All about the University of Sharjah (UOS)
Education in the UAE has seen remarkable growth over the past few decades, with universities playing a key role in shaping the country’s future. Among these institutions, the University of Sharjah has built a strong reputation for combining cultural heritage with modern learning. It continues to attract students from across the region, offering diverse programmes and opportunities that prepare graduates for global success.
About the University of Sharjah
Founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qassimi, Ruler of Sharjah, the University of Sharjah (UoS) was envisioned as a leading institution blending Islamic and Arab traditions with modern education.
Over the years, UoS has grown into a hub of academic excellence. Key milestones include the launch of the Khorfakkan campus in 2007, the Kalba campus in 2011 and the Dhaid campus in 2015. The university also inaugurated its teaching hospitals in 2011, expanded with major libraries between 2012 and 2024, and continues to enhance its learning resources.
Licenced by the Ministry of Education and accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation, UoS holds several international accreditations. With 15 colleges and over 130 programmes, it attracts students from diverse backgrounds and prepares them to thrive in a global academic environment.
Academic Programmes
Colleges at UoS
The University of Sharjah has several colleges that offer a range of academic disciplines, including fine arts, molecular medicine and more. Colleges operating under the University of Sharjah include:
- College of Sharia and Islamic Studies
- College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
- College of Business Administration
- College of Engineering
- College of Health Sciences
- College of Law
- College of Fine Arts and Design
- College of Communication
- College of Medicine
- College of Dental Medicine
- College of Pharmacy
- Community College
- College of Sciences
- College of Graduate Studies
- College of Computing and Informatics
Degrees at UoS
The UoS offers admissions to these degree programmes:
- Undergraduate Programme
- Master’s Programme
- PhD Programme
- Higher Diplomas
The University offers a wide range of postgraduate options, with more than 36 Master’s programmes available across diverse fields. These cover various disciplines designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and specialised skills. Some popular areas of study include:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D)
- Master of Science and Physiotherapy
- Master of Science in Engineering Management
- Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences
- Master of Science in Computer Engineering
- Master’s in Conservation Management of Cultural Heritage
- Master of Dental Surgery and Oral Surgery
- Master of Science in Chemistry
- Master’s in Public Law
- Master of Business Administration
University of Sharjah Fees and Scholarships
Potential applicants can visit the UoS website to check out the yearly tuition fee for the current year. The UoS fees are based on the credited hours for registered students and vary by college within the university. The housing fee for dorms is based on the type of available lodgings and the duration of stay.
UoS Scholarships
Students with sound academic grades can apply for various scholarships, including:
- High School Discount: 50% off first semester fees for high-performing high school graduates (90%+), excluding Medicine and Dentistry mostly.
- Distinction Discount: GPA-based discounts ranging from 15% to 40% on tuition fees, granted for academic excellence in completed terms, requiring at least 15 credit hours.
- Siblings Discount: 10% off tuition fees for one family member with a registered sibling, applied upon request.
- College Program Discounts: 50% off for specific majors in Sciences and Sharia & Islamic Studies for the first year, with GPA maintenance requirements.
- Postgraduate Discounts: 30% discount on tuition for Master’s and Doctorate students, with GPA conditions varying by alumni status.
- UAE Nationals Discount: 25% off tuition for nationals upon proof of financial hardship.
However, before applying for UoS scholarships, you must keep in mind that:
- Students may only receive the highest applicable discount if they qualify for multiple.
- Discounts are not automatic in many cases and require application or proof.
- Certain high-percentage scholarships or sponsorships (50% or more) exclude eligibility for discounts.
- The university reserves the right to amend or terminate discounts.
UOS Campus Life
All students at the University of Sharjah have access to a range of services and facilities to encourage a positive and healthy academic environment.
UoS Student Services
The University of Sharjah is a fully residential institution, home to more than 2,000 students. Its expansive campus is designed to offer both comfort and convenience, with everything from food and healthcare to social activities just a short walk away. Students benefit from two modern sports complexes equipped for football, tennis, swimming and other recreational pursuits.
Campus Facilities
UoS campus life is made easier with a wide range of on-campus services and amenities, so students rarely need to step off campus. These include:
- Food Courts: A variety of restaurants, cafés and food courts serve affordable and healthy meals, catering to both day scholars and residents.
- Dorms: Accommodation is equipped with convenience stores, laundry services, Wi-Fi, kitchens, lounges, activity rooms and computer labs.
- Child Care: Professional childcare services are available for faculty and administrative staff.
- Healthcare: A 24-hour clinic and ambulance service ensure quick access to medical support.
- Salons: Hair and beauty services are conveniently located on campus.
- Entertainment: Students enjoy cultural fairs, concerts, plays, festivals and even overseas trips, such as recent tours to Spain.
- Special Needs Resource Centre: Operated in partnership with Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, the centre ensures equal learning opportunities for students with disabilities.
- Student Success Centre: Offers academic and personal support through dedicated advising and guidance offices.
- Transport: Free shuttle buses, golf carts and air-conditioned transport make it easy to move around campus and within the city.
The University of Sharjah is also well-connected to major roadways and is easily accessible for those visiting from other emirates in the UAE.
Student Clubs and Societies
The university’s multicultural student body has a diverse range of societies, clubs and unions. Supported by the Deanship for Student Affairs, these include the:
- Chess and Shooting Club
- Creativity Club
- Al-Ishraaq Club
- Al-Masha’il club
- Automobile Club
- Hope Club
- Photography Club
- Women’s Sports Club
- Qur’an and Hadith Society
- Students Guides
- Theatre and Arts Club
University of Sharjah Location and Contact
The Sharjah University City campus is situated on the southern edge of Sharjah, in University City, close to Sharjah International Airport. Its multidisciplinary services also extend to three branches in the emirate, including Al Dhaid, Khor Fakkan and Kalba.
University of Sharjah Main Campus
- Address: University City Road, University City
- Contact: +971-6-558-5000 | +971-60-052-2251
- UoS email address: info@sharjah.ac.ae
Kalb Campus
- Address: Kalba – Sharjah
- Contact: +971-9-203-4555 | +971-9-203-4550
- Email: salnaqbi@sharjah.ae
Khorfakkan Campus
- Address: Khorfakkan – Sharjah
- Contact: +971-6-508-5666
- Email: mkalnaqbi@sharjah.ac.ae
Al Dhaid Campus
- Address: Al Dhaid – Sharjah
- Contact: +971-6-802-4444
FAQs
What are the specific admission requirements and any exceptions for specialised colleges such as Medicine or Pharmacy at UoS?
Admission to Medicine, Dental Medicine and Pharmacy requires the science/medical stream with Chemistry and Biology. General-stream certificates are not accepted. No exceptions are made for these colleges.
What resources and facilities are available to support students with special needs or disabilities?
UoS provides support through its Disability Resource Centre. Services include assistive technology, exam accommodations, individual plans, academic support, healthcare and counselling.
How many credit hours can students study per semester?
Students at UoS can enrol for a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 18 credit hours. However, they may enrol for more than 18 credit hours if their GPA is high or if they are graduating.
Who can students speak to about academic or personal affairs?
The departments at UoS assign academic advisors to each student to seek help when needed. They may also seek psychological, academic and social advice from the Student Success Center at the Deanship of Student Affairs.
Can students from other universities transfer to the University of Sharjah?
Yes, but certain conditions apply. For example, the student must have completed a whole year or at least two semesters in a recognised university with an academic standing of no more than Good (2.50) points out of 4.00.
Can students transfer colleges within the university?
It is possible provided that the student has completed at least 15 credit hours in a period of not more than two weeks following the final exams of a regular semester. Additionally, students are only allowed to change majors twice.
That brings us to the end of our guide. All these facilities and programmes make the University of Sharjah one of the top universities in Sharjah. For more options, take a look at the various universities in University City, Sharjah. Apart from formal educational facilities, the Sharjah Library can be a haven for the more academically inclined.
Those seeking academic opportunities in the country can apply for scholarships in the UAE or consider applying to top universities in Dubai.
Stay tuned to MyBayut for more updates on academic opportunities in the UAE.
Featured Image Credit: University of Sharjah Facebook Page
