American University of Sharjah

The American University of Sharjah (AUS) is a private university located in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. It was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, a member of the UAE Supreme Council and the Ruler of Sharjah.

Established with a vision to create a distinctive institution rooted in Islamic history while addressing the modern educational needs of the UAE and the Gulf region, AUS began with 285 students and 30 faculty members. Since its inception, the university has grown substantially and now serves more than 5,000 students from over 94 countries, with a full-time faculty comprising more than 360 members from 48 countries.

AUS offers 26 undergraduate majors and 48 minors, 16 master's degree programs, and a PhD in Engineering Systems Management, organized into three colleges and one school.

The university is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research's Commission for Academic Accreditation and is accredited in the United States by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Among its notable achievements, the AUS Bachelor of Architecture program was the first outside North America to earn accreditation from the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) of the US. AUS emphasizes a broad liberal arts education combined with professional preparation, attracting a diverse international student body. Its campus in University City, Sharjah, features modern facilities including academic buildings, laboratories, workshops, a large sports complex, residential halls, and a well-equipped library.

AUS also serves as the UAE's sole testing center for the Fundamentals of Engineering and Professional Engineering exams. The university gained international recognition through rankings, including a high position among young universities globally and the highest percentage of international students in consecutive years. AUS focuses on academic excellence, research, and community engagement, preparing graduates to be leaders and innovators in the region and beyond.