Khalifa University
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates • Founded 2007 • World Rank #607
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 2007, the Khalifa University is a private higher education institution located in the urban 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 Sharjah. Officially licensed by the Ministry of Education of the United Arab Emirates, Khalifa University (KUSTAR) is a small-sized coeducational Emirati higher education institution.
Khalifa University (KUSTAR) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study. This 17-year-old Emirati higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 0-9% making this Emirati higher education organization an extremely selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. KUSTAR also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, financial aids and/or scholarships, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Location pin, postal address, phone, email, website, and social profiles for Khalifa University. Always verify channels through the official domain to avoid third-party impersonators.
Academic Details
Khalifa University at the institutional level: enrolment, staffing, and accreditation summary. Accreditation has expiry and renewal cycles worth checking on the awarding body site for currency.
Academic Structures
Khalifa University's academic backbone. Endowed schools (named after donors) may differ from general units in funding levels, scholarships available, and curriculum focus.
Unit 2 items
- College of Engineering
- Institute of International and Civil Security
Degrees
Also Doctor of Medicine Program
Bachelor's 8 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Engineering
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
Master's 9 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- International Studies
- Mechanical Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
Doctoral 1 program
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Engineering
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education of the United Arab Emirates.
Arts and Sciences (College) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
- Political Sciences
- Social Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (College) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medecine and Health Sciences (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Robotics
Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (Institute) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Bioengineering
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering
- Information Sciences
- Nuclear Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
The Petroleum Institute (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
Programs Offered
Below: Khalifa University's programme list by level. Programme intakes vary — some offer multiple entry points per year (Sep, Jan, May), others a single annual intake.
77 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United Arab Emirates
Bachelor's Degree 18 programmes
Showing 10 of 18.
Master's Degree 37 programmes
Showing 10 of 37.
Doctorate 22 programmes
Showing 10 of 22.
How to apply to Khalifa University
Practical steps to apply to Khalifa University, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Khalifa University runs 77 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Before applying to Khalifa University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United Arab Emirates.
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3
Get your documents ready
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Khalifa University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Lodge your application through the official website (www.ku.ac.ae). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +971 (6) 561 1333. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Khalifa University
The questions below summarise Khalifa University's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.
In what year was Khalifa University established?
Khalifa University was founded in 2007 (approximately 19 years ago).
In which city is Khalifa University?
Khalifa University is based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Is Khalifa University public or private?
It is a private higher-education institution.
How many students study at Khalifa University?
Khalifa University has approximately 3,000-3,999 students.
Where does Khalifa University stand in university rankings?
Khalifa University holds rank #607 globally and #3 in United Arab Emirates.
What degrees does Khalifa University offer?
Khalifa University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
How is Khalifa University organised academically?
Khalifa University has 2 academic units.
Is Khalifa University officially recognised?
The institution holds recognition from Council for Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the UAE Ministry of Higher Education.
Where can I learn more about Khalifa University?
Khalifa University's official website is www.ku.ac.ae.
Faculties at nearby universities
Universities near Khalifa University often have cross-enrolment or visiting-student arrangements that let students take modules at the partner institution. Worth checking if subject coverage at Khalifa University is narrow in your area.
Where Else to Study Engineering & Technology
Capstone projects versus dissertation requirements differ across Engineering & Technology programmes. The output type (project, thesis, portfolio) affects what you can show graduate schools or employers afterward.
Universities Compared with Khalifa University
Peer cohort post-graduation outcomes — employment rates, graduate-school placement, salary data — often track closely across institutions at Khalifa University's level. Comparable cohorts tend to land in comparable places.
Studying in United Arab Emirates: guides and resources
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