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Therefore, whether already a resident or contemplating a move for higher education, familiarity with Sharjah's prominent universities and colleges is essential.
The American University of Sharjah (AUS) is the optimal choice for those seeking a high-quality education, comparable to leading international universities. In 2024, AUS maintained its position among the top 10 universities in the Arab region for the ninth consecutive year. This achievement reflects the university’s commitment to excellence, offering academic standards similar to prestigious American universities in fields like business administration, architecture, arts, design, literature, sciences, and engineering.
AUS adopts modern teaching methods, including individual initiative, active learning, and various activities that students can choose from within the campus framework. The AUS campus, located in University City of Sharjah, attracts over 20,000 students. Its strategic location encourages deep engagement with local culture while providing easy access to shopping centres, dining options, entertainment areas, and essential amenities.
Established in 1997, the University of Sharjah (UOS) stands as one of the leading educational institutions in the emirate. The university provides diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in 127 academic programs distributed among 14 colleges, including Sharia and Islamic Studies, Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Business Administration, Sciences, Engineering, Health Sciences, Law, Fine Arts and Design, Communication, Medicine, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy, Computing and Informatics, alongside the College of Graduate Studies.
The university currently employs 668 faculty members and serves over 19,000 students. In addition to UOS’ prioritisation of technology integration, it also offers extensive educational resources, including laboratories and diverse sources of information, to ensure a high-quality education that aligns with global standards.
The UOS campus is located in University City, Muwailh, approximately 12 kilometres from the centre of Sharjah City, conveniently close to Sharjah International Airport.
Skyline University College (SUC), founded in 1990 and situated in University City of Sharjah, offers two primary schools: the School of Business and the School of Computing. Within these, students can pursue majors such as Human Resource Management, Public Administration, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Aviation, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Systems and Information Technology, Marketing, International Business and Accounting, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, and Enterprise Computing.
It is worth noting that this university’s granted certificates hold accreditation from the UAE’s Ministry of Education. Moreover, it has earned a 4-star rating in the QS University Rankings, particularly excelling in teaching and employability (5 stars) as well as academic development (4 stars).
The emirate of Sharjah’s Al Qasimia University (AQU) is an Arab Islamic university established in 2013. It stands out for its esteemed reputation in higher education and scientific research while embracing Islam’s principles, which advocate for openness to the world and encourage development.
The university boasts a diverse student body, comprising 96 different nationalities worldwide. Furthermore, it has obtained academic accreditation from the UAE’s Commission For Academic Accreditation (CAA) for various bachelor’s degree programs, including Bachelor of Quranic Readings, Exegesis and Quran Sciences, Arabic Language and Literature, and Mass Communication. Additionally, it holds membership in esteemed associations and federations, such as the Association of African Universities, the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World, and the Association of Arab Universities.
AQU accommodates various colleges, including Arts and Humanities, Sharia and Islamic Studies, Communication, Holy Quran, and Economics and Management. Additionally, it houses centres like the Language Center, Sharjah Center for Islamic Economy, and Center for Continuing Education and Development.
The university campus integrates Islamic architecture with modern technologies and environmental sustainability, along with various aesthetic elements. It features essential facilities such as student and faculty dormitories, the Islamic Manuscripts House, a mosque, a library, and an auditorium. AQU is situated at the following address: United Arab Emirates – Sharjah – Muweilah – University City.
Established in 1988, the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) is the largest institution for higher education in the UAE, renowned for its practical and technical educational approach. It holds the distinction of being the first educational institute in the country designated as a free economic zone, intended to strengthen its role in preparing and graduating entrepreneurs.
With 16 branches across the country, including two in Sharjah, namely the Sharjah Men’s Campus (SJM) and the Sharjah Women’s Campus (SJW), the institution has significantly expanded its presence.
Both branches are situated in University City, Sharjah, and offer slightly distinct academic programs. SJM, established in 1998, provides courses in business, health sciences, engineering technology and sciences, and computer information science. Meanwhile, SJW, founded in 1997, offers the same aforementioned programs with the addition of education and applied media.
Sharjah Academy of Police Science was founded in 1996 under the direction of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Its mission is to qualify and prepare security forces in Sharjah and the UAE according to international standards, utilising the best and most innovative technologies and practices available.
The academy, which is located in University City, offers a diverse range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs in police sciences, along with various training courses listed on its official website. It also provides field training in “SWAT City”, a facility established in 2020 to simulate special operations scenarios, enabling training on raids, interventions, and other operations.
It is important to note that HTC aims to align itself with the UAE’s future visions and achieve them through its programs. Consequently, it is equipped with the latest technology and provides students with all the necessary support and services to achieve academic and personal advancement and growth.
Given Sharjah’s significant economic importance, a branch of the Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF) was established in it, joining branches in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Founded in 1983, this institute provides educational programs, training courses, and world-level services in banking and finance.
EIF also collaborates with leading institutes and universities globally to offer successful courses and programs in its well-equipped facilities. These efforts aim to develop and enhance the banking and financial services sector, prepare a generation of specialists in this field, and leverage the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence.
The institute is located at the following address: United Arab Emirates – Sharjah – Institute Land.
The University of Khorfakkan (UKF) is one of Sharjah’s newest universities, founded and headed by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi in 2022. It is located on the east coast city of Khorfakkan, which was awarded the Best Arab Tourist City for 2023 due to its richness in natural, historical, cultural, and heritage features.
UKF stands out for being home to the first college in the UAE dedicated to teaching marine sciences and aquatic biology, offering a comprehensive program to study the seas and deep oceans. The university also includes the College of Sharia and Law, Arts, Science and Information Technology, and Business Administration. With a diverse range of over 11 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, UKF places a high priority on scientific research, employing modern educational technologies, providing the latest infrastructure facilities, and hiring qualified faculty members.
The University of Kalba was established in 2023 under the directives of its president, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. It was founded in an effort to support the education sector in Kalba City, serve the community, and fulfil the aspirations of its individuals.
The university is recognized for its commitment to modern educational technologies and prioritisation of scientific research, with a particular focus on areas like sports sciences and information technology. UKB provides a diverse range of accredited specialisations, taught by experienced and competent professionals across colleges dedicated to Arts, Information Technology, Sharia, Law, Business Administration, and Communication. The university is equipped with state-of- the-art classrooms, laboratories, a video conferencing suit, on-campus dorms, a university theatre, and other essential facilities.
Adding to its appeal, the university enjoys a distinctive location overlooking Kalba Lake, providing a picturesque setting conducive to an ideal educational atmosphere.
The Sharjah Maritime Academy (SMA) is the only modern educational institution in the UAE to offer CAA-accredited bachelor’s degrees in maritime education.
Located in Khorfakkan, the academy specializes maritime studies, research, and training for students. It offers bachelor’s degree programs in Marine Engineering Technology, Maritime Logistics and Supply Chain Management, and Maritime Transport.
[1] American University of Sharjah
[2] University of Sharjah
[3] Skyline University College
[4] universitycity.gov.ae, Skyline University College
[5] Al Qasimia University
[6] Higher Colleges of Technology
[7] Sharjah Men's Campus - Higher Colleges of Technology
[8] Sharjah Women's Campus - Higher Colleges of Technology
[9] أكاديمية العلوم الشرطية بالشارقة
[10] universitycity.gov.ae, Sharjah Police Science Academy
[11] Emirates Institute of Finance
[12] University of Khorfakkan
[13] University of Kalba
[14] Sharjah Maritime Academy (SMA)