NYU Abu Dhabi
New York University's residential liberal-arts campus on Saadiyat Island: an NYU bachelor's in the arts, humanities, social sciences, sciences and engineering, taught in English, with study away at other NYU campuses; highly selective, with need-based aid and a full scholarship for every admitted Emirati.
Holistic, like a selective US college: grades, essays, one recommendation, activities
Common App (with the NYU Abu Dhabi applicant profile); CSS Profile for need-based aid
Early Decision I 1 November 2026, Early Decision II 1 January 2027, Regular Decision 5 January 2027
Cost of attendance about $90,400 a year (2026-27, tuition $68,574) before need-based aid; a full scholarship for every admitted UAE national
Known for
Admission
- How students are selected
- Holistic, like a selective US college: grades, essays, one recommendation, activities; test-optional through the 2027–2028 cycle; a Candidate Weekend by invitation as the second step.
- Key figures
- Highly selective; no published rate (commonly estimated well under 10%)
- How to apply
- Common App (with the NYU Abu Dhabi applicant profile); CSS Profile for need-based aid
- Usual deadlines
- Early Decision I 1 November 2026, Early Decision II 1 January 2027, Regular Decision 5 January 2027 · all United Arab Emirates deadlines
- Teaching language
- English (a few programmes in Arabic)
What it takes Costs in United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates admissions guide
Scholarships and grants
- NYU Abu Dhabi need-based aid
Need-based grants for admitted students who show financial need (CSS Profile); UAE nationals get a full scholarship instead
Deadline: ED I 10 Nov 2026, ED II 10 Jan 2027, RD 1 Feb 2027
Other top universities in United Arab Emirates
- Khalifa University (147)
- United Arab Emirates University (217)
- American University of Sharjah (=258)
- University of Sharjah (=283)
- Abu Dhabi University (348)
- Ajman University (397)
- Zayed University (=588)
- Canadian University Dubai (=616)
Dates and rules can change and we can make mistakes: confirm each deadline on the official site. Uniacross accepts no responsibility for a missed date or wrong information. Terms of use