A complete guide to Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, alongside the other emirates, has put in tremendous effort to boosting the education landscape. By welcoming international universities and facilitating local institutes, Abu Dhabi’s educational sector attracts students seeking a rigorous yet exciting college life. One university that offers all this and more is Khalifa University Abu Dhabi.
All About Khalifa University Abu Dhabi
World-class education, cutting-edge research and exceptional opportunities – these are the few phrases one can use to describe Khalifa Univeristy Abu Dhabi. Founded in 2007, the institute focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and research. Those who want to pursue higher studies and a career in aerospace engineering, nuclear engineering and renewable energy can enrol in undergraduate and graduate programs offered here.
Adding another feather to its cap, Khalifa University Abu Dhabi jumped 28 positions from 211th in the 2021 rankings to 183rd in the QS World University Rankings 2022, becoming the first university in the UAE to become a top world 200 university. Achievements like these have ensured the institute deservedly features on the list of best universities in Abu Dhabi.
Here are some of the university’s research achievements in numbers:
- Over 200 patents issued
- More than 475 invention disclosures
- 8,000+ articles published
- Published more than 4,480 conference papers
- Over 400 books and chapters published
- 100,00 plus citations
- 35% of publications included in the top 10% of scientific journals
Programmes Offered at the Khalifa University of Science and Technology Abu Dhabi
For your undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees, you can enrol in one of the colleges at Khalifa University Abu Dhabi UAE:
- College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- College of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences
All Khalifa University Abu Dhabi courses have received accreditation from the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Accreditation attests to the overall quality of the individual degree programs.
Undergraduate Programmes
- Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering Systems And Management
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
- Bachelor of Science in Physics
- Bachelor of Science in Earth and Planetary Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics, Statistics and Data Science
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology
MINORS OFFERED BY KHALIFA UNIVERSITY
- Minor in Artificial Intelligence
- Minor in Biotechnology
- Minor in Energy Transition
- Minor in General Business
- Minor In Mathematics
- Minor in Nuclear Engineering
- Minor in Renewable and Sustainable Energy
KU Abu Dhabi undergraduate students may also enrol in the Accelerated Master of Science Program to start earning credits toward their Master’s degree while pursuing their Bachelor’s degree.
Graduate Programmes
- Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
- Master of Science in Chemical Engineering
- Master of Science in Civil and Infrastructural Engineering
- Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Master of Science in Engineering Systems and Management
- Master of Science in Health Systems Management
- Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering
- Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering
- Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering
- Master of Science in Water and Environmental Engineering
- Master of Engineering in Health, Safety and Environmental Engineering
- Master of Science in Applied Chemistry
- Master of Science in Medical Physics
- Master of Science in Petroleum Geosciences
- Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering
- Master of Science in Molecular Life Sciences
- Master of Science in Computational Data Science
- Master of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Cyber Security
- Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Master of Science in Applied Mathematics
- Master of Arts in International and Civil Security (offered to UAE Nationals only)
Postgraduate Degrees
- Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering
- Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry
- Doctor of Philosophy in Earth Sciences
- Doctor of Philosophy in Physics
- Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering
- Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics
- Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering
- Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Life Sciences
Life at Khalifa University UAE
While challenging coursework keeps the mind stimulated, a variety of student clubs and sporting activities bring students a respite from their daily routine.
Student Council
Khalifa University Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates strongly believes in students’ participation in the governance of the institute. The elected students act as the official voice of the student body, representing their needs, concerns and ideas to faculty, administration and other stakeholders.
Student Clubs
Student-led clubs are an integral part of the learning process at Khalifa University. These clubs complement the academic experience while allowing students to pursue their passion outside of the classroom.
As a student at Khalifa University Abu Dhabi, you can be a part of the following clubs:
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation Club
- Motorsports Club
- Sustainability Club
- Artificial intelligence Club
- Life Sciences Club
- Chess Club
- Zero Club
- Car Club
- Earth and Planetary C;ub
- Honours Club
- Model United Nations
- E-gaming Club
- Astronomy Club
- Jjang (Korean) Club
- Literature Club
- Volunteering Club
- Journalism Club
- Chinses Club
- The Cultural Diversity and Tolerance Club
- Healthy Life Club
- Palestinian Culutre Club
- The Desi Club
- Club? (solving puzzles, etc)
- Entertainment Club
- Sports Club
- UAE Club
- Debate Club
- Art and Music Club
- KU Photography Club
- Theatre Club
- KU Physics Club
Events and Programmes
Other than these clubs, there’s a plethora of opportunities for students to participate in various events or be a part of an association. The university organises sports events, intercollegiate tournaments, seminars, workshops, career fairs and international days.
Abu Dhabi Khalifa University Campus Facilities
As of now, Khalifa University has two campuses, both in the capital city. Let’s take a look at the facilities available on both the campuses.
Khalifa University Main Campus
Nestled at the vibrant intersection of Al Saada St. and Old Airport Rd. on Abu Dhabi Island lies the KU Main Campus, the central hub of Khalifa University. This expansive domain, covering over 135,000 square meters, serves as the administrative nerve centre and academic foundation for the entire university community.
This campus houses 105 laboratories, including state-of-the-art aerospace and underwater robotics labs, 72 classrooms, a sports centre, retail and food outlets, and multi-story parking.
The academic sports centre, which is housed over four stories, consists of separate men’s and women’s facilities featuring cardiovascular and weight lifting equipment, fitness studios, and courts for basketball, squash, volleyball and badminton. You will also find a 200-meter-long pedestrian walkway called the Creative Spine.
Moreover, students can make the most of a library, a clinic, a student hub with a dining room and numerous cafes and restaurants.
Khalifa University Sas Al Nakhl Campus
Khalifa University Sas campus Abu Dhabi is located near the Maqta Bridge, which connects Abu Dhabi Island to the mainland. This campus hosts the ADNOC Research and Innovation Center (ADRIC), a state-of-the-art research facility comprising 39 labs.
Sas Al Nakh campus features housing for students as well. There are six hostel buildings for male students, while female students reside off-campus at the Umm Lulu Housing Complex. All student dormitories are equipped with Wi-Fi and internet, cleaning services and 24-hour security.
The Satah building has a dining facility that serves three meals a day and a similar outlet is open to the female students in Arzanah building serving two meals a day. You’ll also find cafeterias in Bu Hasa and Habshan buildings. All of these outlets serve an a la carte menu, breakfast and lunch buffets.
Furthermore, one will find two libraries here with an extensive collection of books, journals and periodicals. In addition, the campus also has a first-aid clinic to treat emergencies.
Scholarships
Before we list down various grants awarded by the university, you should know that KU is one of the universities to offer top scholarship programmes in the UAE!
Khalifa University and its partners offer several undergraduate scholarships to both Emirati and international students. These include:
- Khalifa University Scholarship
- ADNOC Scholarship Program
- Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) Scholarship “Betha”
- UAE Nuclear Energy Scholarship Program (ENEC & FANR)
- National Electronic Security Authority (NESA) – Tamayuz Scholarship Program
- The Future Teachers Scholarship
Khalifa University offers partial and full scholarships to eligible UAE resident undergraduate students. For postgraduate students, KU awards full scholarships to all admitted Emirati and international students.
FAQs About Khalifa University Abu Dhabi UAE
How much does it cost to study at Khalifa University?
For a full fee structure, you can contact the admission department, but here’s a breakdown of fee per credit hour for different programmes:
- The undergraduate programme: AED 2,500
- The Master’s programme: AED 5,000
- The Doctorate programme: AED 6,666
What GPA would I need to be accepted to study Master’s degree at KU?
For a Master’s degree, applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 out of 4.0 or its equivalent.
Can I transfer from another university to Khalifa University?
You will have to meet the admission requirements for the degree you would like to pursue for a successful transfer. In addition, students will have to submit an official copy of their transcript(s) along with the other admission documents for evaluation. However, no credit hours will be transferred if the candidate is accepted.
Where is the best place to live in Abu Dhabi as a student?
If you have successfully secured a place in one of the universities in Abu Dhabi, consider renting out a place in these popular areas for students to live in Abu Dhabi: Al Nahyan, Khalifa City A, Mussafah, etc.
Where is Khalifa University Abu Dhabi located?
Khalifa University Abu Dhabi’s location falls on the intersection of Al Saada St. and Old Airport Rd. on Abu Dhabi Island while another campus is situated in the Sas Al Nakhl community.
You can also contact them at +971-2-312-3333.
With this, we reach the end of our Khalifa Univeristy Abu Dhabi UAE guide. If you want to pursue higher education in the STEM field in Dubai, check out this list of top engineering colleges and universities in Dubai.
For students living in Al Ain, we have compiled a list of top universities in Al Ain. Similarly, students in the northern emirates graduating from high school and looking forward to college life should check out these best universities in Ajman.
