The University of Sharjah is one of the UAE’s most respected academic institutions, known for its strong faculty, diverse programs, and internationally recognised degrees. For students planning to study in the UAE, understanding the fee structure clearly is just as important as choosing the right course.
This guide explains University of Sharjah fees in detail, covering tuition costs by faculty, additional expenses, payment options, and factors that affect total study costs. To better understand how tuition is calculated, students should also review how the credit hour system works in UAE universities, as this directly affects semester-wise fee planning.
Overview of the University of Sharjah
Located near Sharjah International Airport and easily accessible from Dubai, the University of Sharjah offers a modern campus with world-class facilities. It attracts students from across the UAE, the Gulf region, and many international countries.
Why the University of Sharjah Is a Popular Choice
Students choose the University of Sharjah because it offers:
- Accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programs
- Strong academic reputation across medicine, engineering, and business
- Multicultural learning environment
- Competitive tuition compared to similar private universities
- Proximity to Dubai, Ajman, and Sharjah city
Understanding the fee structure helps families plan their education budget realistically.
How University of Sharjah Fees Are Structured
The University of Sharjah follows a credit-hour-based tuition system, meaning students pay according to the number of credit hours they register for each semester.
Key Factors That Affect Tuition Fees
Fees vary depending on:
- Program and faculty
- Level of study (undergraduate or postgraduate)
- Number of credit hours per semester
- Laboratory or clinical requirements
- Course duration
Professional and medical programs generally have higher fees due to specialised facilities and training.
Undergraduate Program Fees at University of Sharjah
Medicine and Health Sciences Fees
Medical and health-related programs are among the most expensive due to clinical training, labs, and hospital partnerships.
Approximate annual tuition ranges:
- Medicine (MBBS): Higher-end tuition reflecting clinical exposure and accreditation
- Dentistry: Similar fee range to medicine with added lab costs
- Pharmacy: Mid-to-high tuition range
- Nursing and Allied Health Sciences: More affordable compared to medicine
These programs are competitive and often require strong academic backgrounds.
Engineering Program Fees
Engineering programs offer strong career prospects in the UAE.
Common engineering degrees include:
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
Engineering fees are moderate to high, mainly due to lab usage and project work, but they remain competitive compared to other private universities in the region.
Business, Management, and Economics Fees
Business-related programs are among the most popular at the University of Sharjah.
Programs include:
- Business Administration
- Accounting
- Finance
- Economics
- Management Information Systems
These programs generally fall into a mid-range fee category, making them attractive to both local and international students.
Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Fees
Programs in arts and humanities tend to be more affordable.
Fields include:
- International Relations
- Media and Communication
- Sociology
- English Language and Literature
- Islamic Studies
These programs require fewer lab-based courses, which helps keep tuition lower.
Computing and IT Program Fees
Technology-focused degrees are in strong demand across the UAE.
Programs include:
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Data Science
- Cybersecurity
Fees are typically moderate, with some additional costs for software tools or project work.
Postgraduate Program Fees at University of Sharjah
Master’s Degree Tuition Fees
Postgraduate fees depend on program specialisation.
Typical master’s programs include:
- MBA and business-related degrees
- Engineering and technical master’s programs
- Health sciences and public health
- Education and law
Master’s fees are charged per credit hour and are generally higher than undergraduate rates, especially for professional programs.
Doctoral (PhD) Program Fees
PhD programs are research-intensive and have structured tuition plans.
Costs may include:
- Tuition per credit hour
- Research supervision fees
- Thesis evaluation charges
Some students may qualify for partial funding or assistantship opportunities depending on academic merit.
Additional Costs Beyond Tuition
Tuition is only part of the total cost of studying at the University of Sharjah.
Registration and Administrative Fees
Students should also budget for:
- Application fees
- Registration fees
- Student activity fees
These are usually paid per semester or per academic year.
Laboratory and Clinical Fees
Programs with hands-on training may include:
- Lab usage fees
- Clinical training charges
- Equipment and material costs
Medical and engineering students should factor these into their budget.
Books and Learning Materials
Depending on the program:
- Textbooks
- Online learning platforms
- Software licenses
Some faculties rely heavily on digital resources, reducing textbook expenses.
Accommodation and Living Costs
While tuition is paid to the university, living costs depend on lifestyle and housing choices.
Approximate monthly expenses may include:
- Accommodation
- Food and groceries
- Transportation
- Utilities and internet
Sharjah is generally more affordable than Dubai, which helps reduce overall study costs. Since overall study cost includes daily expenses, comparing the cost of living in Dubai versus Sharjah helps students estimate realistic monthly budgets before choosing accommodation.
Payment Options and Instalment Plans
Flexible Fee Payment Structure
The University of Sharjah allows tuition payments to be made:
- Per semester
- According to registered credit hours
This helps families manage expenses more effectively.
Refund and Withdrawal Policies
Students who withdraw or change courses should review refund policies carefully, as deadlines apply.
Scholarships and Financial Support
Merit-Based Scholarships
High-achieving students may qualify for scholarships based on:
- Academic performance
- GPA
- Entrance exam results
Scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs.
Special Discounts and Support
In certain cases, fee reductions may apply for:
- Siblings enrolled together
- Outstanding academic records
- Special university initiatives
Availability depends on university policies for the academic year. Many students reduce their tuition burden by applying for private scholarships offered by UAE universities, which can significantly lower total education expenses.
Is the University of Sharjah Worth the Fees?
Academic Value and Career Outcomes
Graduates from the University of Sharjah benefit from:
- Recognised degrees
- Strong employer reputation
- Access to UAE job markets
- Practical learning environments
For many students, the return on investment justifies the tuition cost.
Comparison with Other UAE Universities
Compared to similar private universities:
- Fees are competitive
- Facilities are modern
- Faculty quality is high
This balance makes the University of Sharjah a strong option for value-focused students. Students comparing tuition options often explore a detailed list of universities in Dubai and Sharjah to evaluate fees, programs, and academic value side by side.
Tips to Manage University of Sharjah Fees Effectively
Plan Credit Hours Carefully
Registering for the right number of credit hours helps avoid unnecessary expenses.
Apply Early for Scholarships
Early applications improve chances of financial support.
Budget for the Full Academic Year
Consider tuition, living expenses, and additional costs together.
FAQs
Q1. How much are University of Sharjah fees per year?
A. Fees vary by program, with arts and business programs being more affordable and medical programs costing more due to clinical training.
Q2. Are University of Sharjah fees paid per year or per semester?
A. Tuition is calculated per credit hour and paid by semester.
Q3. Is the University of Sharjah affordable for international students?
A. Yes, especially compared to similar private universities in the UAE, and Sharjah has lower living costs.
Q4. Do scholarships reduce tuition fees?
A. Yes, eligible students can receive merit-based scholarships that significantly lower costs.
Q5. Are there extra charges besides tuition?
A. Yes, students should budget for registration fees, lab costs, books, and living expenses.
Final Thoughts
Understanding University of Sharjah fees early helps students and families plan confidently and avoid unexpected costs. With strong academic quality and competitive pricing, it remains a solid investment for future-focused education. For a broader look at what makes the University of Sharjah an attractive choice, including its academic structure, campus life, and scholarship options, check out this detailed overview on Bayut’s All About University of Sharjah guide.
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