Academic Details
Abu Dhabi University's institutional metrics and recognition context. Recognition reciprocity matters for credential portability — check whether your home country accepts Abu Dhabi University's qualifications.
Academic Structures
Abu Dhabi University's teaching architecture in the units below. New faculties (formed in the last decade) signal where the institution is investing for the future.
Unit 3 items
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Business Administration
- College of Engineering and Computer Science
Degrees
Abu Dhabi University's qualifications are listed below by level, so you can quickly find the route that matches your study stage. Some levels feed naturally into the next, while others stand alone.
Bachelor's 16 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Business Computing
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Construction Engineering
- Education
- English
- Finance
- Interior Design
- Landscape Architecture
- Law
- Management
- Marketing
- Public Health
Master's 16 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Business Administration
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Engineering Management
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- Law
- Mechanical Engineering
- Private Law
- Public Law
- Special Education
- Translation and Interpretation
- Transport Management
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education of the United Arab Emirates.
Business (College) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Management
- Marketing
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Communication and Media (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mass Communication
- Media Studies
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education, Humanities and Social Sciences (College) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Studies
- English
- Environmental Studies
- Public Relations
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (College) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Information Technology
- Interior Design
- Mechanical Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Pharmacy (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Pharmacy
Common Career Paths
- Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
All active programmes at Abu Dhabi University are listed by degree level. Cross-reference against the divisions section to identify which faculty owns each programme — that determines admissions handling.
89 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United Arab Emirates
Bachelor's Degree 43 programmes
Showing 10 of 43.
Master's Degree 31 programmes
Showing 10 of 31.
Doctorate 5 programmes
Associate's Degree 5 programmes
Diploma 2 programmes
Postgraduate Diploma 3 programmes
How to apply to Abu Dhabi University
What applying to Abu Dhabi University typically involves — research, eligibility check, document prep, submission, and follow-up.
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1
Identify the right programme
Use the programme finder to browse Abu Dhabi University's 89 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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2
Check entry requirements
Programme-level requirements at Abu Dhabi University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
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3
Prepare your application documents
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
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4
Submit via the institution
Abu Dhabi University processes applications through www.adu.ac.ae. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
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5
Get in touch with admissions
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +971 (2) 501 5555. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Abu Dhabi University
Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting Abu Dhabi University as a study destination.
When did Abu Dhabi University open?
Abu Dhabi University traces its founding to 2003 (approximately 23 years ago).
Where is Abu Dhabi University located?
Abu Dhabi University is located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Is Abu Dhabi University public or private?
Abu Dhabi University operates as a private institution.
What is the student enrolment at Abu Dhabi University?
Student enrolment at Abu Dhabi University is around 3,000-3,999.
What is Abu Dhabi University's ranking?
It ranks #2789 globally and #14 in United Arab Emirates.
What degrees does Abu Dhabi University offer?
Programmes at Abu Dhabi University cover bachelor's and master's programmes.
How many faculties does Abu Dhabi University have?
Abu Dhabi University is organised into 3 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Abu Dhabi University accredited?
Yes, Abu Dhabi University is recognised by Council for Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the UAE Ministry of Higher Education; Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
What is Abu Dhabi University's official website?
Abu Dhabi University's official website is www.adu.ac.ae.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United Arab Emirates
The leading universities in the United Arab Emirates are listed below — useful for sizing Abu Dhabi University against the country's top tier. Top-tier institutions in the United Arab Emirates typically set admissions standards that downstream universities track.
Faculties at nearby universities
Other institutions in Abu Dhabi University's region offer similar admissions cycles and overlapping subject areas, listed below for comparison. Regional clusters often share employer networks and post-study career pathways.
Where Else to Study Business & Management
Faculty publication output for Business & Management researchers at each the United Arab Emirates institution signals research-active culture. Active publication usually correlates with funded supervision capacity.
Universities Compared with Abu Dhabi University
Cross-peer scholarship reciprocity exists in some systems where peer institutions accept each other's scholarship students. Worth checking for Abu Dhabi University if location flexibility matters.
Studying in United Arab Emirates: guides and resources
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