Admissions and Scholarships
What are the requirements for admissions to Khalifa University?

Click here to access the admission requirements for undergraduate studies at Khalifa University and be aware that each schooling system has different requirements.

Does KU Conduct entrance exams?

Physics entrance exams may be administered by KU for selected international applicants on a case-by-case basis. However, applicants applying from inside UAE should provide EmSAT exams or its alternatives. For more information about EmSAT alternatives please visit the Undergraduate admission  page.

For international applicants (coming from high schools outside the UAE), English proficiency Exam (IELTS or TOEFL) and external advanced standing credits (AL, IB, AP) are required as detailed on our Undergraduate admission  page. 

What are IELTS, TOFEL and EmSAT test dates? Are they given at Khalifa University

Test dates vary by location. They are not offered at KU. Please visit the relevant website for information on how to register for the exams:

–     IELTS: www.ielts.org

–     TOEFL: http://www.ets.org/toefl

–     EmSAT: https://emsat.moe.gov.ae/emsat/default.aspx

What happens if I submitted IELTS, TOEFL & EmSAT?

Khalifa University will consider the highest score among the certificates for the purpose of admission. 

What nationalities does Khalifa University accept?

Khalifa University is an international university, with enrolment from all over the world. Over 50 nationalities are represented among the student population and faculty. Khalifa University has among the highest percentage of female students, who represent over 58% of the student population. KU does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, religion, sect, or any special needs that students may have. As an institution of higher learning, we welcome a plurality of backgrounds and perspectives.

Does Khalifa University offer scholarships?

Khalifa University and its partners offer a number of undergraduate scholarships for both Emirati and international students. These include:

  • Khalifa University Scholarship
  • ADNOC Scholarship Program
  • Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) Scholarship “Betha”
  • UAE Nuclear Energy Scholarship Program (ENEC & FANR)
  • National Electronic Security Authority (NESA) – Tamayuz Scholarship Program
  • The Future Teachers scholarship

Khalifa University offers partial and full scholarships to eligible UAE Resident undergraduate students

For postgraduate students, Khalifa University awards full scholarships to all admitted Emirati and international students.

How much does it cost to study at Khalifa University?

The undergraduate program costs 2,500 AED per credit hour.

The Master’s program costs 5,000 AED per credit hour.

The Doctorate programs cost 6,666 AED per credit hour.

What GPA would I need to be accepted to study Master’s degree at KU?

To apply to the Master’s degree programs, applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 out of 4.0 or its equivalent (e.g., an upper second-class honors in a UK-style degree from a reputable accredited institution). Please refer to the Graduate Admissions – Requirements page for more details. 

Are there deferment options?

Admission is only valid for the academic semester specified in the admission letter. If an applicant is granted admission and for some reason does not register but intends to join the University in the following semester, then he/she should submit a written request to the Admissions and Registration Office no later than one month before the beginning of the semester. The request for admission for the following semester will depend on the availability of places and will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Can I transfer from another university to Khalifa University?

All transfer candidates who are interested in applying to Khalifa University should meet the admission requirements. In addition, they should submit an official copy of their transcript(s) along with the other admission documents to be considered upon evaluation of their admission application. No credit hours will be transferred if the candidate was accepted.

How can I apply to study at KU?

Applications can be submitted via the KU website on or before the date listed by the Admissions teams on the Undergraduate Admissions page, the Graduate Admissions page, or the Doctor of Medicine page.

What documents do I have to provide in order to apply?

Please refer to the Graduate Admissions – Required Documents webpage for a full list of documents required to apply.

How many programs can I apply for?

Applicants can only apply to one program per semester.

Are IELTS and TOEFL given at Khalifa University?

IELTS and TOEFL exams are not offered at Khalifa University and test dates vary by location. 

 


Career Support
How does Khalifa University prepare its graduates for employment?

All undergraduate students at Khalifa University undertake an 8-week internship (national and international), where they get the opportunity to explore the different perspectives of their major outside of the classroom. KU students intern at large local and global companies, including but not limited to STRATA, IBM, Siemens, Microsoft, Diehl, AMMROC, ENEC, NPCC, Schlumberger, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ANDOC), and many more.

Eligible students are offered international internship opportunities in Japan through the Japan International Collaboration Center (JICE) program. The program provides students with an exceptional technical and cultural learning experience, and offers internships at companies like Chiyoda Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

This year, an elective career and development course will be offered to students to prepare them for the world of work. Additionally, students have the opportunity to engage with top employers in the market through the on campus Career Fair, Internship Fair and dedicated Employers day.


Degree Programs
What Bachelor’s degrees are offered at KU?

Khalifa University offers 13 Bachelor’s degree programs, some of which list optional concentrations.

  • Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience
  • Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
  • Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics and Statistics
  • Bachelor of Science in Physics
What Master’s degrees are offered at KU?

Please refer to the Programs website: https://www.ku.ac.ae/academics/graduate-programs#programs

What Doctorate degrees are offered at KU?

Please refer to the Programs website: https://www.ku.ac.ae/academics/graduate-programs#programs


General Questions
Is Khalifa University of Science and Technology accredited?

All academic programs at Khalifa University are accredited with the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the UAE Ministry of Education and Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET) accreditation for the new programs is underway, with 86% of undergraduate programs having received or are eligible for ABET accreditation. All academic programs at KU are accredited with the CAA of the UAE Ministry of Education for the new programs is underway.

Is Khalifa University recognized internationally?

The internationally top-ranked Khalifa University is the one university in the UAE with the research and academic programs that address the entire range of strategic, scientific and industrial challenges facing the UAE’s knowledge economy transformation and our rapidly evolving world. Its world-class faculty and state-of-the-art research facilities provide an unparalleled learning experience to students from the UAE and around the world.

Khalifa University enjoys active relationships and strategic partnerships with a number of higher education institutions from around the world. These partnerships provide student exchange opportunities, student sponsorships, employment opportunities for students, internship programs, and joint research programs. Strategic partners include, but are not limited to: Georgia Tech (USA), the University of Tokyo (Japan), the University of Western Australia, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Texas A&M University (USA), Tsinghua University (China), and the University of Naples Federico II (Italy).

Is Khalifa University a government university or a private university?

Khalifa University is an independent, non-profit, coeducational institution with its own Board of Trustees that is accountable to the Government of Abu Dhabi for its charter.

What does the University’s campus entail?

Khalifa University of Science and Technology has three campuses – a main campus and two satellite campuses in Sas Al Nakhl and Masdar City. The campuses include:

What is the university’s higher education system modeled on?

The University is modeled around the American system of higher education and is actively developing an international network of partners, faculty members, and research programs to advance regionally relevant research and innovation in the UAE and the region.


Life in Abu Dhabi and KU
Does KU offer accommodation to its accepted students?

Kindly refer to our Student Housing page for more information on the available student housing. 

Are males and females allowed to interact on campus?

Khalifa University upholds a policy that aligns with the overall conservative atmosphere of the UAE. Although the campuses are co-educational, and students are allowed to meet in co-ed groups for projects, it is not permitted that male and female students casually interact without a valid purpose.

Is alcohol consumption allowed on or off campus?

The UAE provides residents and citizens a balanced, stable and inclusive environment conducive to diversity, mutual respect, and prosperity. The ruling on alcohol consumption is a balance between globalization and conservative Islamic traditions so that non-Muslim foreigners are legally protected and allowed to purchase and consume alcohol when they follow the legal guidelines. Khalifa University however does not tolerate alcohol or tobacco use on campus or in university provided dorms.

What is the cost of living in Abu Dhabi?

The city of Abu Dhabi ranks around the 50th percentile for the cost of living globally for major cities around the world. Food, rent, utilities, services, and transportation are of international standards and very affordable.

How is campus life?

Campus life is operated by Student Life within the Student Services functions. Student Services are committed to enriching the University campus life by offering students a chance to take initiatives and assume leadership roles through student clubs and Student Council. Students are closely involved in organizing extracurricular activities, major and minor events on campus throughout the academic year.

Is there transportation from the Residences to different campus location?

Student transportation is available to ensure students are transported between the three campuses and between the Residences and campuses. A schedule for the different routes and timings is announced to all students.

What amenities are included with the accommodation?

For undergraduate students given housing accommodation, the rooms are provided with bed linen that is cleaned on a weekly basis. The kitchen is equipped with a fridge, cooker, washing machine and microwave. The common living area is equipped with a TV. We advise students to bring their own detergent, soap, kitchen utensils and food items. All rooms have internet connection.

For Postgraduate students given housing accommodation in the Masdar City campus, they will be provided with a single apartment containing an ensuite, kitchen and living area with TV and internet connection.

Facilities on campus for all students include a gym, multi-purpose areas for sports activities, restaurants, coffee shops, and organic food store, plus a canteen that is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Do I have to attend the Orientation program?

It is essential to attend the Orientation program. Please refer to the Orientation dates for undergraduate and postgraduate through the Student Life messages. Attendance will significantly ease your transition experience to the University, and help in gaining a better understanding of the various academic and administrative services available on campus. The Orientation serves as a platform to get to know your fellow new students, and current students who will be present as volunteers, to assist throughout the program.

Do you have a Student Council?

Khalifa University strongly believes in the active participation of students in the governance of the institute. Every student on campus, undergraduate or graduate, is eligible to serve on the student council, institute-wide committee or departmental advisory board as applicable.

One elected body of students formally named the Student Council with the mandate of advocating for and liaising between students and university management through campus life. A Charter is established and guides the Student Council and defines its functions, roles and responsibilities, and rules for its conduct and governance.

Link to Academic calendar

Please find important dates related to our Academic Calendar here.