Sharjah University offers over 100 undergraduate and postgraduate courses across engineering, business, arts, and health sciences. You’ll find that programs blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience through strong industry partnerships and modern facilities. Most degrees are accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education. Tuition typically ranges from approximately AED 40,000 to AED 120,000 annually, though this varies by program. Admission requires high school completion and demonstrated English proficiency.
What Are the Main Academic Programs at Sharjah University?
The University of Sharjah — often referred to locally as Sharjah University — is structured around several major colleges, each offering multiple departments and specializations. This structure gives students a clear pathway from enrollment through to graduation.
The core colleges include:
- College of Engineering — architecture, civil, mechanical, electrical, and industrial engineering
- College of Business Administration — accounting, finance, marketing, and management
- College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences — media, Arabic studies, social work, and visual arts
- College of Health Sciences — nursing, medical laboratory sciences, and physical therapy
- College of Medicine — one of the few medical programs in the Northern Emirates
- College of Pharmacy and College of Dentistry
- College of Law and College of Sciences
Degree levels span from two-year diplomas through to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs. Exact 2026 program counts per college: Bachelor’s degrees typically take 4 years to complete, while some professional programs, such as medicine, extend to 6 years.
Which Undergraduate Courses Are Most Popular at Sharjah University?
Engineering programs consistently attract strong enrollment at Sharjah University, particularly civil, mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. The hands-on, project-based approach and access to quality laboratories appeal to students targeting careers in the UAE’s construction and technology sectors.
Business and management degrees remain popular choices. Accounting and finance programs align well with job opportunities across the UAE’s growing financial services industry. Marketing and entrepreneurship tracks draw students interested in the UAE’s vibrant startup scene.
Other consistently popular undergraduate programs include:
- Computer Science and Information Technology — growing rapidly given the UAE’s digital transformation focus
- Nursing and Health Sciences — graduates report strong employment rates post-graduation
- Architecture — supported by excellent studio facilities and ongoing regional construction activity
- Media and Communications — covering practical journalism, digital media, and broadcasting
- Education — particularly Arabic-medium teacher preparation programs
2026 enrollment statistics by undergraduate program. Graduates from engineering and health science programs typically secure employment within twelve months of finishing their degrees.
What Postgraduate and Master’s Programs Does Sharjah University Offer?
The university has significantly expanded its postgraduate portfolio in recent years. Master’s programs are available across engineering, business, health sciences, law, and Islamic studies. You can choose between research-focused tracks and professional coursework-based degrees depending on your career goals.
Popular master’s programs include MBA, Master of Engineering, Master of Public Health, and Master of Laws (LLM). Many programs are available part-time, which works well for working professionals across Sharjah and the wider Emirates.
Entry requirements for postgraduate admission generally include:
- A relevant bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA specific to the master’s program
- IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent TOEFL score for English-medium programs
- Whether GMAT or GRE scores are required for MBA and engineering master’s programs in 2026
- Professional work experience expectations vary — the MBA typically requires two or more years of relevant experience
Scholarship availability for master’s students exists but is competitive. Specific scholarship award amounts for postgraduate students in 2026.
What Are the Admission Requirements for Sharjah University Courses?
Admission requirements differ between undergraduate and postgraduate applicants, and they vary by program. Knowing these thresholds before you apply saves time and helps you prepare more effectively.
Undergraduate Requirements
- Completed secondary school certificate (Tawjihi or equivalent)
- Minimum high school GPA — exact GPA thresholds per faculty for 2026, e.g., medicine and pharmacy typically require higher minimums than arts programs
- IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL 61 for English-medium programs (some faculties require higher scores)
- EmSAT English score of minimum EmSAT score required in 2026
- Entrance examinations for health and science programs
Postgraduate Requirements
- Accredited bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
- Minimum undergraduate GPA specific to postgraduate GPA entry requirement
- Two academic or professional references
- Statement of purpose for research-track programs
International students must additionally submit attested and translated qualification documents, valid passport copies, and meet UAE student visa requirements. Application deadlines typically fall in June for September intake and November for January intake. Contact the admissions office directly to confirm current dates for your chosen intake.
How Much Do Sharjah University Courses Cost?
Sharjah University’s tuition is competitive compared to other private universities in the region. However, costs do vary significantly depending on your program and study level.
Approximate Undergraduate Fees
- Arts, humanities, and business programs: exact 2026 annual fee range
- Engineering and computer science: exact 2026 annual fee range
- Medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy: exact 2026 annual fee range — typically the highest
Approximate Postgraduate Fees
- MBA and business master’s: exact 2026 fee per credit hour or total program cost
- Engineering and sciences master’s: exact 2026 fee
You should also budget for registration fees, laboratory fees, library access, and student services charges. The university offers payment plans, with most students choosing to pay semester by semester. Compared with American University of Sharjah or universities in Dubai such as American University in Dubai, Sharjah University’s fees are often more accessible, making it a preferred option for budget-conscious families.
What Is the Teaching Quality and Accreditation at Sharjah University?
The University of Sharjah holds full accreditation from the UAE Ministry of Education and the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA). Several individual programs hold internationally recognised accreditations.
- ABET accreditation — engineering and technology programs
- Whether AACSB or AMBA accreditation applies to the College of Business Administration in 2026
- Medical and health programs accredited through relevant UAE health authority bodies
Many faculty members hold PhD qualifications from internationally recognised institutions, ensuring teaching quality remains high. Student-to-faculty ratios are based on current ratio data for 2026, which supports a reasonably personalised learning environment.
Campus facilities include well-equipped engineering laboratories, simulation suites for health sciences students, digital media studios, and law moot courtrooms. The university has strengthened its online learning infrastructure in recent years, with a range of hybrid programs now available. Specific fully online program offerings in 2026
How Does Career Support and Placement Work at Sharjah University?
The university operates a dedicated Career Development Centre that connects you with internship opportunities, employers, and professional development workshops. Partnerships with employers across the UAE and wider GCC region give you practical exposure before you graduate.
Key career support features include:
- Structured internship programs embedded within engineering, business, and health curricula
- Annual career fairs attracting regional and multinational employers
- CV preparation workshops and mock interview sessions
- Alumni mentoring networks connecting current students with graduates across sectors
- Graduate employment rate statistics by program for 2026
The university collaborates with major employers who bring real-world insights through guest lectures. These connections give you direct exposure to professional environments across Sharjah’s industrial and free zone areas. Career centre support typically remains available to recent graduates, though duration varies by service.
What Are the Differences Between Sharjah University and Other UAE Universities?
Comparing Sharjah University with peers such as UAE University (Al Ain), American University of Sharjah, and Khalifa University helps you identify which institution fits your goals best.
- vs. American University of Sharjah: AUS follows an American academic model and teaches entirely in English. Sharjah University offers a balanced mix of Arabic and English-medium programs, making it more accessible to Arabic-speaking students.
- vs. UAE University: UAEU in Al Ain is a federal institution with strong research output and government backing. Sharjah University is semi-governmental and benefits from emirate-level support.
- vs. Khalifa University: Khalifa University focuses heavily on STEM and research, often targeting high-achieving science students. Sharjah University offers a broader range including medicine, law, and arts programs.
Sharjah University’s location within the emirate’s University City provides easy access to a cluster of academic institutions, libraries, and student services. 2026 research funding figures and major research partnership announcements
Are There Scholarship and Financial Aid Options?
Several scholarship and financial aid options exist at Sharjah University, ranging from merit-based awards to government-backed support programs.
- Merit scholarships — awarded to students with outstanding high school or undergraduate grades
- Ruler of Sharjah scholarships — government-funded awards for UAE nationals demonstrating academic excellence
- Need-based financial assistance — available through the university’s financial aid office following an assessment process
- Corporate and donor-funded scholarships — typically tied to specific faculties or program areas
- Exact scholarship award amounts and percentage fee reductions available in 2026
Scholarship application deadlines generally align with the main admissions cycle. Applying early with complete documentation improves your chances of receiving support.
How to Apply to Sharjah University Courses?
The application process at Sharjah University happens entirely online through the university’s portal. Here’s how to get started.
- Create an account on the University of Sharjah online application portal
- Select your desired program and intake semester
- Upload required documents — secondary school certificates, transcripts, passport copy, English language test results, and passport-size photograph
- Pay the application fee exact application fee amount for 2026
- Await your admission decision — typically communicated within two to four weeks
- Accept your offer and pay the enrollment deposit to secure your place
- International students proceed with UAE student visa sponsorship documentation coordinated through the university
Contact the admissions office directly to confirm current deadlines and any program-specific requirements, particularly for competitive health and engineering programs. This extra step ensures you don’t miss important dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Sharjah University?
The university doesn’t publish a single overall acceptance rate. Acceptance is competitive and varies significantly by program. Medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy programs have stricter entry criteria and lower acceptance rates than arts or business programs. Official acceptance rate data by program for 2026. If you have a strong high school GPA and good English test scores, you’ll stand a solid chance across most non-medical programs.
Is Sharjah University recognised internationally?
Yes. The University of Sharjah is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education and the Commission for Academic Accreditation. Engineering programs hold ABET accreditation. Degrees from Sharjah University are generally recognised by universities and employers across the GCC, the UK, and other regions. If you’re planning further study abroad, verify recognition with your target institution to be certain.
Can international students study at Sharjah University?
Yes, the university welcomes international students from across the Arab world, South Asia, and beyond. Sharjah University provides student visa sponsorship support and has dedicated services for international applicants. You’ll need to meet the same academic and English language requirements as domestic applicants, plus submit attested and translated documents where applicable.
What language are courses taught in at Sharjah University?
The university offers programs in both Arabic and English. Engineering, medicine, health sciences, and many business programs are taught in English. Arabic-medium programs are available in arts, humanities, law, and Islamic studies. Some programs use a bilingual approach. Confirm the language of instruction for your specific program before applying.
Does Sharjah University offer online or distance learning programs?
The university has developed hybrid and online learning options, particularly following the expansion of digital education post-2020. Specific fully online programs available for 2026 enrollment. Most programs maintain a strong on-campus component, especially health sciences and engineering programs that require laboratory or clinical hours. If flexible study interests you, contact the university directly about current blended learning options.
How does Sharjah University compare in cost to other UAE universities?
Sharjah University is generally more affordable than many private institutions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Compared with American University of Sharjah, fees tend to be lower across equivalent programs. It costs more than federal institutions such as UAE University for UAE nationals, who benefit from significant government subsidies. Overall, Sharjah University offers good value for the quality of education and facilities you receive.