Apply for Admission

Complete Your NYU Abu Dhabi Application

• Step 1: Complete the Common Application

  Watch this helpful video below to learn about the process and deadlines.

  The Common App

  The Optional Essay

  We are looking for students who want to be bridge builders — students who can connect people, groups, and ideas to span divides, foster understanding, and promote collaboration within a dynamic, interconnected, and vibrant global academic community. We are eager for you to tell us how your experiences have helped you understand what qualities and efforts are needed to bridge divides so that people can better learn and work together.

  Please consider one or more of the following questions in your essay:

  • Tell us about a time you encountered a perspective different from your own. What did you learn — about yourself, the other person, or the world?

  • Tell us about an experience you’ve had working with others who have different backgrounds or perspectives. What challenges did your group face? Did you overcome them, and if so, how? What role did you try to play in helping people to work together, and what did you learn from your efforts?

  • Tell us about someone you’ve observed who does a particularly good job helping people think or work together. How does this person set the stage for common exploration or work? How do they react when difficulties or dissensions arise?

  The essay is truly optional. So, if you want to take the opportunity to tell us a little more about yourself in the application, this essay will give you a chance to tell us where you will turn for inspiration, and what experiences have shaped you.

  Your Academic Records and Recommendation

  Common Application School Report and Transcripts

  This report features your academic records, predicted test scores, school profile, and mid-year updates. Your school official will complete your Common Application School Report, where they will also be able to submit your high school transcript(s).

  Academic records include transcripts, which detail your academic history, including the courses you’ve taken, when you took them, and the grades you received, as well as information on how to submit them.

  NYUAD will accept official or unofficial transcripts and test scores for the purposes of the application review process, however, you will need to provide official documents prior to enrollment.

  Letter of Recommendation

  NYU only requires one letter of recommendation, and it is not required that it be from a teacher, counselor, or school representative. We’re looking for a comprehensive letter that highlights your potential in a college setting.

  While teacher, counselor, and school representative recommendations are welcome, you can choose someone else who better knows your achievements and goals. Provide their email in the Common Application, and they'll receive an invitation to submit the letter online. Hard-copy submissions by mail are also accepted if necessary. 

  Don’t forget to follow up with your recommender to confirm all required materials have been submitted.

  Note: The school officials you identify do not need to wait for you to submit your application before they submit supporting materials, but universities will not be able to access their forms until you have submitted your application.

• Step 2: Access Your NYU Applicant Portal

  After submitting your Common Application, you'll receive access to your NYU Applicant Portal within 7-10 business days.

  You will be able to complete your STARS and NYUAD Applicant Profile (Steps 5 and 6 below) once you gain access to your NYU Applicant Portal.

• Step 3: Review Your Applicant Checklist

  You will find your Checklist on the NYU Applicant Portal. It’s important you ensure that all necessary documents have been received by NYU, otherwise we will not be able to review your application.  

  You can upload any credentials such as an unofficial transcript or unofficial standardized or English Language testing through your portal. You can also submit any official transcripts or recommendation letters to admissions.docs@nyu.edu by the relevant official.

  Submit Standarized Testing, if applicable.

  NYU will continue to remain test-optional through the 2027-2028 application cycle. Students who elect to submit testing as part of their application to NYU Abu Dhabi, should review our Standard Testing Requirements and submit official score reports or predicted scores.

  Note: Test scores must come from an official source to be processed. Use your name exactly as it appears on your passport or birth certificate on your application and supporting documents.

  NYUAD's Entry Requirements

  English Language Testing

  If English is not your native language, we recommend you submit results from an English language testing exam.

  See full list of accepted English language proficiency exams

• Step 4: Complete Your STARS

  Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS)

  The Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS) is designed to allow you, the applicant, to submit your academic record without needing to rely on a high school counselor or other administrator. That puts you in the driver’s seat for more components of your application, and for students who don’t have easy access to college counseling, that can be the difference between being able to apply to college, and being edged out of the process.

  All first-year applicants must complete the Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS). The STARS is free and takes about an hour to complete with a transcript on hand.

  Please read about the STARS requirement at NYU.

• Step 5: Complete Your NYU Abu Dhabi Applicant Profile

  The Applicant Profile is a short, mandatory form for students applying to NYU Abu Dhabi. It becomes available in your applicant portal after you submit the Common Application and asks for additional information specific to your application.

  Your application will not be considered complete until all required materials in both the Common Application and the NYU Applicant Portal have been submitted.

  Note: Application authenticity: It's your responsibility to ensure all information and supporting documents are accurate and truthful. NYU has a strict policy on application authenticity and working with agents or third parties. 

• Step 6: Sending Documents

  Sending Documents

  To be considered official, all documents (including academic transcripts) require an original signature of the registrar or other designated school official, or the institution's seal. If a document isn't in English, then a translation should be provided (a school official or a translation agency accredited in your country can issue the translation). All official testing should come from the relevant examination board or testing agency.

  You may upload supporting documents directly through your NYU Applicant Portal, or send them via email to admissions.docs@nyu.edu. Documents submitted by applicants through the portal or via email will be considered unofficial documents but will be sufficient for review purposes. If you are offered admission, you will need to submit copies of official documents before enrolling at NYU Abu Dhabi.

  Note: Use your name exactly as it appears on your passport or birth certificate on your application and supporting documents.