American University of Sharjah has welcomed 1411 new students for the 2026-2027 academic year, including 1188 undergraduates and 223 graduates, and has launched three new innovative master’s degree programs this semester.
By Imran Malik | Education Desk | SharjahNews.ae | MediaBites.com.pk
American University of Sharjah has officially launched its 2026-2027 academic year with its largest intake in recent memory, welcoming 1,411 new students — 1,188 undergraduates and 223 graduates — along with 45 new full-time and visiting faculty members.
The figures represent a 4 percent increase in student enrolment compared to Fall 2025, reflecting AUS’s growing global academic reputation and its rising position in the QS World University Rankings.
Strong Female Representation
The incoming class reflects a notably strong female presence across both academic levels. Women account for 54% of the new undergraduate class and 60% of new graduate students. Across the entire university population, the male-to-female enrolment ratio stands at 47% to 53%.
“Our Fall 2026 intake reflects both sustained demand for an AUS education and our commitment to students’ success. Welcoming more than 1,400 new students demonstrates the strength of our academic reputation, both regionally and globally,” said Ali Shuhaimy, Executive Director of Enrollment Management at AUS.
Three New Master’s Programs
The most significant academic development for the new semester is the launch of three innovative graduate programs that address real-world professional and societal challenges.
Master of Fine Arts in Trans-Disciplinary Design offered by the College of Architecture, Art and Design, preparing designers to work across traditional disciplinary boundaries.
Master of Science in Environmental Sustainability and Management offered by the College of Arts and Sciences, addressing one of the region’s most pressing strategic priorities.
Master of Science in Data Analytics Engineering offered by the College of Engineering, equipping graduates with the technical expertise demanded by the UAE’s rapidly expanding data economy.
Dr Matthias Ruth, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost, said the three programs aim to “empower our graduate students to address real-world challenges in the corporate sector and to be innovative and future-ready” while aligning teaching with global market demands.
Orientation and Student Support
Before classes began on August 17, new students completed orientation with guidance from dedicated Peer Leaders who helped incoming students navigate campus resources, activities, and organizations.
The AUS One Stop Solution Center provides centralized support across admissions, financial grants, scholarships, housing, transport, IT, library access, student employment, insurance, and visa assistance.
Student Peer Leader Hannave Anura said the goal is to ensure “every new student feels immediate confidence and belonging at AUS.”
Students interested in applying for Spring Semester 2027 can visit AUS’s official website.
— Imran Malik | Education Desk | SharjahNews.ae | MediaBites.com.pk
