All about the University of Sharjah (UOS)
Established in 1997, the University of Sharjah (UoS) is an Emirati private non-profit national university based in the emirate of Sharjah. The institution aims to become one of the leading academic facilities in the Middle East and the rest of the world. Read on to find out more about the academic programmes, fee information and other activities at the UoS.
About the University of Sharjah
The University of Sharjah’s ranking is currently at 601-650 at the QS World University Ranking. Established by its chairman and the ruler of Sharjah, His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, the institution’s Strategic Plan has been designed to make the university one of the top 400 leading universities by 2024.
University of Sharjah Location and Contact
The main campus of the UoS is located on the southern edge of Sharjah in University City close to the Sharjah International Airport. Its multi-disciplinary services also extend to three branches in the emirate such as Al Dhaid, Khor Fakkan and Kalba.
University of Sharjah Main Campus
- Address: University City Road, University City
- Contact: +971-6-558-5000
- UoS email address: info@sharjah.ac.ae
University of Sharjah – Kalba
- Address: Kalba – Sharjah
- Contact: +971-9-203-4555 | +971-9-203-4550
- Email: salnaqbi@sharjah.ae
University of Sharjah – Khorfakkan
- Address: Khorfakkan – Sharjah
- Contact: +971-6-508-5666
- Email: mkalnaqbi@sharjah.ac.ae
University of Sharjah – Al Dhaid
- Address: Al Dhaid – Sharjah
- Contact: +971-6-802-4444
Academic Programmes at the UoS
The University of Sharjah consists of several colleges which offer various programmes at the diploma, doctorate and master’s levels. These include:
- Sharia and Islamic Studies
- Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
- Health Sciences
- Engineering
- Fine Arts and Design
- Law
- Communication
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Dental Medicine
- Community College
- Pharmacy
- Sciences
- Graduate Sciences
- Computing and Informatics
The University is fully licenced with programmes accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the Ministry of Education in the UAE.
Colleges at UoS
The University of Sharjah has several colleges which offer various academic disciplines such as 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
Admissions and Degrees Programmes
The UoS offers admissions to these degree programmes:
- Undergraduate Programme
- Master’s Programme
- PhD Programme
- Higher Diplomas
Two of the most coveted disciplines at the university include its Master’s programme and post-graduate studies. Students can choose from around 36 majors in the Master’s offerings. These 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 in Conservation Management of Cultural Heritage
- Master of Dental Surgery and Oral Surgery
- Master of Science in Chemistry
- Master 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 differ for each of the university’s colleges. The housing fee for dorms is based on the type of available lodgings and the duration of stay.
Apart from fees, the institute also offers students a maximum discount of 50% of the University of Sharjah tuition fees per semester based on scholarships. Additionally, the university also provides a 10% sibling discount on overall tuition fees, limited to one member per family and for the sibling who is charged the lowest tuition fee amount.
Language Institute
One of the largest academic units in the UoS, the Language Institute consists of five centres which offer various services to the campus’s students, staff as well as the regional and local communities. The centres include:
- English Language Center (ELC)
- Center for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers
- Foreign Language Center
- Writing Center
- Translation Center
Research
Three research institutes have been established at the UoS, the purpose of which is to make the university more oriented towards research. These include the:
- Research Institute of Sciences and Engineering
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences
- Research Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences
Additionally, the University’s Chancellor has also appointed two chairs for Research Funding and Research Publications. Other departments on Research Outreach and Technology Transfer are planned for the near future.
Life on Campus
All students at the University of Sharjah have access to a range of services and facilities to encourage a positive and healthy academic environment.
Student Life
The UoS Sharjah is a residential university and houses over 2,000 students. The spacious University of Sharjah campus provides every facility that is necessary for comfortable campus living — ranging from essential resources to social activities and more. For example, everything from food to healthcare is accessible within a short walk, at comfortable hours and reasonable prices. Additionally, the campus has two sports complexes which have equipment and facilities for sporting activities like tennis, football, swimming and more.
Campus Facilities
The University of Sharjah provides all essential facilities to ensure that students don’t have to leave the campus for necessities. These include:
- Food Courts: The UoS has a wide range of on-campus restaurants, food courts and coffee shops with reasonably priced healthy food options. The restaurant services are open during the day for commuting students and in the evening for dorm residents.
- Dorms: Each dormitory includes a convenience store, laundry facilities, free WIFI, large kitchen, TV lounge, activity room and computer labs.
- Child Care Services: The faculty and administrative staff are provided child care services managed by qualified individuals
- Healthcare: A 24-hour clinic and dedicated ambulance services are provided for students
- Hair and Beauty Salons: Hair salons and barbershops are situated on the campus
- Entertainment: There are regular fairs, concerts and festivals organised to provide creative distractions for students. Some of the recent events hosted by UoS included trips to Spain, student-directed plays, festivals, concerts and more
- Special Needs Resource Centre: The Resource Center for students with special needs is a co-operative venture between the UoS and the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS). Its goal is to make classrooms and academic opportunities accessible for disabled students.
- Student Success Center: The centre offers social and academic guidance to help students with various issues. This is done via two offices — the Personal and Social Advising Office and the Student Support Office
- Getting Around: All students are provided with free transport in air-conditioned shuttle buses for travel to different locations and districts in the city. Additionally, buses and golf carts are also available for getting around campus.
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
Global Programmes
Apart from the aforementioned academic offerings and activities, the UoS provides these global programmes for the benefit of students and faculty members:
Student Exchange Programme
The University of Sharjah accommodates students from over 100 nationalities. The institute’s Office of International Relations provides exchange opportunities for those who wish to study or intern at the university as part of their degrees. To provide the best service, the UoS is part of the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) network. Students interested in signing up for the programme can do so by visiting the university’s official website.
Faculty Exchange Programme
Apart from its student exchange programme, the Office of International Relations (OIR) facilitates mobility between the UoS and its global partners. International faculties are also welcome to join their research groups.
For more information about the exchange programmes, please contact the OIS department:
- OIS Contact: +971-6-516-6034
- Email: OIR@sharjah.ac.ae
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Can students register online?
New students or those on academic probation are not allowed to register online. However, students who continue their studies at the UoS may register online via the institute’s website.
Who can students speak to about academic or personal affairs?
The departments at UoS assigns 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.
What are student levels at the university?
The University of Sharjah categorises students according to these levels:
- Freshman: Students who haven’t completed more than 30 credit hours
- Sophomore: Students who have completed 31 to 64 credit hours
- Junior: Students who have completed 65 to 98 credit hours
- Senior: Students who have completed 99 to 130 credit hours
- Senior: Students who have completed 131 credit hours or more
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 at 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 looking for more academic opportunities in the country may try applying for the top scholarships in the UAE or check out what the best universities in Dubai.
Stay tuned to MyBayut for more updates on academic opportunities in the UAE.
