Application Process for International GR Students

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 in 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
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
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.

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 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

Cost Per Credit Hour

AED 2,667

AED 2,526

AED 4,267

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

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.

Zayed University awards scholarships to first-time graduate applicants. All 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.

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

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.

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

If you are not a UAE national or do not already have a residence visa for Abu Dhabi or Dubai, you will need to apply for a student visa to reside in the United Arab Emirates for the duration of your studies. Zayed University can help you secure a visa for your graduate studies at the institution.

Student Visa Conditions

Students must be admitted to a Zayed University master’s degree program.
Students must have paid the course registration fee.
Zayed University student visas are issued for a duration of 2 years.
As required by United Arab Emirates’ law, students need to have mandatory medical insurance coverage. Students have the option to avail medical coverage of their choice or contact Zayed University to enrol into the university’s medical coverage.
Students must be physically present in the United Arab Emirates for the medical examination appointment to process the Emirates ID card.
Students do not have permission to work in either full time or part time jobs, even during semester breaks. The only type of employment permitted is assistantships and the ONCE program on campus, or internships.
Students will not be able to sponsor their dependents or provide a visit visa to dependents, relatives, or friends.

Apply for a Student Visa

Required Documents

Copy of Graduate Programs Admissions Letter (Issued by Zayed University)

Student Visa Fees

Sl. No

Description

New Entry Permit

Change of Status

Medical Test

Emirates ID – 2 Years

New Residence – 2 Years

Health Insurance Coverage – Required by UAE Law (Approx.)

Total

Amount incl. VAT (Outside UAE)

AED 356.20

N/A

AED 250

AED 304.10

AED 457.56

AED 2,363.00

AED 3,730.86

Amount incl. VAT (Inside UAE)

AED 356.20

AED 660.29

AED 250

AED 304.10

AED 457.56

AED 2,363.00

AED 4,391.15

Sl. No : 1.

Description : New Entry Permit

Amount incl. VAT (Outside UAE) : AED 356.20

Amount incl. VAT (Inside UAE) : AED 356.20

Sl. No : 2.

Description : Change of Status

Amount incl. VAT (Outside UAE) : N/A

Amount incl. VAT (Inside UAE) : AED 660.29

Sl. No : 3.

Description : Medical Test

Amount incl. VAT (Outside UAE) : AED 250

Amount incl. VAT (Inside UAE) : AED 250

Sl. No : 4.

Description : Emirates ID – 2 Years

Amount incl. VAT (Outside UAE) : AED 304.10

Amount incl. VAT (Inside UAE) : AED 304.10

Sl. No : 5.

Description : New Residence – 2 Years

Amount incl. VAT (Outside UAE) : AED 457.56

Amount incl. VAT (Inside UAE) : AED 457.56

Sl. No : 6.

Description : Health Insurance Coverage – Required by UAE Law (Approx.)

Amount incl. VAT (Outside UAE) : AED 2,363.00

Amount incl. VAT (Inside UAE) : AED 2,363.00

Total

Amount incl. VAT (Outside UAE) : AED 3,730.86

Amount incl. VAT (Inside UAE) : AED 4,391.15

Sl. No

Description

New Entry Permit

Change of Status

Medical Test

Emirates ID – 2 Years

New Residence – 2 Years

Health Insurance Coverage – Required by UAE Law (Approx.)

Total

Amount incl. VAT (Outside UAE)

AED 375.65

N/A

AED 336.89

AED 356.20

AED 446.65

AED 2,363.00

AED 3,878.39

Amount incl. VAT (Inside UAE)

AED 1025.65

AED 575.65

AED 336.89

AED 356.20

AED 446.65

AED 2,363.00

AED 5,104.04

Sl. No : 1.

Description : New Entry Permit

Amount incl. VAT (Outside UAE) : AED 375.65

Amount incl. VAT (Inside UAE) : AED 1025.65

Sl. No : 2.

Description : Change of Status

Amount incl. VAT (Outside UAE) : N/A

Amount incl. VAT (Inside UAE) : AED 575.65

Sl. No : 3.

Description : Medical Test

Amount incl. VAT (Outside UAE) : AED 336.89

Amount incl. VAT (Inside UAE) : AED 336.89

Sl. No : 4.

Description : Emirates ID – 2 Years

Amount incl. VAT (Outside UAE) : AED 356.20

Amount incl. VAT (Inside UAE) : AED 356.20

Sl. No : 5.

Description : New Residence – 2 Years

Amount incl. VAT (Outside UAE) : AED 446.65

Amount incl. VAT (Inside UAE) : AED 446.65

Sl. No : 6.

Description : Health Insurance Coverage – Required by UAE Law (Approx.)

Amount incl. VAT (Outside UAE) : AED 2,363.00

Amount incl. VAT (Inside UAE) : AED 2,363.00

Total

Amount incl. VAT (Outside UAE) : AED 3,878.39

Amount incl. VAT (Inside UAE) : AED 5,104.04

Student Visa Fee Payments

For inquiries on student visa fee payment options, please contact:

Mazen Ibrahim

Graduate Student Recruitment Specialist

Deanship of Graduate Studies Zayed University, Abu Dhabi & Dubai, UAE

Tel. Nr.: +971-2-599-3605

Email: dgs.recruitment@zu.ac.ae

Cancellation of a Student Visa

Students are not permitted to take a semester off and remain on university sponsorship at the same time. A sponsored student who wishes to take leave of absence or planning to stay out of the United Arab Emirates for more than six months should get the student visa cancelled prior to proceeding for leave to avoid a penalty imposed by the Immigration Department.
If the student wishes to withdraw or terminate his/her studies prior to the expiry of the visa, the visa will be cancelled immediately, and the student will be responsible for planning to leave the country or secure other sponsorship. These arrangements are to be completed within 30 days of the date of cancellation of the student visa.
The student visas of students academically dismissed (suspended or terminated) from their graduate program will be cancelled.
All graduating students’ visas will be cancelled following the Graduate Registrar’s confirmation of the student’s eligibility to graduate.

The following online application deadlines are in effect for 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 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

23 June 2025

Campus Location for Program Delivery

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi & Dubai

*Application deadline dates are subject to change without notice.

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.

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

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.

Applicants are required to submit an Applicant Consent form, Employer Internship Consent form, and a Police Clearance Certificate.

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.

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

Graduate Program Admission Requirements: Supplemental Documents

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

All 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.

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

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

Deanship of Graduate Studies

Zayed University Abu Dhabi & Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Accredited by

The Application Process for International Graduate Students

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

Step 2: Ensure Your Eligibility to Apply

Step 4: Explore the Financial Support Options

Step 5: Student Visas

Step 6: Consider the Application Deadlines and Location for Program Delivery

Step 7: Apply Online

Step 8: Submit Supporting Documents Online

Step 9: Prepare for Your Admission Interview (If required)em

Prepare for Admissions Interviews

Graduate Program Admission Requirements: Supplemental Documents

Frequently Asked Questions

Phone

E-mail

Website