The Application Process


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To schedule an appointment with the graduate student recruitment and admissions team or request a campus visit, please complete the form below:

Unlocking Opportunities

Here are the essential steps to successfully apply for graduate studies:

Step 1: Decide on Your Program of Study at Zayed University

Graduate Program : Master of Science in Finance

College : College of Business

Graduate Program Coordinator : Dr. Moo Sung Kim

Email Address : MooSung.Kim@zu.ac.ae

Graduate Program : Master of Arts in Communication

College : College of Communication and Media Sciences

Graduate Program Coordinator : Dr. Mohammad Alazaizeh

Graduate Program : Master of Legal and Judicial Studies

College : College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Graduate Program Coordinator : Dr. Walaaeldeen Ibraheem

Graduate Program : Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs

College : College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Graduate Program Coordinator : Dr. Bashir AbulQaraya

Graduate Program : Master of Science in Counselling Psychology

College : College of Natural and Health Sciences

Graduate Program Coordinator : Dr. Teresa Arora

Email Address : Teresa.Arora@zu.ac.ae

Graduate Program : Master of Science in Environment and Sustainability Sciences

College : College of Natural and Health Sciences

Graduate Program Coordinator : Dr. Yousef Nazzal

Email Address : Yousef.Nazzal@zu.ac.ae

Graduate Program : Master of Science in Information Systems Management

College : College of Technological Innovation

Graduate Program Coordinator : Dr. Ashaf Khalil

Email Address : Ashraf.Khalil@zu.ac.ae

Graduate Program : Master of Science in Information Technology (Cyber Security)

College : College of Technological Innovation

Graduate Program Coordinator : Dr. Asad Khattak

Email Address : Asad.Khattak@zu.ac.ae

College


College of Business



College of Communication and Media Sciences


College of Humanities and Social Sciences


College of Humanities and Social Sciences


College of Natural and Health Sciences


College of Humanities and Social Sciences


College of Technological Innovation

Graduate Program Coordinator


Dr. Konstantinos Syriopoulos



Dr. Mohammad Alazaizeh


Dr. Bashir AbulQaraya


Dr. Fady Tawkol


Dr. Lance Kahn


Dr. Yousef Nazzal


Dr. Ashaf Khalil


Dr. Asad Khattak

Step 2: Ensure Your Eligibility to Apply

Minimum Admission Requirements


Academic Requirement (Graduate programs offered in Arabic and English)

Applicants must have an earned baccalaureate degree in a discipline considered appropriate to the graduate program from an accredited university recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 (or 2.5 for conditional admission) or higher on a 4.0-point scale or equivalent.

Applicants should consult the web page of each individual graduate program for further information regarding academic requirements.


Proficiency English Language (Graduate programs offered in Arabic)

  • A TOEFL score of 133 CBT, 45 iBT, OR
  • An IELTS (Academic) overall band score of not less than 4.5, OR
  • 950 on the EmSAT English examination, OR
  • Evidence that the applicant is a native speaker of English who has completed his/her undergraduate education in an English medium institution in a country where English is the official language.

Proficiency in English Language (Graduate programs offered in English)

  • A TOEFL score of 213 CBT, 79 iBT (or 197 CBT, 71 iBT for conditional admission), OR
  • An IELTS (Academic) overall band score of not less than 6.0 (or 5.5 for conditional admission), OR
  • 1400 on the EmSAT English examination (or 1250 for conditional admission), OR
  • Evidence that the applicant is a native speaker of English who has completed his/her undergraduate education in an English medium institution in a country where English is the official language.

Step 3: View the Schedule of Graduate Program Tuition Fees

Graduate Program : Master of Science in Finance

College : College of Business

Credit Hour : 36

Cost Per Credit Hour : AED 2,667

Graduate Program : Master of Arts in Communication

College : College of Communication and Media Sciences

Credit Hour : 36

Cost Per Credit Hour : AED 2,667

Graduate Program : Master of Legal and Judicial Studies

College : College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Credit Hour : 38

Cost Per Credit Hour : AED 2,526

Graduate Program : Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs

College : College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Credit Hour : 30

Cost Per Credit Hour : AED 4,267

Graduate Program : Master of Science in Counselling Psychology

College : College of Natural and Health Sciences

Credit Hour : 48

Cost Per Credit Hour : AED 2,500

Graduate Program : Master of Science in Environment and Sustainability Sciences

College : College of Natural and Health Sciences

Credit Hour : 36

Cost Per Credit Hour : AED 2,500

Graduate Program : Master of Science in Information Systems Management

College : College of Technological Innovation

Credit Hour : 30

Cost Per Credit Hour : AED 2,666

Graduate Program : Master of Science in Information Technology (Cyber Security)

College : College of Technological Innovation

Credit Hour : 30

Cost Per Credit Hour : AED 3,200

College


College of Business


College of Communication and Media Sciences


College of Humanities and Social Sciences


College of Humanities and Social Sciences


College of Natural and Health Sciences


College of Humanities and Social Sciences


College of Technological Innovation

Graduate Program


Master of Science in Finance


Master of Arts in Communication


Master of Legal and Judicial Studies


Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs


Master of Science in Counselling Psychology


Master of Science in Environment and Sustainability Sciences


Master of Science in Information Systems Management


Master of Science in Information Technology (Cyber Security)

Credit Hour


36


36


38


30


48


36


30


30

Cost Per Credit Hour


AED 2,667


AED 2,667


AED 2,526


AED 4,267


AED 2,500


AED 2,500


AED 2,666


AED 3,200

Click here to view the tuition fee payment plan for your master’s degree.

Other Service Fees

Payment Option : Admission Application Fee

Payment Timing : Required to process application

Payment Amount : AED 420.00

Payment Option : Deferred Admission Fee

Payment Timing : Required to process request

Payment Amount : AED 5,000

Payment Option : Registration Fee

Payment Timing : Before registering for courses

Payment Amount : AED 1,000

Payment Option : Registration Reinstatement

Payment Timing : Required to process request

Payment Amount : AED 3,150

Payment Option : Challenge Exam Required

Payment Timing : Required to process request

Payment Amount : AED 5,000

Payment Option : Official Academic Transcript

Payment Timing : On request

Payment Amount : AED 52.50

Payment Option : Official Diploma Replacement

Payment Timing : On request

Payment Amount : AED 157.50

Payment Option


Admission Application Fee


Deferred Admission Fee


Registration Fee


Registration Reinstatement


Challenge Exam Required


Official Academic Transcript


Official Diploma Replacement

Payment Timing


Required to process application


Required to process request


Before registering for courses


Required to process request


Required to process request


On request


On request

Payment Amount


AED 420.00


AED 5,000


AED 1,000


AED 3,150


AED 5,000


AED 52.50


AED 157.50

*All fees are including VAT in line with the requirements of the Federal Decree Law No. 08 of 2017 and its Executive Regulations.

Step 4: Explore the Financial Support Options

Zayed University awards scholarships to first-time graduate applicants. All UAE national and international applicants who submit the required credentials by the application deadlines posted on the Graduate Studies website will be automatically considered for scholarships at the point of admission. However, students who wish to be considered for Zayed University's graduate scholarships are strongly encouraged to submit their applications for graduate program admission early. While most new graduate students will receive a scholarship, there is a cap on the total amount of scholarship funding that can be awarded per year by Zayed University.


Scholarship awards are competitive; there is no guarantee that submitting an application by the deadline and meeting eligibility will result in a scholarship award offer.

Graduate Merit Scholarships

Zayed University provides graduate merit scholarships to attract highly qualified students for study leading to a master’s degree. All entering graduate students regardless of their nationality are automatically considered for this award. The level of award is determined according to the applicant’s cumulative GPA (CGPA) in the baccalaureate degree as follows:

  • 3.20 ≤ CGPA 3.60: 10% of tuition costs
  • 3.60 ≤ CGPA < 3.80: 25% of tuition costs
  • 3.80 ≤ GPA: 40% of tuition costs

Zayed University Alumni Graduate Scholarships

Zayed University alumni who receive full admission to a Zayed University graduate degree program are eligible for a scholarship valued at up to 10% tuition costs.


Tuition Assistance for Zayed University Employees

Limited and competitive scholarship support is provided for qualifying full-time Zayed University employees to assist in completing a Zayed University master’s degree program that directly supports their career development. The amount of tuition assistance may be up to 50% of the total tuition cost of the applicant’s chosen master’s degree program.


Tuition Discount for Sponsored Graduate Students

Graduate students may qualify for a tuition discount for a maximum of 20% on tuition fees if they are part of a group of students who are sponsored by an entity that has a valid written agreement with Zayed University.


ICT Fund

The ICT Fund offers scholarships for distinguished UAE citizens who want to pursue Zayed University’s Master of Science in Information Technology (Cyber Security) program. The scholarship will cover the tuition fee in full and recipients will be granted a monthly salary of AED 10,000. In case of employment, the recipient will be entitled for the scholarship that will cover the tuition fee in full without the monthly salary of AED 10,000.

CONTACT

Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA)

Tel: 800 12

Email: info@tra.gov.ae

Website: https://tdra.gov.ae/en/ictfund/funding-categories/education/scholarships


CONTACT

Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA)

Tel: 800 12

Email: info@tra.gov.ae

Website: https://tdra.gov.ae/en/ictfund/funding-categories/education/scholarships

Step 5: Consider the Application Deadlines and Location for Program Delivery

The following online application deadlines are in effect for Spring and Fall 2025:

Graduate Program : Master of Science in Finance

College : College of Business

Last Date to Apply Online : 5 August 2024

Campus Location for Program Delivery : Abu Dhabi

Graduate Program : Master of Arts in Communication

College : College of Communication and Media Sciences

Last Date to Apply Online : 11 December 2023

Campus Location for Program Delivery : Abu Dhabi

Graduate Program : Master of Legal and Judicial Studies

College : College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Last Date to Apply Online : 11 December 2023

Campus Location for Program Delivery : Abu Dhabi & Dubai

Graduate Program : Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs

College : College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Last Date to Apply Online : 5 August 2024

Campus Location for Program Delivery : Abu Dhabi

Graduate Program : Master of Science in Counselling Psychology

College : College of Natural and Health Sciences

Last Date to Apply Online : 5 August 2024

Campus Location for Program Delivery : Abu Dhabi

Graduate Program : Master of Science in Environment and Sustainability Sciences

College : College of Natural and Health Sciences

Last Date to Apply Online : 11 December 2023

Campus Location for Program Delivery : Abu Dhabi & Dubai

Graduate Program : Master of Science in Information Systems Management

College : College of Technological Innovation

Last Date to Apply Online : 11 December 2023

Campus Location for Program Delivery : Abu Dhabi & Dubai

Graduate Program : Master of Science in Information Technology (Cyber Security)

College : College of Technological Innovation

Last Date to Apply Online : 11 December 2023

Campus Location for Program Delivery : Abu Dhabi & Dubai

College


College of Business


College of Communication and Media Sciences


College of Humanities and Social Sciences


College of Humanities and Social Sciences


College of Natural and Health Sciences


College of Humanities and Social Sciences


College of Technological Innovation

Graduate Program


Master of Science in Finance


Master of Arts in Communication


Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs


Master of Legal and Judicial Studies


Master of Science in Counselling Psychology (Limited Seats Available)


Master of Science in Environment and Sustainability Sciences


Master of Science in Information Systems Management


Master of Science in Information Technology (Cyber Security)

Last Date to Apply Online


7 July 2025


9 December 2024



7 July 2025


7 July 2025


7 July 2025


7 July 2025


9 December 2024


9 December 2024

Campus Location for Program Delivery


Abu Dhabi


Abu Dhabi


Abu Dhabi


Abu Dhabi


Abu Dhabi


Abu Dhabi & Dubai


Abu Dhabi


Abu Dhabi & Dubai

*Application deadline dates are subject to change without notice.

Step 6: Apply Online

Submit your application for graduate program admission on the online application portal. The Deanship of Graduate Studies will not accept applications for graduate program admissions submitted by hand or courier.

Once you have completed an online application, editing of information, and uploading additional supporting documents cannot be made.

Students may apply to study at any time throughout the year. However, early applications will facilitate College review and evaluation and allow the Admissions Office to process applications more effectively.

Step 7: Submit Supporting Documents Online

You will need to scan and save all your supporting documents as PDF files and then upload them directly to the online application portal on or before the application deadline for the graduate program to which you are applying.

Supporting Documents for Master’s Degree Programs

A Current Resume in English (or Arabic for programs delivered in Arabic)

The resume should clearly indicate work/professional experience and educational milestones.


A Passport Copy

A copy of the data page of a valid passport.


A Passport-Size Photo Scan


An Emirates ID Card Copy (for UAE Residents)


Personal Information (for Non-UAE Nationals)

Click here to access the form in Arabic and English.


Transcript/Degree Certificate

Applicants are required to submit a certified copy of the official baccalaureate degree transcript with an English translation (if applicable) from the university granting the degree. The transcript should indicate the name of the degree and when it was received. Official transcripts also bear the facsimile signature of the registrar and the seal of the issuing institution. Each transcript should contain a complete record of studies at the institution from which it is issued (i.e., the courses completed, and grades earned in each course).

If the transcript does not include the degree designation and when it was attained, an official degree certificate must be submitted.


Equivalency Letter and Attested Certificate/Transcript

If the baccalaureate degree is awarded by a foreign university located outside the UAE, a letter from the UAE Ministry of Education recognizing the degree must be submitted.

If the baccalaureate degree is awarded by a private university located in the UAE, an attested baccalaureate certificate and transcript by the UAE Ministry of Education must be submitted.

Please note that equalization documents for all non-UAE degrees and attested documents from private universities in the UAE are now a necessary component of the application package. No applications for graduate program admission can be processed without these critical documents.


English Language Competency Certificates

Only official EmSAT, TOEFL (CBT or iBT) and IELTS test results or true copies are acceptable.

Please note that English language competency certificates are now a necessary component of the application package. No applications for graduate program admission can be processed without these critical documents.


Application Fee Payment

Applicants are required to submit a receipt of the non-refundable application fee of AED 420 (including VAT). The payment should be made by bank transfer (and not by ATM direct deposit), referencing your full name and CRM application number:


First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)

First Abu Dhabi Bank, Head Office

P.O Box 6316, Abu Dhabi

Zayed University

Account Number: 4021003597649018

IBAN: AE620354021003597649018

Swift Code: NBADAEAAXXX


Supporting Documents for Specific Master’s Degree Programs

Master of Arts in Communication

Applicants are required are required to submit an essay in English stating academic interest and related career experience. Hand-written essays will not be accepted. Limit the essay to two print pages using 12-point font.

  • Describe your aptitude and motivation for graduate study in communication, including your preparation for this field of study, your academic plans, and your future career goals.

  • Discuss how your personal background informs your decision to pursue the program. Please include relevant educational, familial, cultural, economic, or social experiences, achievements, challenges, or opportunities to date.



Master of Science in Counselling Psychology


Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs

Applicants are required to submit a writing sample in English authored by the applicant during their baccalaureate studies. Limit the writing sample to five print pages in 12-point font.

Step 8: Prepare for Your Admission Interview (If required)

If the graduate program requires an admissions interview, prepare by researching common interview questions related to your field of study and practice your responses. Also view the Graduate Blog on tips for a successful graduate school interview.

Prepare for Admissions Interviews

If the graduate program requires an admissions interview, prepare by researching common interview questions related to your field of study and practice your responses. Also view the Graduate Blog on tips for a successful graduate school interview.

Graduate Program Admission Requirements: Supplemental Documents

Frequently Asked Questions

Is graduate program admission at Zayed University open to males and females of all nationalities?

Yes.

Does Zayed University offer online graduate programs?

Zayed University offers traditional on-campus master’s degree programs with face-to-face interaction with faculty and other students. Physical class attendance is a mandatory requirement. Applicants should consult the web page of each individual graduate program for further information regarding course timings.

Are the graduate programs offered in Arabic or English?

Only the Master of Legal and Judicial Studies is offered in Arabic. All the other graduate programs are offered in English.

Can I start my graduate program at any time of the year?

You cannot start your graduate program at any time of the year. You will have to follow the course sequence delivery as listed in the class schedule. Click here to view the study plan for your graduate program.

Is the curriculum or study plan fixed or can I change the sequence of the course delivery?

You cannot change the sequence of course delivery. You will have to follow the course sequence delivery as listed in the class schedule. Click here to view the study plan for your graduate program.

My baccalaureate degree was awarded by a foreign university located outside the UAE. How do I obtain a UAE Ministry of Education equivalency certificate?

For more information on the equivalency requirements of qualifications issued from higher educational institutions located outside the UAE and to apply online, please visit the UAE Ministry of Education’s website.

My baccalaureate degree was awarded by a private university located in the UAE. How to I obtain a UAE Ministry of Education attested baccalaureate certificate and transcript?

For more information on the attestation requirements of qualifications issued from private higher educational institutions located in the UAE and to apply online, please visit the UAE Ministry of Education’s website.

Can I be admitted if my i) CGPA is below 2.5, OR if my ii) IELTS is below 5.5 OR if I iii) do not have the UAE Ministry of Education equivalency certificate?

Unfortunately, not. Admission to Zayed University graduate programs is subject to minimum academic and English language standards. Individual graduate programs may have higher admission standards or other requirements including baccalaureate GPA, English language, work experience, pre-program courses, and baccalaureate degree restrictions for specific programs.

Should I submit an essay with my online application?

Only applicants to the Master of Arts in Communication program are required are required to submit an essay in English stating academic interest and related career experience. Hand-written essays will not be accepted. Limit the essay to two print pages using 12-point font.

  • Describe your aptitude and motivation for graduate study in communication, including your preparation for this field of study, your academic plans, and your future career goals.
  • Discuss how your personal background informs your decision to pursue the program. Please include relevant educational, familial, cultural, economic, or social experiences, achievements, challenges, or opportunities to date.

Are letters of recommendation mandatory to apply for admission?

Letters of recommendation from referees are not an admissions requirement. Please ignore the request in the online application portal.

I have completed my baccalaureaute degree, but I have not received a copy of my degree or academic transcript yet. Can I apply for admission to a Zayed University master’s degree program?

Baccalaureate students in their final semester may apply for admission to a Zayed University graduate program but cannot be admitted until all admission requirements are met.

Does Zayed University offer TOEFL, IELTS or EmSAT test preparations and tests on its campuses located in Abu Dhabi and Dubai?

Unfortunately, not. Please visit the Graduate Blog for tips on selecting an English proficiency test and the training institutes that offer preparation for proficiency tests.

What is the tuition fee payment plan for my master’s degree program?

Click here to view the tuition fee payment plan for your master’s degree program.

Does Zayed University offer full scholarships to UAE national and international applicants?

All UAE national and international applicants who submit the required credentials by the application deadlines posted on the Graduate Studies website will be automatically considered for partial scholarships at the point of admission.

Does Zayed University offer research or teaching assistantships?

Research and teaching assistantships are not offered for Spring and Fall 2025. View the Graduate Studies website for a list of partial scholarship opportunities available.

Does Zayed University offer accommodation to international graduate students?

Yes. Please email Student Residences or visit the Student Housing website for more information.

What are the next steps after applying for graduate program admission?

Deanship of Graduate Studies

Zayed University Abu Dhabi & Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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