Meet the Team

Victoria Winter
Director, International Academic Affairs

v.winter@ajman.ac.ae

international@ajman.ac.ae

Tel: +971 6 705 6681

 

Ayesha Alfalasi
Administrative Coordinator, Student Exchange

ayesha.alfalasi@ajman.ac.ae

Tel: +971 6 705 5395

Student Exchange Fact Sheet & Handbook

Fact Sheet: Download

Handbook: Download

Academic Calendar

Download

Free Movers

International students at Ajman University

Your semester in the UAE starts here

Join students from around the world for a transformative semester at one of the UAE's leading universities. Experience cutting-edge academics, rich culture, and limitless opportunities just 30 minutes from Dubai.

Start your application Download program guide

Why study your semester with us?

Academic excellence

Accredited programs recognized worldwide, taught by international faculty with real-world experience. Choose from 9 colleges offering courses in business, engineering, health sciences, and more.

  • Internationally accredited programs
  • English-taught courses
  • Modern curriculum aligned with global standards
  • State-of-the-art labs and facilities

Strategic location

Experience the best of both worlds: study in the peaceful, welcoming city of Ajman while having Dubai's world-famous attractions just a short drive away.

  • 30 minutes from Dubai
  • Safe, modern, and affordable city
  • Access to beaches, cultural sites, and entertainment
  • Excellent public transportation
  • Gateway to exploring the UAE and region

Vibrant student life

Join a thriving community of local and international students. From cultural festivals to desert adventures, your semester here is more than just classes.

  • 50+ student clubs and organizations
  • Cultural exchange programs
  • Sports facilities and teams
  • Weekend trips and excursions
  • International student buddy program

Affordable quality

Get exceptional education without breaking the bank. Our competitive tuition and low cost of living make the UAE a smart choice for your semester abroad.

  • Transparent, competitive pricing
  • Lower cost of living than European or North American cities
  • Scholarship opportunities available
  • No hidden fees
  • Flexible payment plans

Support every step

From your first application click to your final goodbye, our dedicated International Office team is here for you.

  • Dedicated international student advisors
  • Visa assistance and guidance
  • Airport pickup services
  • Orientation and integration programs
  • Academic and personal counseling

Career opportunities

Build your global network and CV. Access internship opportunities in one of the world's fastest-growing business hubs.

  • Proximity to Dubai's business district
  • Career counseling services
  • Industry connections
  • Professional development workshops
  • Alumni network across 100+ countries

Find your perfect program

Explore courses across 9 colleges, from business to engineering, health sciences to arts.

Currently, AU offers 46 programs: 26 undergraduate, 18 graduate, and 2 doctoral.

College Example majors Levels  
Business Administration Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management Undergraduate, MBA, DBA View courses
Engineering & Information Technology Computer Science, Civil, Electrical, Biomedical Engineering, Information Systems Undergraduate, Graduate View courses
Pharmacy & Health Sciences Pharmacy, Public Health, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Clinical Nutrition Undergraduate, Graduate View courses
Architecture, Art & Design Architecture, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Multimedia Undergraduate, Graduate View courses
Mass Communication Integrated Marketing Communications, Radio & Television Production, Graphic Design for Media Undergraduate, Graduate View courses
Humanities & Sciences English Literature, Translation, Mathematics, Environmental Sciences, Psychology, Sociology Undergraduate, Graduate View courses
Law International Law, Commercial Law, Public Law Undergraduate, Graduate, Doctoral View courses
Dentistry Dentistry (selected courses for visiting students) Undergraduate Learn more
Medicine Medicine (limited courses for visiting students, prerequisites apply) Undergraduate Learn more

Browse full course catalog

Your journey to AU in 5 simple steps

1

Apply

4 to 6 months before semester start

Submit your online application with the required documents. Receive confirmation within 24 hours.

2

Get accepted

3 to 4 months before semester start

We review your application within 15 to 20 days, then send your official acceptance letter.

3

Prepare

2 to 3 months before semester start

Register for courses, arrange your visa, and secure housing. We guide you through every step.

4

Arrive

1 week before the semester

Land in the UAE, attend orientation, meet your student buddy, and settle into campus life.

5

Thrive

During the semester

Study, explore, network, and create memories that last a lifetime.

See academic calendar

Life in the UAE: what to expect

Key facts

  • Safe and welcoming: the UAE ranks among the world's safest countries
  • Modern infrastructure: world-class transportation, healthcare, and amenities
  • Cultural diversity: 200+ nationalities living side by side
  • Great weather: sunny year-round, with mild winters (Nov to Mar)
  • Strategic hub: gateway to Asia, Africa, and Europe
  • English-friendly: widely spoken across the UAE

Cost of living

Affordable compared to major study destinations:

  • Accommodation: USD 400 to 800 / month
  • Food: USD 200 to 400 / month
  • Transportation: USD 80 to 150 / month
  • Entertainment: USD 150 to 300 / month

Total: USD 850 to 1,650 / month

Transparent pricing, exceptional value

Invest in your future with competitive rates and no hidden costs.

Course load: Free Movers enroll full-time in a standard load of 15 credit hours per semester, the same as our degree-seeking students. There is no minimum or maximum to choose between; you take the full semester load.

Application fee

AED 500 (~USD 136)

Non-refundable, covers application processing.

Tuition per credit hour

  • Business / Humanities: AED 1,500 (~USD 408)
  • Engineering / IT: AED 1,800 (~USD 490)
  • Health Sciences: AED 2,000 (~USD 545)

Sample semester cost (Business, full load of 15 credits)

  • Tuition: AED 22,500 (~USD 6,122)
  • Program fee (15%): AED 3,375 (~USD 918)
  • Total: AED 25,875 (~USD 7,040)

All USD amounts are approximate, based on the fixed exchange rate of 1 USD = 3.67 AED.

What's included

  • All courses and exams
  • Access to libraries and labs
  • Sports facilities
  • Student events and activities
  • Academic advising
  • Career services
  • IT services and university email

Recognized excellence you can trust

Ajman University is fully accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education and recognized internationally. Our credits transfer seamlessly to universities worldwide.

Frequently asked questions

A Free Mover is an international student who arranges their own semester abroad at Ajman University, independently of any formal exchange program. You apply directly to us, choose your courses, and pay tuition per credit hour. It is the most flexible way to study with us, and it is open to students from any university in the world.

If your home university has an active exchange agreement with AU, you may be eligible to join as a nominated exchange student rather than a Free Mover. That route is arranged through your home international office, which nominates you to us, and it can include tuition benefits under the agreement. Speak with your home international office first. If exchange places are full, or you prefer to organize everything yourself, you are always welcome to apply as a Free Mover instead.

That is exactly what the Free Mover route is for. No agreement between institutions is required. You apply directly to AU, and our team supports you through admission, visa, and housing. Students from any accredited university worldwide are welcome.

Ajman University is fully accredited and your credits are recognized internationally. You receive an official AU transcript at the end of your semester. To make sure your courses count toward your home degree, confirm your course selection with your home academic advisor before you arrive, ideally through a learning agreement. We are happy to provide course syllabi to support approval.

Free Movers enroll full-time in a standard load of 15 credit hours per semester, the same as our degree-seeking students. There is no minimum or maximum to choose between; you take the full semester load.

You should be a current student or recent graduate in good academic standing at your home institution. Courses are taught in English, so a good command of English is needed. [Confirm any minimum GPA or English test requirements here.]

No. All Free Mover courses are taught in English, and English is widely spoken across campus and the UAE. Picking up a few words of Arabic is a nice bonus, but it is not required.

Most international students need an entry permit or student visa to study in the UAE. Once you are accepted, the OIAA will guide you through the process step by step.

On-campus residence options may be available, and our team can share housing guidance once you are accepted. [Confirm availability and options.]

Yes. You will need health insurance valid in the UAE for the duration of your stay. We can advise on suitable options after you are accepted.

Limited scholarship opportunities may be available for Free Movers. [Confirm current scholarship options here, or remove this item if none apply.]

Fall 2026: July 1, 2026. Spring 2027: November 1, 2026. Summer 2027: April 1, 2027. We recommend applying 4 to 6 months ahead to allow time for admission and visa processing.

Apply to be a Free Mover at AU

Applications are open for Fall 2026.

Apply now Schedule a call with our team

Questions? Email us at inbound@ajman.ac.ae.

Application deadlines

  • Fall 2026: July 1, 2026
  • Spring 2027: November 1, 2026
  • Summer 2027: April 1, 2027