Will my graduate program 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).

Furthermore:

The College of Business is internationally accredited with the:

• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

The College of Education is accredited by the:

• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) 

Some of the College of Technological Innovation's undergraduate programs are accreditated with the: 

• Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)

Are Zayed University's graduate degree programs approved in the U.A.E.?

Zayed University's graduate degree programs are approved by the U.A.E. Ministry of Education.

What is the duration of a graduate degree program?
In general, a graduate degree program is delivered over a period of four semesters with a duration of approximately 24 months.

Are the on-site part (in-classroom instruction) of graduate degree programs delivered in Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
See Key Dates  for more information on the location for offering graduate degree programs.

What is the medium of instruction?

The majority of graduate degree programs are offered in English.

The Masters in Diplomacy and International Affairs program is offered in Arabic and English.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Judicial Studies program is offered in Arabic.

What are the class sizes?
The size of each cohort is normally limited to 30 participants.

What are the start dates of graduate programs?
Cohort start dates are scheduled each year for August (Fall intake) and February (Spring intake). 

Who in the University may I contact for academic advice on a specific graduate degree program?
 Please contact the the relevant College at +971-2-599-3605 to speak to a College Graduate Program Coordinator.

Admission

Is graduate degree program admission open to males and females of all nationalities? 
Yes.

Admission Deadlines

When can I apply for admission to a graduate degree program?
Application deadlines are posted on the website: http://www.zu.ac.ae/main/en/graduate_programs/Admission_Fees.aspx (usually at end May and end November each year).

Admission Prerequisites

What are the prerequisites for admission to a graduate degree program?
The prerequisites include the following:

• An earned four-year baccalaureate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher from an accredited university.
• Executive Master degree applicants must demonstrate suitable professional proficiency equivalent to at least three years of mid- to upper-level supervisory experience. Applicants must demonstrate disciplinary competence.
• Executive Master in Business Administration and Master of Science (M.S.) in Finance degree applicants are required to have a basic knowledge of accounting, economics, finance and statistics prior to gaining entry into the master's degree program. Applicants may therefore be required to successfully complete appropriate pre-program courses at the discretion of the Program Admissions Committee. Applicants requiring pre-program courses are subject to an additional fee.Students who have successfully completed the equivalent courses at institutions at the tertiary level may be exempted from this requirement.
• Applicants for master's degree programs requiring specialized disciplinary knowledge at the baccalaureate level may be required to successfully complete selected pre-program courses. Applicants requiring pre-program courses are subject to an additional fee. 
• An IELTS (academic) score of 6.0 (the College of Education requires minimum sub scores no less than 5.0) or a TOEFL internet-based total score of 79.

Admission Requirements

• Completed, signed and online submitted application for graduate program admission
• A receipt of the payment of the non-refundable application fee of AED 420
• 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 the IELTS or TOEFL test result
• Two confidential letters of recommendation
• 250-word essay (The graduate degree programs in Education require 2 essays) in English (or in Arabic for graduate programs offered in Arabic)
• Writing sample in English (Master of Arts (M.A.) in Communications and Masters in Diplomacy and International Affairs degree)
• Current resume in English (The resume should clearly indicate work/professional experience ands educational milestones)
• Passport copy
• UAE ID card copy (UAE residents)
• A passport-size photo

English Language Requirements

Does Zayed University accepts the TOEFL or the IELTS test score?
Zayed University accepts any one of the two English language test scores.

Will Zayed University accept IELTS/TOEFL scores of more than two years ago?
An English language proficiency test result is normally considered valid if the tests were taken no more than two years prior to the admission deadline date of the graduate program you are applying for.

When is the English proficiency exam likely to be waived?
If you are holding a baccalaureate degree from a university in which English is the language of instruction and which is located in a country where the principal language is English.

Official Transcript

Should my offical transcript in Arabic be translated into English?
Yes.

UAE Ministry of Education Equivalency Letter

Should my foreign degree be recognized by the U.A.E. Ministry of Education in order to apply for admission to a graduate program?
Yes.

Essays

What should the 250-word essay in English include?
The 250-word essay in English should state how the graduate program would support your career goals. Handwritten essays will not be accepted.

The Education programs require two essays in English as part of the application. What should these two essays include?

• 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 graduate program in 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 or graduate certificate.

Limit each essay to two print pages using 12 pt. font.

Writing Sample 

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Communication programs requires a writing sample in English. What document should I include in my application form?
A report or an academic essay.

Two Recommendation Letters

From whom should I request the two recommendation letters?
Applicants must submit online the names of two referees who will write the confidential letters of recommendation in English (or in Arabic for Arabic language programs) on their behalf. One letter should be from their current line manager or supervisor. An applicant who does not have work experience may provide two academic letters of reference. The second letter should preferably be from a teacher or other education provider.

Supporting Documents

Should the supporting documents to be in English?
Applicants applying for the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Judicial Studies programs may submit their resumes, two recommendation letters and 250-word essay in Arabic. Official translations of all other supporting documents must be certified as true copies.

Applicants applying for graduate programs other than the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Judicial Studies programs must submit all supporting documents in English. Official translations of all supporting documents must be certified as true copies.

Document Submission

Submit your application for graduate program admission online.

Admissions Interview

When will the admissions interview be scheduled?
Upon receiving your completed Application for Graduate Program Admission form, all supporting documents and the non-refundable application fee, the Admissions Office will conduct a preliminary screening to determine if you are eligible for an admissions interview in English (or in Arabic for graduate programs offered in Arabic) with the Graduate Program Admissions Committee.

Admission Offers

Will I receive a formal admission offer?
Yes. Applicants meeting the general program admission requirements, who are recommended by the Graduate Program Admissions Committee and approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies will be notified of the status of their admission via their official Zayed University e-mail address. Program admission is confirmed on payment of the non-refundable cohort registration fee. Fully admitted students will be registered for all required program courses.

What are the requirements for conditional admission?

Applicants to graduate degree programs offered in English meeting one of the following English language requirements are eligible for conditional admission:

• an IELTS (Academic) overall band score of not less than 5.5, or
• an internet-based TOEFL total score of not less than 71 iBT.

Conditionally admitted students must have an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited university with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 point scale (or equivalent). Applicants to graduate degree programs requiring preprogram preparatory courses to demonstrate disciplinary competence may be eligible for conditional admission.

Conditionally admitted students:

• not meeting the program admission language requirements will be registered on a course-by-course basis;
• meeting the program admission language requirements prior to registration in the 4th program course will be granted admission to the program;
• not meeting the program admission language requirements prior to registration in the 4th program course are subject to dismissal;
• not meeting the program admission language requirements is confirmed on payment of designated tuition fees;
• are not eligible for provisional admission.
• Conditional admission for students not meeting the program admission language requirements is confirmed on payment of designated tuition fees. 

What are the requirements for provisional admission?

Applicants to graduate degree programs with an earned baccalaureate degree with a grade point average not less than 2.5 on a 4.0 point scale (or equivalent) from an accredited university may be eligible for provisional admission.

For programs taught in English, provisionally admitted students must meet one of the following English language requirements:

• an IELTS (Academic) overall band score of not less than 6.0, or
• an internet-based TOEFL total score of not less than 79 iBT, or
• a native speaker of English with an earned baccalaureate degree from a university in which English is the language of instruction and which is located in a country where English is an official language.

Provisionally admitted students:

• will be registered on a course-by-course basis;
• maintaining a GPA of at least 3.0 after completing at least 9 credit hours of graduate study will be granted admission to the program;
• maintaining a GPA less than 3.0 after completing at least 9 credit hours of graduate study are subject to dismissal;
• are not eligible for conditional admission.
• Provisional admission is confirmed on payment of designated tuition fees.

Admissions Offer Withdrawal

Zayed University may withdrawn an admissions offer made on the basis of incomplete or inaccurate information supplied by the applicant.

Deferment

Can I defer my offered place on the program?
On recommendation of the Graduate Program Admissions Committee, Zayed University may permit deferment of an offered place for up to one year. A student must request a deferred admission by notifying the Graduate Studies Deanship in writing prior to the deadline for course withdrawal (seven calendar days after course commencement).

Is attendance of the orientation seminar compulsory?
Yes.

Is the attendance of in-classroom instruction compulsory?
Yes.

What is the program cost of an Executive Master degree program?
In general, the program cost of an Executive Master's degree program is AED 128,000

What is the program cost of a Master of Arts degree program?
In general, the program cost of a Master of Arts degree program (except the Masters in Diplomacy and International Affairs) is AED 96,000

What is the program cost of a Master of Education degree program?
In general, the program cost of a Master of Education degree program is AED 84,000

What is the program cost of a Master of Science degree program?
In general, the program cost of a Master of Science degree program is AED 96,000

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.

What items are included in the program cost?
The program cost includes the orientation seminar, tuition fees, text books, course notes, access to library facilities and computing services, and the graduation ceremony.

Do I need a laptop computer?
Yes.

What is the non-refundable application fee?
AED 420 is due with the application.

Is a down payment required to hold my place in the program?
A non-refundable down payment of ten percent (10%) of the total tuition fee is required within 5 working days after you have received your admissions letter to guarantee enrolment in the program.

What is the payment procedure?
A non-refundable cohort registration fee of ten percent (10%) of the total tuition fee must be paid within 5 working days after you have received your admissions letter to guarantee enrolment in the program.

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.

What are the payment methods?

Zayed University accepts payment by cash, cheque, debit or credit card and E-dirham.

Cash payments may be made at the Cashier's Office, Dubai campus or alternatively at the Cashier's Office, Khalifa City campus, Abu Dhabi. The Cashier's Offices are open Sunday-Thursday from 8:00-16:00.

Students can view their tuition fee balances and pay their outstanding tuition fees directly on Blackboard at http://learn.zu.ac.ae Click on “View and Pay Tuition Fees”. For assistance regarding tuition fees, please email ar@zu.ac.ae

Bank to bank transfer is allowed.

Who do I contact if there is a discrepancy in my invoice?
Discrepancies in invoices should be addressed in writing to Graduate Studies Deanship. Include your name, name of program, student identification number, amount in question and date of invoice.

Is VAT applicable on tuition fees? 
All tuition fees are including VAT in line with the requirements of the Federal Decree Law No. 08 of 2017 and its Executive Regulations. 

Graduate Merit Scholarships

In addition to external financial awards, Zayed University offers limited financial support for registered students in its graduate degree programs in the form of scholarships, assistantships and benefits.

A scholarship is a non-service award made to graduate students to assist in the pursuit of an advanced degree. An assistantship is an appointment to specified compensated teaching and/or research duties. 

The following are financial support that Zayed University along with external organizations offer in the form of scholarships and assistantships:

Zayed University Scholarships and Assistantships

• Graduate Merit Scholarships 
• Zayed University Alumni Graduate Scholarships
• Graduate Teaching and Research Assistantships (GTA and GRA)
• Zayed University Employee Graduate Education Scholarships

External Scholarships

• ICT Fund

Please see the website http://www.zu.ac.ae/main/en/graduate_programs/Grad_Stud_Support.aspx for more information on graduate student support.

For more information on the opening hours and services provided by the libraries on the Abu Dhabi and Dubai campuses, please visit the website: http://zu.libguides.com/content.php?pid=125477&sid=1077799

What are the graduation requirements for a graduate degree program?
To complete a graduate degree program, students must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in course work taken in fulfillment of the requirements of a graduate degree.