The Application Process
Embark on your academic journey at Zayed University, where endless opportunities await.
Get in Touch
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
Email Address : Mohammad Alazaizeh@zu.ac.ae
Graduate Program : Master of Legal and Judicial Studies
College : College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Graduate Program Coordinator : Dr. Walaaeldeen Ibraheem
Email Address : Walaaeldeen.Ibraheem@zu.ac.ae
Graduate Program : Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs
College : College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Graduate Program Coordinator : Dr. Bashir AbulQaraya
Email Address : Bashir.AbulQaraya@zu.ac.ae
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
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
Email Address
Konstantinos.Syriopoulos@zu.ac.ae
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
Applicants are required to submit an Applicant Consent form, Employer Internship Consent form, and a Police Clearance Certificate.
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.
Which graduate programs are delivered on the Dubai campus?
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.
What are the next steps after applying for graduate program admission?
Accredited by
Copyright @ 2024 Zayed University / Privacy Policy