American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), Ras Al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK): Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Fees, and Scholarships

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah is an autonomous public, non-profit university that was set up in 2009 in the Arab city of Ras Al Khaimah. Offering baccalaureate and postbaccalaureate degrees in the dynamic fields of Arts, Science, Business, and Engineering, AURAK has also integrated some diploma courses into its multidisciplinary curriculum. 

Being SACSCOC-accredited, the institute strives to provide a comprehensive, student-centered learning experience based on the North American model of higher education. The university currently has over 1000 students and welcomes international applicants from across the world.

Why study at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah?

• With a QS ranking of 5 stars, AURAK  incorporates the use of modern teaching methods and techniques to train individuals who can become pioneers in their industries.
• The University’s ties to various stalwarts of the business community and other international universities make the campus an ideal setting for personal growth and pursuing global education.
• Highly qualified faculty members holding doctoral degrees include former government representatives, ambassadors, and more.
• International students from over 46 nationalities foster a sense of diversity and enable the exchange of different ideologies.
• The Office of Research and Community Service actively promotes scholarly research in the fields of renewable energy and has led to the formation of solar islands, solar calorimeters, photovoltaic centers, etc.
• A host of scholarships including those awarded for merit pave the way by dismantling obstacles that prevent bright minds from pursuing a quality education.
• AURAK holds multiple international exchange programs that allow students to thrive in a multinational and multicultural environment.
• Vibrant student life on campus with an armamentarium of recreational and sporting facilities lets you explore your side interests while focusing on an academic course.

University Rankings

Programs & Courses offered by the American University of Ras Al Khaimah

UAE caters to people of all socio-economic backgrounds. They have interesting options for all students who wish to study in UAE. At AURAK, English-taught undergraduate and postgraduate courses are offered across 3 main faculties. 

Undergraduate/Bachelor’s Programs

Most undergraduate programs at AURAK offer a 4-year authentic worldwide experience centered on honing the requisite skills to thrive in a dynamic landscape. Popular courses opted for by international students include

• Business Administration
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence
• Mass Communication

Graduate/Master’s Programs

Business majors interested in adding to their skillset have the option of choosing to enroll in the conventional MBA program or the EMBA program. Other postgraduate programs include

• Master in Infrastructure Engineering
• Master of Education
• Master of Science in Engineering Project Management
• Master of Science in Sustainable and Renewable Energy
• Post Graduate Diploma in Education

Campus and accommodation

The AURAK campus is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and modern amenities. International students have access to four residence halls, out of which two are reserved for male students and two for female students. These halls lie just adjacent to the AURAK campus and are under the jurisdiction of the Ras Al Khaimah Education Company (EDRAK).  Students have to apply for accommodation via the EDRAK portal. 

The student residences consist of studio apartments that permit double occupancy. However, on special request, single occupancy can be arranged at an additional cost.  Each apartment is furnished with two beds, two closets, two study tables, and two chairs. All kitchenettes come with an attached refrigerator and a microwave oven. Laundry rooms are present on each floor.

The environment is conducive to students’ academic and social aspirations and helps them intermingle with peers in common rooms and lounges. Various student clubs on campus encourage everyone to take part in extracurricular activities too. 

Admission requirements for international students

Interested candidates can apply for admission through the AURAK website. However, to ensure an error-free document submission and enhance your chances of admission, apply via Gyanberry– an official admission partner of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah. 

Firstly, it is important to note that international students are recommended to start their application process at least two months in advance. 

Undergraduate Admissions

For undergraduate admissions, students need to furnish these mandatory documents

• Official High School Certificate
• English Proficiency Certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or any equivalent certificate)
• Copy of valid passport
• Passport size photographs
• Birth Certificate

Students with a good academic track record are generally accepted into the university without any hassle. A minimum of 70% marks in the higher secondary examination are required to be eligible for admission. 

After receiving the acceptance letter, admitted students are asked to submit officially attested education certificates by the deadline mentioned in their admission letter to the Office of Admissions.

Graduate/postgraduate admissions

For PG admissions, the documents that need to be provided include 

• An updated CV 
• Two Recommendation Letters
• Personal Statement
• Official University Certificate
• Official University Transcript
• English Proficiency Certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or any equivalent certificate)
• Copy of valid passport
• Passport size photographs

Depending on the program of your choice, there are also some additional program-specific admission requirements you will be required to fulfill. 

Tuition, fees, and the annual cost of attendance

*Note: Costs are converted on the basis of the current exchange rate, i.e., 1 USD = 3.67 AED. Exchange rates are subject to periodic change. 

Cost of living 

In addition to tuition fees, students also have to incur the following yearly expenses

Thus, the average annual cost of attendance (including tuition and living expenses) for a full-time international student at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah is between 19,000-28,600 USD or 69,788-105,050 AED*.

*Note: Costs are converted on the basis of the current exchange rate, i.e., 1 USD = 3.67 AED. Exchange rates are subject to periodic change. 

Scholarships for international students

Scholarships at AURAK are offered in the form of Hardship Payment Arrangements and Merit Scholarships. This is done as the university recognizes the necessity for broadening access to higher education for students facing financial hardship. 

Hardship Payment Arrangements

New undergraduate students enrolling at AURAK who have attained 80% marks or higher in high school may be granted a semester financial hardship scholarship subject to the documentation of need. Graduate students with a CGPA of 3.25 or higher may also be granted a semester financial hardship scholarship subject to similar terms.

In these cases, a four-month payment plan is arranged with the Office of Finance on campus. However, Hardship payment plans are not available for the summer terms of the university.

Merit Scholarships

Full-time students of AURAK get access to merit scholarships and a specified tuition reduction is provided to them. To be eligible for these, students need to have a minimum CGPA of 2.5. 

Merit scholarships are awarded to both UG and PG students. For UG students, 3 such scholarships are available. These include the 

• 75% President Scholarship
• 40% Dean’s Scholarship
• 20% AURAK Scholarship

PG students can avail of the 20% AURAK Scholarship if they maintain a CGPA of 3.0 or above.

Career prospects, placements, and salaries for AURAK graduates

Situated in one of the UAE’s top emirates, AURAK offers diverse programs that are designed to respond to the emerging needs of a changing world and increasing market demand. Students are trained to be focused on career readiness and are equipped with necessary professional and interpersonal skills to increase their employability.

The programs are both nationally and internationally accredited, which ensures that graduates from this institution can readily bag jobs in both the domestic and international markets. 

Students interested in academic jobs can apply for faculty positions at AURAK. Professors at the university are paid a lucrative salary of 220,000-250,000 AED or 59,895-61,256 USD**. 

**Note: The salary range is converted on the basis of the current exchange rate, i.e., 1 AED= 0.27 USD. Exchange rates are subject to periodic change.