FAQs
About Zayed University
When was Zayed University established?
Zayed University was established in 1998 by the federal government of the United Arab Emirates to prepare leaders who will foresee the possibilities and capture the opportunities that will create the future of the United Arab Emirates. The university has campuses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai led by a single administration.
Zayed University takes pride in being named after the Founder and First President of the United Arab Emirates, the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan.
When did Zayed University first introduce graduate programs?
The Executive Masters in Business Administration (EMBA) program was first delivered in 2001. Building on the success of the EMBA program, the Executive Masters in Health Care Administration (EMHCA) and the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership programs were launched in 2004. The Executive Masters in Public Administration (EMPA) program commenced in 2007.
Graduate programs in information and cyber security, international business, and tourism communication were introduced in 2008 and the Graduate Certificate in Diplomacy and International Affairs in 2009. The Graduate Certificate in Library and Archival Science program will commence delivery in February 2010.
Approval of Graduate Programs
Are Zayed University's graduate programs approved in the U.A.E.?
Zayed University's graduate programs are approved by the U.A.E. Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Are Zayed University's graduate programs approved in the GCC countries?
Zayed University's graduate programs are approved by the Ministries of Higher Education in the GCC countries.
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International Accreditation
Will my degree be internationally recognized?
Zayed University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA (267-284-5000). This means its programs, and your degree, are recognized internationally as coming from a quality-assured university.
Furthermore, the College of Business Sciences is a candidate for:
- AACSB International (The US-based Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business); and
- AMBA (The Association of MBAs, based in the UK).
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Partner Universities
What is the involvement of partner universities in the delivery of graduate programs?
The participation of partner universities allows graduate programs to select experts in their respective fields of study who bring a depth of knowledge and an emphasis on practical application, both of which are essential to creating a relevant masters program.
Partner universities are involved in the curriculum design of graduate programs. Select members of their faculties also teach in the graduate programs.
Upon completion of my degree, will I be granted with a certificate from Zayed University and/or a certificate from the partner university?
The degree will be granted by Zayed University. The certificate will mention the name of the partner university as contributing to the program.
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Faculty
From which countries are Zayed University's faculty recruited ?
Zayed University's faculty are recruited from around the world for their teaching expertise and scholarly accomplishments. Faculty teaching on the graduate programs have earned doctorates from Western universities.
Is your faculty fulltime?
Zayed University's faculty teaching on graduate programs are employed fulltime by the university.
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Graduate Programs
What is the duration of a masters program?
A masters program is delivered over a period of 24 months.
What is the duration of a graduate certificate program?
A graduate certificate programs is delivered over a period of 9 months.
Are the on-site part of graduate programs delivered in Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
The decision concerning the venue for the delivery of the on-site part of the graduate programs depends on where the majority of applications have been derived from.
What is the medium of instruction?
The medium of instruction is English.
What is a cohort?
A cohort is a group of students who start and finish the program at the same time, taking the same courses throughout the entire program.
How many cohort intakes are there per program per year?
There is generally one cohort intake per program per year.
What are the class sizes?
To ensure a quality education, no more than 30 students will be accepted in each cohort.
What are the starting dates of the graduate programs?
New cohorts generally begin when the number of applications meets the minimum required.
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Program Structure
What is the program structure of a masters degree?
The curriculum generally consists of 12 courses for a total of 36 credits for a masters degree. Some of the programs require a capstone seminar or an independent research project as part of the curriculum.
What is the program structure of a graduate certificate?
The curriculum consists of 4 courses for a total of 12 credits for a graduate certificate.
What is the difference between a specialist masters program and an EMBA program?
A specialist masters program such as a Master of Science program is an in-depth program focusing on a particular function, which can assist to make you an expert, or further develop your expertise in this area. An EMBA is a general management program which will give you a broader overview of how organizations work, and will assist you to change direction or move into a more senior management role.
Can you please provide me with more details re. the orientation seminar?
At the beginning of the program, students take an intensive one-day orientation seminar. The orientation offers a number of workshops to introduce students to the program, in which students are introduced to Blackboard (virtual classroom software), case study and analysis, library resources, and the writing of reports, and reference citations.
Is attendance of the orientation seminar compulsory?
The attendance of the orientation seminar is compulsory.
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Course Delivery Format
What is the course delivery format?
In general, the format for delivering the graduate programs is designed to minimize time away from work and family while maximizing interaction with fellow students and faculty. Faculty members utilize a mix of on-site and off-site delivery systems that demonstrate the flexibility needed to accommodate working graduates.
All courses in the Master of Arts in Communications (Specialization in Tourism Communication), Master of Education (Specialization in Educational Leadership) and Master of Science in Information Technology (Specialization in Cyber Security) programs are taught on campus.
On which days and at what times is the in-classroom instruction for the Executive Masters degree programs (EMBA, EMHCA and EMPA) conducted?
The in-classroom instruction for each course is conducted every six and one-half weeks on Thursday, Friday and Saturday in full day sessions.
Is the attendance of these workshops compulsory?
On time attendance at workshops is compulsory for each course undertaken. This is a requirement that is stressed at the initial interview. Failure to attend, in almost every case, requires that enrollment in the course be deferred until the next delivery is scheduled. In the past, students have found that making up a course is extremely difficult, especially if they must manage two courses at one time.
In the very rare instances that attendance is impossible; any discussions surrounding this must be with the Office of Graduate Studies and not with the instructor. Approval to miss a workshop day will be only given in writing.
It has to be noted that family holidays and work trips are not considered grounds for missing a workshop. The workshops are seen as a critical part of course delivery and fundamental to the acceptance of the various graduate programs by our international partners and accrediting bodies.
Could you please give me more information about the additional off-site lectures?
Additional off-site lectures are provided on CDs. Blackboard customized courseware, with e-mail and course management features, is used to deliver the offsite computer-based portion of the curriculum. Portions of some courses involve videoconferencing.
Will I receive support from faculty in between the workshops?
Students and faculty interact frequently to exchange e-mail, transfer files, submit papers, and access course materials in the form of PowerPoint slides during courses.
Will I receive a time table before the commencement of the program?
Students will receive a time table before the commencement of the program to plan their professional and personal lives accordingly.
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Admission
Will I, as a male applicant, be accepted into Zayed University's graduate programs?
Admission to graduate programs is open to males and females of all nationalities.
When can I apply for admission to a graduate program?
Applications may be made at any time throughout the year. However, early application will allow us to process your application more efficiently and give your application the priority it deserves.
I would like to enroll in a course after the commencement of the program. Will this be possible?
It depends on the specific program you want to join. For certain programs, you may be allowed to commence your program no later than the second course.
What is required for a complete application?
- Completed application form
- Non-refundable application fee of AED 400
- Current resume
- Official academic transcript with translation in English (if necessary) indicating degree received and when
- A letter from the U.A.E. Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, recognizing your degree if it was awarded by a foreign university
- A certified copy of your IELTS or TOEFL test result
- Sponsorship letter (in a sealed envelope signed across the flap) (if applicable)
- Two confidential letters of recommendation (in sealed envelopes signed across the flaps)
- 250-word essay
- Writing sample (Master of Arts degree applicants)
- A certified copy of academic transcript, including final results for all courses (if applying for academic credit)
- Detailed course outlines (if applying for academic credit)
- Passport copy
- Two passport-size photos
What are the prerequisites for admission to a graduate program?
The prerequisites include the following:
- A four-year baccalaureate degree with a GPA of 2.5 or higher from an accredited university.
- In addition, the Executive Masters degree programs (EMBA, EMHCA and EMPA) require at least three years of mid- to upper-level management experience.
- Executive Masters in Business Administration, Master of Science in Finance and Master of Science in International Business degree applicants are required to have a basic knowledge of accounting, finance, economics and statistics prior to gaining entry into the main masters program. Applicants may therefore be required to successfully complete appropriate pre-program courses at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. Students who have completed the equivalent courses at other institutions will be exempted from this requirement.
- An IELTS score of 5.50 or a TOEFL paper-based score of 550 (computer-based score of 213 or an internet-based score of 79) is required, if English is not the applicant's native language.
What does the cumulative grade point average (GPA) refer to?
A grade point average is calculated to represent numerically a student's quality of academic performance.
How is my cumulative GPA calculated?
Your cumulative GPA is calculated by dividing the total amount of grade points earned by the total amount of credit hours attempted. Your cumulative grade point average may range from 0.0 to a 4.0.
My transcript does not indicate a cumulative GPA. Who can assist me to calculate my cumulative GPA?
There are several online GPA calculators to assist you to calculate your cumulative GPA. Alternatively, the Office of Graduate Studies may assist you in calculating your cumulative GPA.
Does Zayed University prefer the TOEFL or the IELTS test score?
Zayed University accepts any one of the two English language test scores.
What does TOEFL refer to?
The TOEFL® test (TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGETM) measures the ability of non-native speakers of English to use and understand English as it is spoken, written, and heard in college and university settings. The TOEFL test is not a test that you can pass or fail.
TOEFL® PBT (Paper-Based Testing): a paper-based version of the TOEFL test, it measures listening, reading and writing competencies of the candidate.
TOEFL® iBT (Internet-Based Testing): an Internet-based version of the TOEFL test that incorporates an integrated-skills approach to simulate real-life academic situations, it measures all 4 language skills (reading, listening, writing and speaking).
What does IELTS refer to?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a test of English language proficiency, developed by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate. IELTS is not a test that you can pass or fail. The test has four components - Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. You will receive a band score for each component as well as a global band score.
Does Zayed University prefer the academic or general IELTS test score?
There are two different IELTS tests that you can do: Academic or General. Zayed University accepts any one of the two English language test scores. However, you have to bear in mind that if you are interested in studying at a university in an English speaking country upon completion of your studies at Zayed University, you will need to take the academic version of IELTS.
I have completed my IELTS/TOEFL score more than two years ago. Will Zayed University accept this English language test score?
Yes.
Will Zayed University assist me with administrative arrangements to write the IELTS or TOEFL Test at an external institution?
No. You have to contact an IELTS or TOEFL registered institution to arrange for the test to be written.
When is the English language exam likely to be waived?
If the applicant has a baccalaureate degree from a university in which English is the language of instruction and the university is located in a country where the principal language is English, the exam will likely be waived.
My transcript is in Arabic. Should the transcript be translated into English?
Transcripts in Arabic should be translated into English. The transcript should indicate the degree and when it was received. If it does not include this information, an official diploma must be submitted.
My degree is awarded by a foreign university. Should my degree be recognized by the U.A.E. Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in order to apply for admission to a graduate program?
If the degree is awarded by a foreign university, a letter from the U.A.E. Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research recognizing the degree must be submitted.
What should the 250-word essay cover?
The 250-word essay should state what the degree would mean to your career.
The Master of Education degree programs require two essays as part of the application. What should these two essays cover?
- Describe your aptitude and motivation for graduate study in education, 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 Master of Education of your choice. Please include any educational, familial, cultural, economic or social experiences, challenges, or opportunities relevant to your wish to continue your education. Discuss how you might contribute to the improvement of education and how you might serve education with your degree.
The Master of Arts degree programs require a writing sample. What document should I include in my application form?
Preferably a technical document such as a report. An academic essay is also acceptable.
Could you please provide me with more details re. the letter of sponsorship from the employer?
There are two types of organizational support: one is support for the endeavour itself, that is, recognizing that the applicant will be required to invest considerable time to complete the program and supporting the candidate's efforts to pursue the degree. The other one is financial. It is not necessary to obtain financial support from the employer. However, financial support of the applicant's effort to enhance his/her value to the organization is a statement of commitment by the employer. The letter must be sealed and signed across the flap.
From whom should I request the two recommendation letters?
One letter might be from your current line manager/supervisor. The other letter might be from a colleague or other individual with whom you have worked. Letters from former teachers or professors are also eligible in this case. Similarly, an applicant who does not have work experience can substitute with a reference letter from a former teacher. Both letters must be sealed and signed across the flap.
Which questions and points should be addressed in the two letters of recommendation?
- How long have you known the applicant and in what capacity?
- What do you consider to be the applicant's primary strengths and weaknesses?
- Comment on the applicant's interpersonal skills.
- Comment on the applicant's potential for career success after completing the degree.
- The applicant will be expected to do well, both on the job and in a demanding academic program. Comment on his/her ability to handle these multiple tasks.
- Discuss the applicant's ability to work on team oriented tasks. On a scale of one to ten (one being the lowest and ten the highest), how would you rate the applicant's current overall leadership ability?
Should the supporting documents to be in English?
Yes. Official translations of all documents must be provided and certified as true copies.
Does Zayed University accept copies of documents?
Yes. Although copies of documents are preferred to the originals, the copies must be certified as true originals.
Can I mail, scan, email and/or fax my application and/or supporting documents to Zayed University?
Office of Graduate Studies
Zayed University
P.O. Box 4783
Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
Tel: +971-2-599-3331
Fax: +971-2-446-7443
Email: gradadmin@zu.ac.ae
Although copies of documents are preferred to the originals, the copies must be certified as true originals.
Is an interview required?
A successful interview in English with the Admissions Committee is required in order to confirm interest in the program and academic preparedness.
When will Zayed University contact me re. the date for the interview?
Once you have submitted your application, you will be contacted by the College generally within a week re. the date and time for your interview with the Admissions Committee.
Once I have submitted my application, when will I get a decision?
You will be notified of the decision generally within two weeks of submitting your application.
Can I defer my offered place on the program?
In certain circumstances, Zayed University will permit deferment of an offered place for up to one year. Applicants will only be permitted to defer if they have paid the non-refundable tuition deposit.
Can I apply for academic credit for previous graduate studies?
Zayed University may provide credit for previous graduate studies. Courses must have been successfully completed at a recognized tertiary institution and the courses must meet the requirements of the Zayed University degree.
Students who wish to transfer course credits from accredited institutions will undergo an evaluation of the proposed transfer course material and assignments by the Office of Graduate Studies.
For how many academic credits can I apply?
Grades do not transfer in from other institutions; only credit hours. Only courses in which the student has received grades of "B" (GPA 3.0) or better will be considered for transfer. Only a minimum of 6 credit hours (two courses of three credits each) can be transferred for any given student.
When do I have to apply for academic credit for previous graduate studies?
Any application for credit transfer must be made at the time of admission to the program or before the commencement of the second course of the graduate program.
What documents must I provide in order to have my academic credit application assessed?
- A certified copy of the academic transcript, including the final results for all relevant courses; and
- Full course outlines for each of the relevant courses completed.
What type of student attends Zayed University's Executive Masters degree programs (EMBA, EMHCA and EMPA) ?
Our Executive Masters degree students are experienced professionals from the private and public industry with a minimum of three years work experience. On average, the Executive Masters degree students are 30 years old and have six years industry experience.
What are the profile and the mix of Zayed University's Executive Masters degree programs (EMBA, EMHCA and EMPA)?
Our Executive Masters degree students are mature, highly motivated participants with significant achievements to their credit and excellent interpersonal skills.
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Graduation Requirements
What are the graduation requirements for a masters program?
To complete a masters program, students must
- Maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in course work taken in fulfillment of the requirements of a graduate degree.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required before graduation can occur.
- Courses with a grade of a "C" may be repeated in order to increase the GPA and fulfill graduation requirements.
What are the requirements to successfully complete a graduate certificate program?
To complete a graduate certificate program, students must
- Maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in course work taken in fulfillment of the requirements of a graduate certificate program.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required before graduation can occur.
- Courses with a grade of a "C" may be repeated in order to increase the GPA and fulfill graduation requirements.
What are the requirements to articulate from a graduate certificate program to a masters program?
Courses successfully completed with a "B" or better grade may be transferable into a subsequent Zayed University masters program; however, admission into the graduate certificate program does not guarantee admission into a masters program.
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Program Cost
What is the program cost of an Executive Masters program?
In general, the program cost of an Executive Masters program is AED 128,000.
What is the program cost of a Master of Science program?
In general, the program cost of a Master of Science program (except the Master of Science in International Business program) is AED 96,000.
What is the program cost of a graduate certificate program?
In general, the program cost of a graduate certificate program (except the Graduate Certificate in Tourism Communication and Library and Archival Science programs) is AED 40,000.
What is the program cost for an international student?
The program cost for an international student is the same as the program cost for a domestic student. Accommodation, transport and living expenses are added costs for international students.
What items are included in the program cost?
The program cost includes the introductory workshops, tuition, text books, course notes, laptop computer configuration, access to faculty, access to the library facilities, on-site meals and refreshments, and the graduation ceremony.
Do I need a laptop computer?
Yes. Additional off-site lectures are provided on CDs. Blackboard customized courseware, with e-mail and course management features, is used to deliver the offsite computer-based portion of the curriculum. Students and faculty interact frequently to exchange e-mail, transfer files, submit papers, and access course materials in the form of PowerPoint slides during courses.
What are the minimum laptop computer specifications?
Pentium lll 600 Mhz processor, 8 MB RAM graphics memory, 12 GB hard drive disk, 128 MB RAM memory, 6X DVD, 56K modem, built-in wireless card and WinXP operating system.
What is the application fee?
A non-refundable application fee of AED 400 is due with the application.
Is a down payment required to hold my place in the program?
A down payment of ten percent (10%) of the total tuition fee is required before the commencement of the first course to hold your place in the program.
What are the payment options?
A non-refundable cohort registration fee of ten percent (10%) of the total tuition fee must be paid a minimum of 5 working days before the Orientation Day of the program to guarantee enrolment in the program.
The remaining amount due is payable as follows:
- Twenty five percent (25%) before the start of the fourth course.
- Twenty five percent (25%) before the start of the seventh course.
- Twenty five percent (25%) before the start of the tenth course.
- Twenty five percent (25%) by the end of the last program course.
Students not in compliance with the tuition fee payment schedule are subject to suspension of registration and a AED 500 reinstatement fee.
My organization is paying my tuition fee. What are the payment options?
If the tuition fee is to be paid by your organization, fifty percent (50%) is due at the beginning of the first course, with the remaining fifty percent (50%) due at the beginning of the seventh course. Sponsored students should note that it is their responsibility to ensure that their sponsoring organizations pay tuition fees promptly in accordance with the schedule.
What are the payment methods?
Zayed University accepts payment by cash, check or credit card.
Payment may be made at the Cashier's Office (Dubai campus) or at the Office of Graduate Studies, North Campus, Abu Dhabi.
Checks returned for any reason or deferred or rejected credit card payments are subject to a DH 500 charge.
Do you accept payment by credit card at the Office of Graduate Studies, North Campus, Abu Dhabi?
Credit card payment may be made only at the Cashier's Office, Dubai Campus.
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Scholarships
Are graduate scholarships available?
The Office of Graduate Studies is pleased to announce the introduction of graduate scholarships to all qualified graduate applicants other than Master of Education and Graduate Certificate applicants.
The graduate scholarships are valued at AED 25,000, AED 35,000 and AED 50,000 and are awarded on the basis of academic merit as determined by the grade point average (GPA) from the last 20 courses of an applicant's undergraduate degree.
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Students Visa and Accommodation
I'm a GCC National - do I need a student visa?
No.
Is accommodation available for international students? What about transportation to the campus?
Zayed University does not offer housing or transportation at the moment. Students will need to secure their own residence and transport to both campuses. However, taxis are readily available.
