American University of Sharjah Scholarship for International Students 2026 | Fully Funded

The dream of studying abroad can feel out of reach for many, especially when considering the costs. However, opportunities exist to make that dream a reality, offering a chance to gain a world-class education without the financial burden. Imagine yourself walking the halls of a prestigious institution, engaging with cutting-edge research, and preparing for a bright future.

For ambitious students aiming for higher education in the United Arab Emirates, the American University of Sharjah (AUS) offers a beacon of hope. This institution is renowned for its academic excellence and commitment to supporting talented individuals. The AUS scholarship program is designed to remove financial barriers, allowing bright minds from around the globe to access its exceptional academic offerings.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about the American University of Sharjah Scholarship. We will explore the various benefits it provides, the eligibility requirements you must meet, the documents needed for your application, and a clear, step-by-step process to help you apply successfully. Get ready to take the first step towards your international education journey.

What is the American University of Sharjah Scholarship?

The American University of Sharjah (AUS) Scholarship program is a comprehensive financial aid initiative aimed at attracting and supporting outstanding students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and PhD degrees. Founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, AUS is dedicated to providing high-quality education and ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent deserving students from achieving their academic goals. The university offers a wide array of programs and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where students of all backgrounds can thrive.

This scholarship is available for all degree programs offered at AUS, making it a broad opportunity for students across various disciplines. It represents a significant commitment by the university to invest in future leaders and innovators. By providing financial assistance, AUS empowers students to focus on their studies and personal development, contributing to a vibrant academic community.

Scholarship Coverage and Benefits

The American University of Sharjah offers several types of scholarships, each with varying levels of support. These scholarships are designed to cover a significant portion of the educational expenses, allowing students to concentrate on their academic pursuits.

Undergraduate Scholarships

Undergraduate students can benefit from several scholarship tiers:

• President’s Scholarship: This is the most comprehensive scholarship, covering 100 percent of tuition and lab fees. It also includes an application fee waiver, a monthly stipend for living expenses, on-campus housing, three round-trip tickets during the study period, and student medical insurance.
• Chancellor’s Scholarship: This scholarship provides full coverage for tuition and lab fees, an application fee waiver, on-campus housing, and student medical insurance. It is awarded based on outstanding personal qualities and leadership abilities.
• Merit Scholarship: This scholarship offers a remission of 10 to 30 percent of tuition and lab fees, awarded to academically strong students.
• Sharakah School Scholarship: This scholarship covers 45 percent remission on tuition, lab/technology fees, and on-campus housing. It is awarded to students demonstrating outstanding personal qualities and leadership.

Master’s Scholarships

Master’s students can be supported through Graduate Assistantships (GAs). These assistantships typically cover tuition waivers for up to 9 credit hours per semester and provide a monthly stipend of up to AED 20,000 per semester. These positions often involve assisting faculty with research or teaching duties.

PhD Scholarships

PhD candidates can receive substantial support, including:

• Full tuition fee waivers for the duration of their PhD studies.
• A monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
• Mentoring from highly qualified faculty members.
• Opportunities to participate in ongoing research projects.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities.
• The chance to attend international conferences and gain teaching experience.

Eligibility Criteria for the American University of Sharjah Scholarship

To be considered for an AUS scholarship, applicants must meet specific academic and personal requirements. These criteria vary depending on the level of study and the specific scholarship being applied for. All eligible candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English.

Undergraduate Eligibility Requirements

The eligibility criteria for undergraduate scholarships are rigorous, reflecting the competitive nature of these awards.

• President’s Scholarship:
• English Proficiency: An IELTS score of 7.0 or TOEFL iBT of 94 is required.
• Academic Achievement: This can be demonstrated through various qualifications such as 3 A-levels and 5 GCSEs (all A grades), a minimum of 40 points in the IB Diploma, or a minimum 98 percent cumulative grade point average (CGPA) in grades 10 and 11 with 3 APs at grade 5. Alternatively, a SAT composite score of 1400 or an ACT of 31 is accepted. Predicted grades or scores must be submitted with the application.
• Chancellor’s Scholarship:
• Academic Standing: A minimum average of 95 percent or equivalent in the last three years of secondary education.
• Personal Qualities: Outstanding personal qualities, leadership abilities, scientific or literary contributions, community service, and special honors or awards are essential.
• Financial Need: Applicants should have limited financial resources.
• Essay: An essay detailing extracurricular activities, talents, and anticipated contributions to AUS is required.
• Merit Scholarship:
• Academic Standing: A high school average of 90 percent or above in either at least two of the last three years or the final year of secondary education.
• Sharakah School Scholarship:
• Academic Standing: A minimum high school average equivalent to 90 percent or above in the relevant period.
• Personal Qualities: Demonstrated outstanding personal qualities, leadership abilities, scientific or literary contributions, and community service are considered.

Master’s Eligibility Requirements

Master’s students applying for Graduate Assistantships must meet the following:

• Admission Status: Be admitted in excellent academic standing, meeting all university and program requirements for full admission. Students on conditional or probationary status are not eligible.
• GPA: Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25. Some programs may have higher GPA requirements.
• Course Load: For full-time GAs, register for and complete nine credit hours of graduate courses or be registered for thesis credit per semester. For part-time GAs, six credit hours are required.

PhD Eligibility Requirements

PhD candidates seeking assistantships must adhere to these requirements:

• Admission Status: Be admitted in good academic standing, meeting all university and program requirements for full admission.
• Course Load: Register for and complete a minimum of six credit hours during each semester of study.
• GPA: Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 throughout the PhD program.

Required Documents for Application

Gathering the correct documents is a critical step in the scholarship application process. The specific documents required will depend on the program level and the scholarship you are applying for. It is advisable to prepare these well in advance.

Undergraduate Application Documents

• Completed Admission Application: This is the primary application for admission to AUS.
• Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts from your secondary school, showing grades for the required years.
• Standardized Test Scores: Official IELTS or TOEFL scores for English proficiency. SAT or ACT scores, or predicted A-level/IB Diploma grades, as applicable for specific scholarships.
• Personal Essay: For the Chancellor’s Scholarship, an essay detailing your experiences, talents, and aspirations is necessary.
• Letters of Recommendation: While not always mandatory for undergraduate scholarships, strong letters can support your application.
• Proof of Extracurricular Activities: Evidence of involvement in school and community activities.

Master’s and PhD Application Documents

• Completed Graduate Admission Application: The application form for your chosen master’s or PhD program.
• Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts from all previous university-level studies.
• English Proficiency Scores: IELTS or TOEFL scores if your previous education was not in English.
• Letters of Recommendation: Typically, two to three letters of recommendation from academic referees are required.
• Statement of Purpose: A document outlining your academic and research interests, career goals, and reasons for pursuing the program at AUS.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume: Detailing your academic and professional experience.
• Graduate Assistantship Application Form: For those seeking financial aid, a specific assistantship application form is needed.

Application Process: Step-by-Step

Applying for an American University of Sharjah scholarship involves several key steps, from initial application to submission. Following these steps carefully will increase your chances of a successful application.

Undergraduate Scholarships Application

The application process for undergraduate scholarships often runs concurrently with the admission application.

1. Create an Account: Visit the AUS admissions portal (apply.aus.edu) and create an account.
2. Complete Admission Application: Fill out the undergraduate admission application form accurately and thoroughly.
3. Indicate Scholarship Interest: During the admission application, you will usually have an option to indicate your interest in scholarships.
4. Submit Supporting Documents: Upload all required academic transcripts, test scores, and any other supporting documents as per the admission requirements.
5. Apply for Specific Scholarships:

• President’s Scholarship & Chancellor’s Scholarship: You may need to submit a separate application or follow specific instructions provided on the AUS scholarship portal after submitting your main admission application. Links are usually provided on the AUS admissions website.
• Merit Scholarship: These are often awarded automatically based on your admission application and academic qualifications. No separate application is typically required.
• Sharakah School Scholarship: Your school must nominate you. Ensure your school is aware of the nomination process and deadlines.

Master’s Scholarships Application

For Master’s Graduate Assistantships, the process involves applying for both admission and the assistantship.

1. Apply for Graduate Admission: Complete the graduate admission application through the AUS admissions portal by the specified deadline.
2. Mark Assistantship Consideration: Ensure you mark the box requesting consideration for an assistantship on your graduate admission application.
3. Submit Required Documents: Provide all necessary documents for graduate admission, including transcripts, reference letters, and a statement of purpose.
4. For Continuing Students: If you are already a student at AUS, you may need to use a specific application form for graduate assistantships, available from the Office of Graduate Studies.

PhD Scholarships Application

Applying for a PhD scholarship also requires a dual focus on program admission and assistantship.

1. Apply for PhD Program Admission: Complete the PhD program application through the AUS admissions portal.
2. Complete PhD Assistantship Application Form: Download and fill out the dedicated PhD Assistantship Application Form.
3. Upload Assistantship Form: Upload the completed assistantship form along with your PhD program application and other required documents.
4. Final Decision: The Provost, in collaboration with the Office of Graduate Studies and the PhD program coordinator, makes the final decisions on GA appointments.

Application Deadlines

Meeting application deadlines is crucial for scholarship consideration. The American University of Sharjah has specific deadlines for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD admissions and scholarships. It is essential to check the official AUS website for the most up-to-date information, as these dates can vary annually.

• Undergraduate Deadlines: Deadlines for undergraduate admissions and scholarship applications are typically set in the months leading up to the academic year. For instance, applications might open in January and close in March or April for the following fall intake. Specific dates can be found on the AUS undergraduate admissions page.
• Master’s Deadlines: Master’s program application deadlines, including those for assistantship consideration, are also clearly outlined on the AUS graduate admissions website. These often align with the undergraduate deadlines but can differ by program.
• PhD Deadlines: PhD program application deadlines, along with those for PhD assistantships, are usually available on the doctoral admissions section of the AUS website.

It is highly recommended to apply as early as possible to ensure your application is reviewed thoroughly and to be considered for all available opportunities. You can find detailed information on deadlines by visiting the official AUS website and navigating to the admissions or financial grants and scholarships sections.

Tips for a Strong Application

To stand out among a competitive pool of applicants, consider these tips to strengthen your American University of Sharjah scholarship application.

• Academic Excellence: Focus on achieving the highest possible grades in your current studies. Strong academic performance is a primary factor for most scholarships.
• Highlight Extracurriculars: Showcase your involvement in activities outside of academics. Leadership roles, volunteer work, and participation in clubs demonstrate well-roundedness.
• Craft a Compelling Essay: If an essay is required, invest time in writing a thoughtful and persuasive piece. Clearly articulate your goals, motivations, and how you will contribute to the AUS community.
• Secure Strong Recommendations: Request letters of recommendation from professors or mentors who know you well and can speak to your abilities and character. Provide them with your CV and a brief overview of the scholarship.
• Proofread Everything: Carefully review all parts of your application for any grammatical errors or typos. A polished application shows attention to detail.
• Understand the Scholarship: Research each scholarship thoroughly to understand its specific criteria and tailor your application accordingly. Emphasize how you meet each requirement.
• Apply Early: Submitting your application well before the deadline allows you to address any potential issues and ensures it receives full consideration. Early applications can sometimes be advantageous.
• Demonstrate English Proficiency: Ensure you meet or exceed the required English language test scores. If your previous education was not in English, this is a critical component.
• Be Specific: When describing your achievements or goals, use specific examples and quantifiable results whenever possible. This makes your application more impactful.
• Follow Instructions Precisely: Adhere strictly to all application instructions, including document formatting and submission methods. Missing a detail can lead to disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of degrees are covered by the American University of Sharjah (AUS) Scholarship?

The AUS scholarship program covers undergraduate, master’s, and PhD degrees offered at the university.

What are the main undergraduate scholarships offered at AUS?

AUS offers the President’s Scholarship (100% tuition and fees, stipend, housing, etc.), Chancellor’s Scholarship (full tuition and fees, housing), Merit Scholarship (10-30% tuition remission), and Sharakah School Scholarship (45% tuition and housing remission).

How are Master’s students supported at AUS?

Master’s students can receive support through Graduate Assistantships, which typically cover tuition waivers and provide a monthly stipend.

What is the general application process for AUS scholarships?

The process involves applying for admission to AUS, indicating scholarship interest on the application, and submitting all required academic and personal documents by the specified deadlines.