American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Inspired by his vision, AUS was established as a leading educational institution dedicated to advancing society through academic excellence, research, innovation and meaningful collaboration with industry and culture.
Today, under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, AUS is further enhancing its position regionally and globally by driving innovative research, expanding academic programs and strengthening global partnerships.
Accreditation
AUS has been accredited in the United States of America by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) (1007 North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801 USA) since June 2004. In its most recent review, AUS earned a 10-year renewal of accreditation.
Alongside MSCHE accreditation, AUS programs hold specialized recognition from respected professional bodies, including the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), among others. The university is also licensed and its degree programs are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Excellence and Recognition
AUS is recognized by respected ranking agencies around the world for achievements across many categories and in many fields. It is ranked ranks first in the UAE for employer reputation (QS World University Rankings, 2026), among the top 10 universities in the Arab region (QS Arab Region University Rankings, 2025) and among the top 18 percent of ranked universities worldwide (QS World University Rankings, 2026).
A pioneer in sustainability, AUS was the first university in the GCC to be rated for sustainability and has been named a Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) Gold Institution by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) in recognition of its achievements in campus sustainability.
Academic Offerings
AUS offers 33 undergraduate majors, 48 minors, 21 master’s programs and eight PhD programs across four academic units: the College of Architecture, Art and Design, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering, and the School of Business Administration.
A Global Community
Home to students from over 100 nationalities, AUS provides a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where students are empowered to become impactful leaders, innovators and changemakers. AUS delivers an exceptional educational experience, combining rigorous academic standards with rich cultural diversity and practical, real-world applications, with world-class facilities, renowned faculty and a dynamic academic community.
American University of Sharjah
PO Box 26666
Sharjah
United Arab Emirates
www.aus.edu
H.E. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi
President and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees
Dr. Tod A. Laursen
Chancellor
Email: chancellor@aus.edu
Dr. Matthias Ruth
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost
E-mail: provost@aus.edu
Contact Person
Mrs Rula Shahin
Office of the Chancellor
Tel: +9716 5152205
E-mail: chancellor@aus.edu