Candidate Weekend

Candidate Weekend has been a vital part of the NYU Abu Dhabi admissions process since our very first admissions cycle. It is a unique and important opportunity to experience what it’s like to live and learn in our global community.

Candidate Weekend is the final stage of the NYU Abu Dhabi selection process. Participation in Candidate Weekend is by invitation only and is extended to the most competitive applicants who have demonstrated strong alignment with our values and community.

The weekend includes academic and student life sessions, cultural experiences, and collaborative group discussions. Candidate Weekend offers applicants a meaningful way to evaluate NYU Abu Dhabi as a potential academic home.

What You Need To Know About Candidate Weekend

Attendance at Candidate Weekend is required for admission consideration. While being invited to Candidate Weekend is an important achievement, it does not guarantee admission to NYU Abu Dhabi.

Candidate Weekend Dates

Candidate Weekend takes place on select weekends aligned with each application round (EDI, EDII, and RD). If you are invited to participate, your invitation will include your assigned Candidate Weekend, along with all relevant travel and program details.

Candidate Weekend dates for the 2026–27 application cycle will be published here once they are confirmed. If you have unavoidable scheduling conflicts or circumstances that may affect your ability to attend your assigned Candidate Weekend, you will have an opportunity to share this information if you are invited. While NYU Abu Dhabi will do its best to accommodate such requests, placement in a specific Candidate Weekend cannot be guaranteed.

Invited students will receive any updates to their assigned Candidate Weekend directly.

Important Notes

• Students invited to Candidate Weekend will be asked to confirm attendance within 48 hours of receiving an invitation to attend.
• NYU Abu Dhabi covers the cost of participation, including meals, flights, visa, transport, and hotel where applicable.
• Students residing outside of the UAE are required to stay in the Candidate Weekend accommodations for the full duration of the program. Students residing within the UAE should commute to Candidate Weekend.

If you are applying to NYU Abu Dhabi for the 2026–2027 admission cycle and reside outside the UAE, we strongly encourage you to apply for a passport now if you do not already have one. Your ability to travel to Abu Dhabi for Candidate Weekend is a required part of the admissions process.