Studying in the United Arab Emirates is becoming increasingly popular among international students because of its modern universities and strong academic reputation. One of the most attractive opportunities is the fully funded scholarships offered by the American University of Sharjah (AUS).
These scholarships are designed to support high-achieving students from around the world who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential, and extracurricular involvement.
From my experience researching and guiding students on scholarship applications, universities like AUS usually reward applicants who not only have strong grades but also show initiative, community involvement, and clear academic goals. This is why preparing a strong application portfolio is just as important as meeting the academic requirements.
The AUS scholarship programs can cover:
- Full tuition fees
- On-campus housing
- Monthly stipends
- Health insurance
- Travel support in some cases
Both undergraduate and graduate students can apply for these funding opportunities.
Overview of American University of Sharjah Scholarships
The American University of Sharjah offers several competitive funding programs for international students. The most prestigious options are:
- President’s Scholarship
- Chancellor’s Scholarship
- Graduate Assistantships for Master’s students
- PhD Graduate Assistantships
These awards are highly competitive because AUS aims to attract top-performing students from different countries who can contribute academically and culturally to the university.
Undergraduate Fully Funded Scholarships at AUS
The American University of Sharjah offers several competitive funding programs for international students. The most prestigious options are:
- President’s Scholarship
- Chancellor’s Scholarship
- Graduate Assistantships for Master’s students
- PhD Graduate Assistantships
These awards are highly competitive because AUS aims to attract top-performing students from different countries who can contribute academically and culturally to the university.
Undergraduate Fully Funded Scholarships at AUS
International students applying for undergraduate programs may qualify for two major merit-based scholarships.
President’s Scholarship
The President’s Scholarship is the most prestigious scholarship available at AUS.
Financial Coverage
Students selected for this scholarship may receive:
- Full tuition and laboratory fees
- Monthly stipend
- On-campus housing
- Medical insurance
- Up to three round-trip airline tickets
Eligibility Requirements
Typical requirements include:
- Exceptional academic performance (around 98% CGPA or equivalent)
- SAT score around 1400 or higher
- English proficiency such as IELTS 7.0 or equivalent
- Strong extracurricular achievements
From my observation, scholarship committees often look for students who have leadership roles, community service experience, or participation in international competitions.
Chancellor’s Scholarship
Another major funding opportunity is the Chancellor’s Scholarship, mainly designed for top-performing UAE secondary school graduates.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship usually includes:
- Full tuition coverage
- On-campus accommodation
- Health insurance
Although slightly less comprehensive than the President’s Scholarship, it still provides substantial financial support for talented students.
Graduate Scholarships at American University of Sharjah
AUS also provides funding for graduate students through Graduate Assistantships (GA).
Graduate assistantships are common in many international universities because they allow students to gain academic experience while receiving financial support.
Master’s Graduate Assistantships
Students pursuing a master’s degree may receive Graduate Assistantship funding.
Benefits
Graduate assistants typically receive:
- Tuition waiver for up to 9 credit hours per semester
- Stipend of approximately AED 20,000
- Research or teaching experience
Work Responsibilities
Students usually work about 20 hours per week, assisting professors with:
- Research projects
- Teaching support
- Academic administration
Eligibility
Typical requirements include:
- Minimum GPA of 3.25
- Enrollment in 6–9 credit hours per semester
PhD Graduate Assistantships
PhD students may receive more comprehensive funding.
Financial Coverage
PhD assistantships may include:
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend
- Access to research funding
- Opportunities to attend academic conferences
These assistantships can last up to four years, depending on academic progress.
Requirements
Applicants usually need:
- Enrollment in at least 6 credits per semester
- Minimum GPA of 3.25
How to Apply for AUS Scholarships
Applying for scholarships at AUS involves several steps.
Step 1: Apply for Admission
First, students must apply for admission through the official AUS application portal.
Once admitted, they become eligible for scholarship consideration.
Step 2: Submit Scholarship Application
After receiving admission, students can apply for scholarships through the university’s internal portal.
Applicants typically submit:
- Personal statement or essay
- Recommendation letters
- Academic transcripts
- Video introduction or portfolio (for some programs)
Step 3: Wait for Evaluation
The scholarship committee evaluates applicants based on:
- Overall application strength
- Academic excellence
- Leadership potential
- Extracurricular involvement
Important Application Deadline
For students targeting the Fall 2026 intake, the scholarship deadline is expected to be:
March 19, 2026
Applicants should always verify updated deadlines on the official university website before submitting their application.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning AUS Scholarships
From analyzing multiple scholarship programs, students who succeed usually follow these strategies:
1. Apply Early
Many scholarships have limited funding and early applicants often receive priority.
2. Build a Strong Personal Statement
Your essay should explain:
- Academic goals
- Career ambitions
- Why you chose the American University of Sharjah
3. Highlight Leadership Activities
Universities value students who have participated in:
- Community service
- Student organizations
- Academic competitions
4. Maintain a High Academic Record
Strong academic performance is one of the most important selection factors.
Scholarship Renewal Requirements
Students receiving AUS scholarships must maintain good academic standing to keep their funding.
Typical renewal conditions include:
- Maintaining a minimum GPA between 3.0 and 3.25
- Remaining enrolled as a full-time student
- Demonstrating satisfactory academic progress
Because scholarship funding is limited, maintaining these requirements is essential to continue receiving financial support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the American University of Sharjah scholarship fully funded?
Some programs, such as the President’s Scholarship and certain graduate assistantships, can cover tuition, housing, stipends, and insurance.
Can international students apply?
Yes. Many AUS scholarships are open to international applicants from different countries.
Do I need IELTS to apply?
Most applicants must provide proof of English proficiency such as IELTS or TOEFL, depending on the program requirements.
Is AUS a good university for international students?
The American University of Sharjah is widely recognized for its American-style education system, diverse student body, and strong academic programs in the UAE.
