Overview

American University of Sharjah

Ranked & featured
sdgs/sdg overall
Sustainability Impact Rated
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
501–550th in World University Rankings 2027
  • About
  • Rankings
  • Impact Ratings
  • Key stats
  • Jobs
  • Subjects
  • Downloads
  • FAQs

About American University of Sharjah

Basic information and contact details for American University of Sharjah

AUS is an independent, non-profit, coeducational institution formed on the American liberal arts model. It provides students of more than 90 nationalities, and with diverse ambitions for the future, the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. AUS students are challenged academically and benefit from the expertise of world-class faculty, who are active researchers and leaders in their fields, making breakthroughs and discoveries in areas that impact our society and future. Beyond the classroom, AUS students enjoy a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs, teams and associations. 

Founded in 1997, we continue to be one of the best-known and most highly respected universities in the Middle East, inspiring thousands of students to achieve academic excellence and engaged world-class faculty with outstanding credentials.

Our graduates have established a tradition of success as leaders and innovators in workplaces across the United Arab Emirates, the region and the world. Apart from being hired by prominent multinationals such as Deloitte & Touche, Ernst & Young, Unilever, and Proctor & Gamble, our alumni have also gone on to shape the innovation landscape by creating start-ups that have a positive community impact, such as Boksha.com.

Our diverse body comprises award-winning students in all areas of research, innovation and academia, as well as highly acclaimed and widely published faculty, from Fulbright Scholars to seasoned industry professionals.

Founded by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed AlQasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah, the university was envisaged as a leading educational institution in the Gulf region. Consciously based upon American institutions of higher education, AUS is thoroughly grounded in Arab culture and is part of a larger process of the revitalization of intellectual life in the Middle East.

Program offerings

AUS offers 28 majors and 45 minors at the undergraduate level, 15 master's degree programs and four PhD programs through the following academic divisions:

Visit our website for prospective students to learn more information about our admission requirements or apply online at apply.aus.edu.

While Arabic is the official language of the United Arab Emirates, the language of instruction at AUS is English. All classes and administrative functions are conducted in English.

As a university for the real world, AUS has far-reaching associations with the region’s business and industry leaders. We offer our students exciting opportunities to be part of industry-based research, professional internships and projects in partnership with industry professionals. These opportunities are at the heart of many of our undergraduate programs, positioning AUS graduates as highly employable.

Demographics

AUS is a popular choice for students from all around the world, thanks to our outstanding academic programs and our broader extracurricular student experience. AUS also boasts an almost 1:1 ratio of female and male students, bring the perfect balance to our university community.

Our popular international exchange program brings students from all across the world to our campus. Many AUS students enjoy immersing themselves in other cultures by spending a semester or a year abroad.

Licensing and accreditation

Students graduating from AUS earn a highly regarded degree from an American-accredited university, without having to travel to the USA. All of our degrees are internationally recognized, which means our graduates are eligible to secure employment and pursue further studies anywhere in the world. Find out more about our licensing and accreditation here.

Postgraduate and research opportunities

We offer a wide range of graduate programs, from engineering and urban planning, to business, science and the liberal arts. Through these programs, we nurture, guide and develop your ambition, making you ready to innovate, influence and lead as a professional in your field.

If you wish to pursue a career in research, consider the opportunity to join AUS as we seek to solve some of the most complex problems impacting our region and our world, from finding new ways to treat and cure cancer to finding more sustainable approaches to urban development, and more.

Facilities

The AUS campus, known for its beauty, architecture and exceptional facilities, includes the region’s only Bloomberg-equipped International Trading Floor, along with state-of-the-art science and engineering laboratories, fully equipped multimedia and art studios, and a comprehensive library.

Our full-service campus has everything you need, featuring a large multi-use sports complex; a comprehensive health center; a wide range of food outlets, restaurants and cafes; residential halls for on-campus living; and many other amenities.

Location

The university’s strategic location between Europe and Asia, and its proximity to the Dubai and Sharjah international airports, just minutes away from the AUS campus, are also cited as reasons for the popularity of AUS among international students.

Sharjah is one of the UAE’s seven Emirates. The city center of Sharjah is just a short drive from the metropolis of Dubai, one of the world’s leading tourism and business destinations. Known as one of the Islamic world’s cultural centers and the UAE’s sporting hub, there is no shortage of activities outside of campus for AUS students. Along with museums and historical sites, desert camping and camel racing are high on the list for AUS students looking to experience a real piece of Sharjah.

Faculty

AUS has more than 300 full-time faculty, hailing from the world’s best universities and dedicated to help students reach their full academic potential.

Our faculty are active researchers who are uniquely positioned to deliver a rigorous university education in the Arabian Gulf region, as they combine a breadth of international knowledge with deep, regional understanding.

Explore our current vacancies for academic and professional staff and find out more about the opportunities and benefits of working at AUS.

Student life

Many of our students live on campus, along with our warm community of faculty and their families. We offer a huge range of student-led extracurricular activities, ranging from ethnic and national clubs, to personal interest groups in areas such as performing arts, photography, science and philosophy, to community service campaigns, and many more. Students who are part of our wide range of sports teams compete in local, national and international events.

You will also have opportunities to pursue leadership roles in our Student Council and Student Leadership Program, as well as experience a huge variety of community activities and cultural events.

Sustainability commitment

Sustainability is a strategic priority of American University of Sharjah (AUS). AUS recognizes that students, regardless of their major, should be well prepared to facilitate positive sustainability outcomes in their future careers. Therefore, 72 percent of all AUS undergraduate and graduate courses have at least some element related to sustainability.

Our students are also encouraged to participate in the many extracurricular activities at AUS that are related to sustainability, including the AUS EcoRep program, which sees students educating their peers on issues such as waste reduction, energy conservation, diversity and tolerance, and more. Students also participate in a variety of national and international sustainability-related competitions and have won significant awards as a result.

Aligning its sustainability efforts with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, AUS has developed a Climate Action Plan that will help reduce carbon emissions. Other achievements have included being the UAE’s first university to begin to ban single-use plastic. A member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), AUS is one of the top five institutions worldwide for community engagement in sustainability, according to AASHE’s 2022 Sustainable Campus Index (SCI). In 2021, AUS earned a STARS Silver rating, making it the highest rated university in the GCC region at the time. In 2023, the UAE Climate Envoy to COP28 invited AUS to be a part of the COP28 University Taskforce, allowing representatives from AUS to participate in key debates on climate change.

Financial assistance

AUS offers financial assistance to highly qualified undergraduate students to help with their education costs, with approximately two-thirds of our students receiving merit- and need- based grants and scholarships each year. These are awarded regardless of race, color, gender, religion or national origin. Graduate assistantships are available to qualified graduate students, offering not only financial assistance, but also hands-on experience in teaching and research.

Rankings

Select the type of rankings below to see stats

Sustainability Impact Ratings

Select the type of ranking below to see stats

Key Student Statistics

A breakdown of student statistics at American University of Sharjah

gender ratio
Student gender ratio
52 F : 48 M (1)
globe fill
International student percentage
73% (1)
student per staff
Students per staff
17.9 (1)
student
Student total
5895 (1)

Based on data collected for the (1) World University Rankings 2027

Jobs at American University of Sharjah

Open positions for academics and staff at American University of Sharjah

See all

Visiting Assistant / Associate / Full Professor in Media Communication

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF SHARJAH

American University of Sharjah

United Arab Emirates, Sharjah

institution

American University of Sharjah

United Arab Emirates, Sharjah


Visiting Faculty Open-Rank Positions in Media Communication (2 openings) The Department of Media Communication at the American University of Sharjah invites applications for two full-time, open-rank visiting faculty positions (Visiting Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor) for Spring 2027. The department offers a Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication, with concentrations in Integrated Marketing Communications and Journalism, and a Master of Arts in Media Studies and Practice. Successful applicants should hold a doctoral degree or similar terminal degree in media and communication studies, or a related field, from an accredited, internationally recognized university. The visiting appointment is teaching-focused, and the rank will be determined by the candidate’s qualifications and experience. Applicants should be able to teach in one or more of the following areas: advertising, public relations, and integrated marketing communication; media production; social media; communication theory; research methods; and/or other communication courses. Priority will be given to applicants with experience and strength in teaching diverse courses across the department’s curriculum and the ability to bridge theory-based and skills-based courses. A strong commitment to teaching students from diverse cultural and national backgrounds is expected. Experience in teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels is advantageous. The teaching load is three courses in Spring 2027. Applications are accepted digitally here until the post is filled The review of applications will start on October 1st, 2026. https://acg-apps1.aus.edu/cas/empapp/apply.php?p=MAS-27-02 About American University of Sharjah American University of Sharjah (AUS) invites applications from accomplished scholars committed to excellence in teaching, learning and research within an American-style, globally recognized institution. Successful candidates will be offered a salary commensurate with experience, along with free housing, paid utilities and other attractive benefits. As a comprehensive, independent, non-profit, coeducational university, AUS is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the Arab region and among the top 17 percent of ranked universities in the world (QS, 2027). The university fosters a diverse community of over 6,000 students from more than 100 nations, with English as the language of instruction and the workplace.  Located in Sharjah's University City, AUS is directly adjacent to the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, providing faculty with significant opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary research and contribute directly to the UAE’s rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem. The campus is set in a vibrant and cosmopolitan area, offering abundant opportunities for travel, entertainment and cultural experiences, with Sharjah International Airport minutes away and Dubai International Airport only 30 minutes from campus. A number of schools aligned with various international curricula are located nearby.  AUS is licensed and its programs are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the United Arab Emirates. AUS has been accredited in the United States of America by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (1007 North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801 USA) since June 2004. For more information, please visit www.aus.edu.

Salary

Competitive

Posted

17 Sep 2026

Assistant / Associate / Full Professor in Media Communication

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF SHARJAH

American University of Sharjah

United Arab Emirates, Sharjah

institution

American University of Sharjah

United Arab Emirates, Sharjah


Full-Time Faculty Open-Rank Positions in Media Communication (2 Openings) The Department of Media Communication at the American University of Sharjah invites applications for two full-time, open-rank faculty positions (Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor) beginning in Fall 2027. The department offers a Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication and a Master of Arts in Media Studies and Practice. Successful applicants should have a doctoral degree or similar terminal degree in media and communication studies, or a related field, from an accredited, internationally recognized university. Candidates at the Assistant Professor level are expected to demonstrate an emerging research and/or creative scholarship agenda; candidates at the Associate or Full Professor level are expected to have an established record of scholarly publication and/or creative work commensurate with rank, together with a record of teaching excellence and service. Applicants should be able to teach in one or more of the following areas: advertising and public relations; communication theory; journalism; media studies and production; research methods; social media; and/or other media communication courses. Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate experience and strength in teaching diverse courses across the department’s theory-based and skills-based courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and who can supervise graduate research. A strong commitment to teaching students from diverse cultural and national backgrounds is expected. The teaching load is six courses per year (3-3), and committee and service work is required. Applications are accepted digitally here until the post is filled The review of applications will start on October 1st, 2026 https://acg-apps1.aus.edu/cas/empapp/apply.php?p=MAS-27-01 About American University of Sharjah American University of Sharjah (AUS) invites applications from accomplished scholars committed to excellence in teaching, learning, and research within an American-style, globally recognized institution. Successful candidates will be offered a salary commensurate with experience, along with free housing, paid utilities, and other attractive benefits. As a comprehensive, independent, non-profit, coeducational university, AUS is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the Arab region and among the top 17 percent of ranked universities in the world (QS, 2027). The university fosters a diverse community of over 6,000 students from more than 100 nations, with English as the language of instruction and the workplace. Located in Sharjah's University City, AUS is directly adjacent to the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, providing faculty with significant opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary research and contribute directly to the UAE’s rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem. The campus is set in a vibrant and cosmopolitan area, offering abundant opportunities for travel, entertainment and cultural experiences, with Sharjah International Airport minutes away and Dubai International Airport only 30 minutes from campus. A number of schools aligned with various international curricula are located nearby. AUS is licensed and its programs are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the United Arab Emirates. AUS has been accredited in the United States of America by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (1007 North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801 USA) since June 2004. For more information, please visit www.aus.edu.

Salary

Competitive

Posted

17 Sep 2026

Assistant / Associate / Professor in Clinical Psychology

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF SHARJAH

American University of Sharjah

United Arab Emirates, Sharjah

institution

American University of Sharjah

United Arab Emirates, Sharjah


Faculty Position in Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences Employer: American University of Sharjah Location: Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Start date: August 2027 (a later start may be negotiated) Position type: Open rank, full-time (part-time can be considered) Position Description The Department of Psychology at American University of Sharjah (AUS) invites applications for a full-time faculty position in clinical psychology to begin in August 2027. The appointee will play a leading role in establishing the department's planned master's degree program in clinical psychology, which is intended to admit its first cohort in Fall 2028, and will be a founding member of the program's faculty. The program is being designed as a practice-oriented, evidence-based degree that integrates supervised clinical experience with coursework from an early stage, makes use of new technologies in clinical training and gives sustained attention to the cultural and linguistic context of clinical practice in the UAE and the wider region. It will be the first clinical psychology master's degree program in the Emirate of Sharjah. A defining emphasis of the program will be cross-cultural clinical competence. Most of the evidence base in clinical psychology was developed in Western, English-speaking populations, while the UAE is home to more than 200 nationalities and a largely multilingual client population. The program will therefore train students to evaluate, adapt and validate assessment instruments and intervention protocols for new, non-Western contexts, and to practice competently across cultures, languages and religious traditions. Candidates with research or clinical experience adapting psychological assessments and interventions to non-Western settings are particularly encouraged to apply. The appointee will contribute to the design of the curriculum; help build placement partnerships with mental health services in Sharjah and the wider UAE; teach graduate and undergraduate courses in clinical psychology; supervise student clinical work if licensed; and maintain an active program of research. The appointee will work closely with the department head and the program planning committee, and will be eligible to apply for director of the program. Two Profiles The department welcomes applications from candidates with either of the following profiles. Both are needed for the program to succeed, and the rank and terms of appointment will reflect the candidate's qualifications and experience. Clinical or counseling psychologists with a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and a strong record of research and publication, at the rank of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or Professor, who will help lead the program academically and supervise graduate research Practicing clinical or counseling psychologists with a PhD or PsyD who hold a license to practice in the UAE, or are eligible for one (check your eligibility with the relevant health authority before applying) who bring supervisory experience; appointment may be at the rank of Assistant Professor, Associate Professors or Professor of Practice Required Qualifications A PhD or PsyD in clinical or counseling psychology or a closely related field A record of, or clear potential for, excellence in teaching at the graduate level A commitment to research, teaching and service appropriate to the rank sought Fluency in English as the language of instruction Preferred Qualifications A current license to practice psychology in the UAE or eligibility for one Experience supervising trainee clinicians in health service settings Experience designing, launching or accrediting graduate programs in clinical psychology Research or clinical experience with internet-delivered interventions, simulation-based training or the cultural adaptation of assessment instruments and treatments Proficiency in Arabic Experience in American-style higher education The Department The Department of Psychology offers the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in psychology, and is growing rapidly. Faculty research spans clinical and counseling psychology, cognitive psychology, cultural psychology, psycholinguistics, social psychology and work and organizational psychology. The department has five laboratory spaces for research with human participants, a research participation pool supported by Sona Systems, and dedicated technical and administrative support. The planned master's degree program will be the department's first graduate program. Application Instructions Applicants should submit the following through the online application form at https://acg-apps1.aus.edu/cas/empapp/apply.php?p=PSY-27-01: A curriculum vitae (PDF) A letter describing the applicant's interest in the position, which of the two profiles the applicant best fits, and, where relevant, the applicant's licensure status (and eligibility for licensing) in the UAE or elsewhere The names and contact details of three referees Review of applications will begin January 15, 2027 and continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position, the planned program or life in the UAE may be directed to the search committee chair, Tatiana Tairi, at ttairi@aus.edu. About American University of Sharjah American University of Sharjah (AUS) invites applications from accomplished scholars committed to excellence in teaching, learning and research within an American-style, globally recognized institution. Successful candidates will be offered a salary commensurate with experience, along with free housing, paid utilities and other attractive benefits. As a comprehensive, independent, non-profit, coeducational university, AUS is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the Arab region and among the top 17 percent of ranked universities in the world (QS, 2027). The university fosters a diverse community of over 6,000 students from more than 100 nations, with English as the language of instruction and the workplace. Located in Sharjah's University City, AUS is directly adjacent to the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, providing faculty with significant opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary research and contribute directly to the UAE's rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem. The campus is set in a vibrant and cosmopolitan area, offering abundant opportunities for travel, entertainment and cultural experiences, with Sharjah International Airport minutes away and Dubai International Airport only 30 minutes from campus. A number of schools aligned with various international curricula are located nearby. AUS is licensed and its programs are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the United Arab Emirates. AUS has been accredited in the United States of America by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (1007 North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801 USA) since June 2004 For more information, please visit www.aus.edu.

Salary

Competitive

Posted

23 Sep 2026

Professor / Associate Professor / Assistant Professor in History

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF SHARJAH

American University of Sharjah

United Arab Emirates, Sharjah

institution

American University of Sharjah

United Arab Emirates, Sharjah


Open Rank Faculty Position in History The Department of International Studies at American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates seeks to hire an open rank rolling-track faculty member in 19th and 20th century history. Region of specialization is open: candidates working on North America, South America, and Transatlantic and Transpacific history are encouraged to apply. This full-time position begins in Fall 2027 and is open to applications from all ranks. Candidates are expected to teach survey courses in World History, existing upper-level courses consistent with their expertise, and develop courses in their field of specialization; experience with teaching the US History survey will be given priority consideration. We welcome applications from candidates who can contribute to the growing graduate program in the department. Successful candidates will have a PhD in History, a record of excellent teaching, of at least one year, and a proven record of consistent research output in quality venues. The successful candidate will join AUS and reside in the UAE starting in August 2027. All department members are expected to contribute to a range of faculty and student-oriented service activities in what is a vibrant interdisciplinary department. The regular teaching load is 3-3 with opportunities to secure course releases through internal grant programs that also provide faculty with support for conference and research travel. As a university formed on the American model and with English as the language of instruction, American University of Sharjah will give priority to candidates who have substantial experience in American models of higher education. The complete application will include the following documents, uploaded in separate files: a letter of application, curriculum vitae, a list of three referees with contact information, a research statement, a teaching statement, a chapter/article length publication sample, and evidence of teaching effectiveness. Please apply on-line at https://acg-apps1.aus.edu/cas/empapp/apply.php?p=INT-27-01. About American University of Sharjah American University of Sharjah (AUS) is a comprehensive, independent, non-profit, coeducational institution of higher education that promotes excellence in teaching, learning, research and creative work. AUS fosters a community that celebrates diversity and whose members are committed to the ideals of open intellectual inquiry, ethical behavior and civic responsibility. AUS offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs to approximately 6,000 students from over 100 nations. English is the language of instruction and the workplace. Among the top 18 percent of ranked universities in the world (QS World University Rankings, 2027), AUS is consistently among the top 10 universities in the Arab region (QS Arab Region University Rankings, 2026). AUS is located in the heart of Sharjah’s University City, adjacent to the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park and just minutes from Sharjah International Airport and only 30 minutes from Dubai International Airport. The campus is situated in a vibrant and cosmopolitan area offering abundant opportunities for travel, entertainment, cultural experiences and natural beauty. Salary and benefits are competitive. AUS is licensed and its programs are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the United Arab Emirates. AUS has been accredited in the United States of America by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (1007 North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801 USA) since June 2004. For more information, please visit www.aus.edu. You are welcome to contact Dr. Matteo Salvadore, Chair of the Search Committee, at msalvadore@aus.edu with any questions about the position. Applications submitted by 15 November 2026 will be given priority. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Salary

Competitive

Posted

1 Sep 2026

Subjects Taught at American University of Sharjah

See below for a range of subjects taught at American University of Sharjah

Arts and Humanities

  • Architecture
  • Art, Performing Art and Design
  • Languages, Literature and Linguistics

Business and Economics

  • Accounting and Finance
  • Business and Management
  • Economics and Econometrics

Computer Science

  • Computer Science

Engineering

  • Chemical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • General Engineering
  • Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Life Sciences

  • Biological Sciences

Physical Sciences

  • Chemistry
  • Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Physics and Astronomy

Psychology

  • Psychology

Social Sciences

  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Politics and International Studies

Downloads

Download in-depth information about American University of Sharjah

pdf

undergraduate_prospectus.pdf

pdf

graduate_prospectus.pdf