American University in the Emirates Scholarship: Eligibility, Application & Fee Savings
Quick Overview
Note: Indicative conversion rate referred throughout the blog is at AED 1 = INR 26. This rate fluctuates daily, so it is recommended to confirm the current rate before budgeting any expense.
Key Takeaways
- AUE offers full and partial scholarship grant for undergraduate and graduate students based on academic merit, language scores and other eligibility conditions.
- A senior secondary score of 95% or above leads you to full scholarship consideration for undergraduate applicants.
- Graduate applicants who are applying for a merit-based scholarship need a CGPA of 3.6 out of 4.0 from an accredited university to qualify for the same.
- Scholarship continuation depends on maintaining a CGPA of 3.6 (undergraduate) or 3.75 (graduate) every semester even after the scholarship is granted to the student.
- Government employee scholarship, family scheme scholarship and athletic scholarships add further allowances for fee reduction, and can also be combined with other schemes.
- Undergraduate program fees at AUE range roughly between AED 222,626 and AED 264,455 for the full degree completion.
- Full and partial scholarships are applied to cover tuition fees only. Payment for books, accommodation and admission charges remains the sole responsibility of the candidate.
Introduction
While considering American University in the Emirates to pursue your dream education and then thinking whether it would meet your budget? You are not alone. A scholarship fee grant at AUE covers up to 100% of your tuition fee if your senior secondary score is above 95%.
AUE is a private university situated in Dubai International Academic City that holds accreditation from the UAE Ministry of Education, with some programs carrying international recognition through bodies like AACSB and NASAD. A student searching for options may consider AUE as a one-stop destination to pursue a career from the university. The specific tuition fee holds significance, but the scholarship options available can bring that number down to a very affordable structure for deserving students.
In case you are still confused about the specifics from the university, speak with a Study From UAE counsellor for a complimentary session, and our team will help you to match your profile against every scholarship category you qualify for.
Planning to Study in the UAE? Let Us Guide You the Right Way.
Full and Partial Scholarships for Undergraduate Programs
The largest share of scholarship interest at AUE goes toward its full and partial undergraduate awards. These scholarships are the main source of the American University in the Emirates scholarship system, and the eligibility bar to qualify for these are on the much higher side.
Academic Requirements:
You need completion of your senior secondary certificate, Grade 12 or its equivalent, with a minimum average of 95% or above. AUE asks for the official senior school transcript as proof. If your certificate is from a foreign university based on the set curriculum standard, yet you may need a Certificate of Equivalency from the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to officially qualify for the scholarship scheme.
For Indian students, this might seem like competing for top-tier merit-based seats through board exam percentile. A 95% average is what the university demands for scholarship applications from candidates who are looking forward to applying for the same.
Language Requirements:
Your English proficiency score must meet one of the following criteria, and the certificate should not be more than two years ago:
- IELTS Academic overall band 6 or above
- TOEFL iBT score 79 or above
- TOEFL ITP score 550 or above
AUE accepts applications through a physical, center-based test only. The university does not accept computer-based or fully online IELTS and TOEFL scores under any circumstances.
Other Application Requirements:
Beyond academics and language, AUE asks for a complete application package. This includes:
- Two recommendation letters from teachers or mentors.
- A mandatory admission interview.
- Placement tests in relevant subjects.
- A one-page essay writing with at least 500 words.
- A CV, if you are already employed.
- Valid copies of your passport, Emirates ID (once issued), a passport-size photograph with a white background, and a Certificate of Good Conduct from the police.
Scholarship Continuation Rules:
Winning the scholarship award is the first step as AUE requires you to maintain a minimum CGPA of 3.6 throughout your undergraduate studies to keep your scholarship status active. Full and partial scholarships apply to tuition fees only. Administrative fees, books, accommodation, and other services require payment from the candidate themselves.
Full and Partial Scholarships for Graduate Programs
If you are applying for an American University in the Emirates MBA or another master's program, the eligibility criteria shift slightly, and expectations rise further.
Academic Requirements:
You need a completed bachelor's degree from an accredited and reputable university, with "Excellent" standing and a minimum CGPA of 3.6 out of 4.0 or its equivalent. Your undergraduate academic transcript must accompany the application. Degrees earned in the UAE need attestation from the Ministry of Higher Education, while foreign degrees need recognition from the same authority.
Language Requirements:
Graduate scholarship eligibility requires one of the following, valid within the last two years:
- IELTS Academic overall band 7.0 or above
- TOEFL iBT score 90 or above
- TOEFL ITP score 570 or above
Just like the undergraduate track, AUE excludes home edition and other online test formats. You need a certificate from an authorized, physical testing center.
Other Requirements and Continuation:
Graduate applicants need to submit a professional portfolio or CV, along with two recommendation letters, a 500-word admission essay, and sit for an interview, with standard identification documents. Once the scholarship is awarded, you must maintain a CGPA of 3.75 in every semester to retain the scholarship which would be withdrawn due to non-fulfilment of the set criteria. Like the undergraduate award, this scholarship also covers tuition fees only.
Scholarship Maintenance Warning
Securing a scholarship at admission is only half the journey. AUE checks your CGPA every semester, not just once.
- Undergraduate scholarship holders need a CGPA of 3.6 every semester.
- Graduate scholarship holders need a CGPA of 3.75 every semester.
A single semester below either threshold ends your scholarship immediately. Your fees then revert to the full, non-discounted rate for every remaining semester. Many international students underestimate this shift. A full course load in an unfamiliar academic system often feels harder than expected in year one. Treat your CGPA as a strict, ongoing condition rather than a one-time entry requirement.
Government, Corporate and Family-Based Grants
Beyond merit scholarships, AUE runs a wide financial support catalogue built around your employment status, family connections or government affiliations. These grants often combine with each other, which is not common across every UAE university.
| Grant Type | Eligible Group | Discount | Min. CGPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDRFA Dubai | Current or retired employee, or immediate family | 30% | 3.0+ |
| Al Saada Card | GDRFA employees | 30% | 3.0+ |
| ADNOC Mazaya | Employee or family member | 20% | 2.6+ |
| Dubai Police | Employee or immediate family | 20% | 2.6+ |
| Esaad Card | Valid cardholder or listed family member | 20% | 3.0+ |
| Fazaa Card | Valid cardholder | 20% | 3.0+ |
| Government Employee | Current UAE government staff | 15% | 3.0+ |
| Athletic Scholarship | Registered AUE team athlete | 25% to 30% | 2.6+ |
| Family Grant | Two or more immediate family members enrolled | 10% per member | 3.0+ |
| High School Merit | Final average 85% or higher | 15% to 20% | 3.0+ |
| University Merit | Enrolled student, min. 45 credit hours | 10% to 15% | 3.6+ |
Several of these, such as the Family Grant, High School Merit award and University Merit Scholarship, are combinable with each other or with the Government Employee grant. This flexibility helps Indian families with more than one child considering AUE together, since siblings enrolling simultaneously reduce fees through the Family Grant route.
New undergraduate programs also carry dedicated discounts. Nursing and Physiotherapy programs offer 25% off, while Cyber Security Engineering and Mechatronics Engineering offer 30% off, each requiring a minimum CGPA of 3.0.
If you want to compare AUE against other UAE universities before you decide, our complete scholarship guide lays out every option side by side.
Graduate and Doctoral Grants
At the graduate level, AUE alumni pursuing a master's degree receive a distinct advantage. The AUE Alumni Scholarship offers 30% off tuition for a CGPA of 3.25 or above. New master's programs carry strong introductory discounts:
- Master of Science in Business Intelligence: 40%
- Master of Education: 40%
- Master of Science in AI and Data Science: 40%
- Master of Strategic Communication and Public Relations: 30%
- Master of Architecture: 25%
Doctoral candidates from the AUE alumni pool receive 30% off the Doctorate in Business Administration and 25% off the PhD in Security and Global Studies. Non-alumni doctoral applicants receive a smaller base discount, with an additional 5% to 10% depending on their previous master's CGPA.
How to Apply for Your AUE Scholarship
The application process follows a defined sequence. Follow these steps closely, since missing a document often delays your scholarship review.
- Shortlist your program and confirm the relevant scholarship category through the AUE admission portal.
- Gather your senior secondary or bachelor's transcripts, along with attestation or equivalency documents if needed.
- Submit your English proficiency scorecard, IELTS or TOEFL, dated within the last two years.
- Prepare your 500-word admission essay and two recommendation letters.
- Submit identification documents, including passport, Emirates ID, photograph, and police clearance certificate.
- Book and attend your admission interview along with the required placement tests.
- Wait for the Financial Aid Committee or Admission Office to review your application and confirm your scholarship award.
- Once notified, maintain your required CGPA every semester to keep your scholarship valid.
Understanding AUE Tuition Fees and Credit Hour Structure
A scholarship only matters if you understand what it is discounting. AUE charges tuition based on program and college, and all fees include 5% UAE VAT.
| Program Category | Estimated Fee (AED) | Approx. Fee (INR)* |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration (COBA) | 223,824 to 228,906 | 58.2 lakh to 59.5 lakh |
| Media and Mass Communication (CMMC) | 222,626 to 239,136 | 57.9 lakh to 62.2 lakh |
| Computer Science and IT (CET) | 247,281 | 64.3 lakh |
| Design programs (CDES) | 249,881 to 250,321 | 65.0 lakh |
| Law (CLAW) | 241,900 | 62.9 lakh |
| Security and Global Studies (CSGS) | 260,097 | 67.7 lakh |
| Education (CEDU) | 264,455 | 68.8 lakh |
Each undergraduate degree runs on a credit hour system. General education courses cost around AED 1,482 per credit hour, while core courses across CET and CDES cost roughly AED 1,906 per credit hour. Most undergraduate students register between 9 and 18 credit hours a semester, across two 16-week regular semesters and two 6-week summer terms each year.
Graduate tuition works similarly. An MBA at AUE costs approximately AED 116,550 in total, with bridging courses billed separately at AED 1,575 per credit hour for students who need them.
Upfront Costs Beyond Tuition Fee:
Your scholarship discount reduces tuition only. Several mandatory charges sit completely outside that discount, and you pay them regardless of your scholarship tier.
| Fee Type | Amount (AED) | Refund Status |
|---|---|---|
| Admission Fee (Undergraduate) | 3,150 | Non-refundable |
| Visa Processing Fee (Outside UAE) | 3,675 | Non-refundable |
| Passport Deposit / Security Fee | 5,500 | Non-refundable |
| Internet and Lab Fee (per regular semester) | 525 | Non-refundable |
Budget for these costs separately from your tuition and scholarship calculation. Your ROI Calculator projection becomes accurate only once you factor in this real, non-discounted total.
Before you commit to a program, run your numbers through our free ROI Calculator. You get your exact fee after your scholarship discount applies, so you know your real cost ahead of time.
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Calculate ROI NowVisa, Accommodation and Campus Support
Your scholarship covers tuition, but your overall UAE journey involves a few more pieces. AUE supports admitted students through the residence visa application, though final approval rests solely with UAE Immigration Authorities. Visa processing fees run separately, and the exact figures sit in the upfront costs table above.
AUE offers residential halls for accommodation, located about ten minutes from campus, with male and female students housed separately. The residence includes a gym, a rooftop swimming pool, and shared study spaces. Transportation is available too, covering routes across both Dubai and Sharjah, which helps if you plan to stay slightly outside the immediate campus area.
Every enrolled student receives a dedicated academic advisor from their program area. Attendance is mandatory across all degrees, and exceeding the absence limit affects your standing in a course. AUE also runs a career office that works with alumni and corporate partners to support job placement after graduation.
What Makes AUE's Scholarship Structure Different
Many UAE universities offer a flat merit discount tied only to your entry score. AUE structures its awards differently, layering multiple categories such as employment-based grants, family enrollment discounts, and athletic scholarships on top of standard merit awards. An Indian family exploring options might see this as similar to stacking a merit scholarship with a sibling discount at a private school back home. If you already have a family member employed with a UAE government body listed in the financial support catalogue, your effective discount grows well beyond a standard merit award alone.
This layered structure is precisely why a personalised scholarship assessment matters more than a generic online scholarship search. Our counsellors at Study From UAE map your specific profile, family situation and program interest against every applicable AUE grant before you apply.
Why Indian Students Choose AUE
AUE holds institutional accreditation from the UAE Ministry of Education, alongside programmatic accreditation from AACSB for its business programs and NASAD for its design college. The university does not carry a published global ranking band from QS or THE currently, though it appears in regional rankings and continues expanding its accreditation portfolio.
The appeal for Indian students often comes down to three factors: an American-style credit system, a combinable scholarship structure and a campus location inside Dubai International Academic City, alongside several other universities. This creates a concentrated academic hub, somewhat similar to how Indian students think of a university town back home, where multiple institutions cluster together.
Conclusion
An American University in the Emirates scholarship brings your total cost down significantly, provided you meet the academic, language and documentation requirements early. Full scholarships demand a strong senior secondary score, while partial and category-based grants offer accessible routes for government employees, families and athletes. Review your eligibility carefully, prepare your documents ahead of deadlines, and keep your CGPA on track once enrolled.
Do not let scholarship deadlines pass you by. Compare every option in our scholarship guide and choose the one that best matches your interests. You also have the option to explore the AUE university profile directly from Study From UAE for course-wise details.
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