Selection Process

NYU Abu Dhabi draws students of all backgrounds from around the world to create a uniquely diverse and dynamic student body.

Step 1:

Complete Your Application

Admission to NYU Abu Dhabi is highly selective. We’re looking for the following on your Common Application:

  • academic excellence
  • sustained and meaningful extracurricular involvement
  • strong and supportive letters of recommendation
  • commitment to supporting a global, interconnected community through service and leadership
 

Step 2:

Candidate Weekend

Candidate Weekend is the second and final step of the NYU Abu Dhabi selection process. Participation in Candidate Weekend is by invitation only and is offered to the most competitive applicants who have demonstrated the strongest fit for our campus and community. 

 

Application Timeline

The best advice we can offer is: plan ahead! The application process is time-consuming and we ask for a great deal of information (in order to better evaluate your candidacy). Do not save anything until the last minute, and make sure you are in contact with those who will be submitting application materials on your behalf. 

    1. Speak with your high school counselor about applying to universities. Visit websites, attend information sessions, and learn more about your university options.
    2. Look into testing dates if you plan to take the SAT, ACT, or other exams that are only offered at certain times. Familiarize yourself with NYU Abu Dhabi’s flexible testing policy

 

Dubai Abulhoul, Class of 2017, Rhodes Scholar

"The person I was when I first came to NYU Abu Dhabi is definitely not the same person that I am today, and I say that with the utmost gratitude."

NYUAD Student Profiles

Did you know? NYU Abu Dhabi students come from 115 countries and speak 115 different languages!