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DRAFT - Undergraduate Education

Build Your Future at the Crossroads of the World

If you want to succeed on a global scale, you’ll need a university degree that meets you on your level. 

 

At NYU Abu Dhabi, exceptional students from six continents come together to solve today’s most pressing challenges. You’ll gain more than a global mindset — you’ll be prepared to change the world.

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What Makes NYU Abu Dhabi Unique?

Every undergraduate student studies abroad during their four-year degree.


J-Term and a semester or two at one of NYU's Global Academic Centers are seamlessly integrated into the curriculum and are covered by financial aid.

100%

NYUAD students study abroad

15

NYU Global Academic Centers

45

J-Term classes abroad

Majors and Minors

NYU Abu Dhabi offers 26 undergraduate majors across Arts and Humanities, Engineering, Science, and Social Science, and numerous multidisciplinary minors and specializations. At the conclusion of study, NYUAD students receive either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, depending on their major.

Study Abroad

All majors — including in Science and Engineering — allow students to study abroad for one or two semesters at one of NYU’s 15 Global Academic Centers. These transformative experiences help students become well-rounded scholars of the liberal arts and sciences, highly competent producers of knowledge in their specialized field, and socially responsible members of any community.

Explore programs in our four Academic Divisions:

   

Graduation Requirements for Undergraduates

Complete a Minor Across NYU's Global Network

NYUAD offers 33 minors across the four divisions. And where comparable NYUAD minors do not already exist, NYUAD students may be able to complete one of the many academic minors offered elsewhere in the NYU global network. 

Read More about Minors in the Global Network
 

Core Curriculum Requirement

NYUAD’s Core curriculum encourages students to explore the very stakes of what it means to be human. Core courses provide applied, real-world skill sets, while encouraging exploration of the ethical considerations students face within their time at NYUAD and beyond.

The Core prepares graduates to address major global challenges, including the pursuit of equality, justice, peace, health, sustainability, and a rich understanding of humanity. It fosters modes of thinking central to global citizenship and leadership. 

Students can fulfill Core courses at many of NYU’s 15 global sites.

Real-world Impact

By the time they graduate, NYUAD students are equipped with the skills, networks, and knowledge to navigate an increasingly interconnected world, influenced by emerging technologies like AI.

This global learning experience has inspired many alumni to make meaningful contributions to some of the most pressing challenges our global society faces today.

Global Study Opportunities — From NYU Abu Dhabi to the World and Back

NYUAD is a hub, spoke, and spiral of global exchange. 

Our campus on Saadiyat Island brings together students and world-renowned faculty from all over the world.

Here, students develop their academic foundations with a distinctly intercultural and interdisciplinary lens, preparing them to engage creatively with difference and grow their perspectives through global experience. 

J-Term, Where Study Away Is Part of the Curriculum

In 2026, 1,096 students were enrolled in 84 J-Term courses across 19 countries

During J-Term, students focus exclusively on one subject. J-Term courses are designed as 10-day, highly immersive learning experiences offered both in Abu Dhabi and around the world.

Students are required to complete two J-Term courses during their degree, one in Abu Dhabi and one abroad.

World-renowned Faculty

Courses are taught by renowned scholars, writers, artists, journalists, and policy analysts, as well as distinguished professors from NYU, NYUAD, and other leading universities.

J-Term Stories
Learn about J-Term at NYU Abu Dhabi

Semester Abroad

In addition to a J-Term abroad, students may spend one or two semesters at NYU’s Global Network of academic centers in 15 cities across the world. 

All courses taken at NYU's academic centers count toward obtaining an NYUAD degree. Students can progress toward graduation and their field(s) of study while immersing themselves deeply in the study of a new language, culture, history, and host community. Student financial aid is fully applicable to the cost of the study abroad semesters.

Student Stories

Summer Experiential Learning Abroad

During the summer, NYUAD students can engage with global communities while gaining hands-on experience in their fields of interest through research projects and internships abroad. These opportunities are facilitated through both the Undergraduate Research Office and the Career Development Center.

By working with world-class organizations and professionals, students develop critical skills and cross-cultural understanding, enhancing their personal, academic, and professional growth.

Over 750 students participated in summer research and internships in 60 countries in 2025.

Student Stories
More about Summer Experiential Learning Abroad

Community-based Learning

Community-based Learning brings academic study to life. A majority of NYUAD’s classes offer regional seminars and local engagements in the UAE. Through these immersive, discipline-related courses, students apply theory to practice using the real-world as their living laboratory — conducting extensive research, field work, and artistic production under the guidance of our exceptionally talented faculty, including:

  • A food tour of Abu Dhabi 
  • Homestays with local families
  • Visits to Al Wathba Wetlands Reserve and Dubai Conservation Reserve
  • Discussions with the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council
Student Stories

Undergraduate Research

At NYUAD, research is not limited to the senior year or advanced courses. Research is a fundamental mode of learning applicable at every level of study. The required courses in most majors consider research methods and clarify the distinctive approaches of the disciplines. The Capstone Project required in the students' senior year is a research-intensive experience.

Research Grants

NYUAD offers competitive grants to support students who have secured summer research positions under the direction of a faculty supervisor and conference grants to support students who have been selected to present their research at academic conferences.

Career Development

NYUAD's Career Development Center (CDC) plays an integral role in the undergraduate experience at NYU Abu Dhabi, providing guidance, advising, programs, and resources to students during their time at NYUAD and beyond.

Students are supported in choosing a major, gaining professional experience, developing a solid CV, meeting industry insiders, and applying to graduate school or global awards.

Career Development Grants

Students may apply for funding to participate in competitions, conferences, workshops, summer internships, interviews, standardized test preparation courses, activities, events, and more.