Global Exchange with Abu Dhabi University
Through a growing partnership between the University of Arizona Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and Abu Dhabi University (ADU), students have the opportunity to expand their education through an international exchange experience in the United States or the United Arab Emirates.
The exchange creates opportunities for students to experience a different academic and cultural environment, engage with students and faculty from around the world, and develop a broader perspective on public health and global health.
About Abu Dhabi University
Abu Dhabi University is a leading higher education institution in the United Arab Emirates with campuses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Dubai. Its diverse academic community represents more than 100 nationalities, creating a vibrant environment for international learning and cultural exchange.
ADU offers programs across a range of disciplines, including Health Sciences, Engineering, Business, Law, and Arts and Sciences.
Choose Your Exchange Experience
Whether traveling from Arizona to the UAE or joining us in Tucson, students can experience a new academic environment while continuing progress toward their degree.
Students may enroll in approved courses offered by Abu Dhabi University. Course availability varies by semester, and students should work with their academic advisor and the appropriate study abroad representatives to determine how proposed coursework may apply toward their University of Arizona degree.
Public health course options will be shared as they become available.
University of Arizona Students: Study at Abu Dhabi University
Spend a semester at Abu Dhabi University and experience academic and cultural life in the United Arab Emirates. Exchange students can enroll in approved coursework at ADU while gaining international experience and connecting with a diverse university community.
University of Arizona students participating in the exchange can spend a semester studying at Abu Dhabi University while remaining connected to their academic program at UA.
Abu Dhabi University Students: Study at the University of Arizona
ADU undergraduate students can spend a semester at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, where they can enroll in eligible undergraduate courses and experience academic and student life at a major U.S. research university.
ADMISSIONS
Application Process
Students interested in studying at Abu Dhabi University should complete the University of Arizona Study Abroad process for the UA to Abu Dhabi University exchange, as well as any required Abu Dhabi University Global Mobility application materials.
Students should begin planning early to allow time for academic advising, course approval, application processing, travel documentation, housing, and visa arrangements.
UA to ADU Exchange Application Deadlines
Spring 2027: September 25, 2026
Fall 2027: February 26, 2027
Apply for the UA to Abu Dhabi University Exchange
Explore ADU's Global Mobility Program
University of Arizona Study Abroad
Tuition and Expenses
Students participating through the exchange are not responsible for ADU tuition. Students are, however, responsible for applicable fees and other expenses associated with their exchange experience, including housing, travel, meals, local transportation, visa-related expenses, health insurance, textbooks, and personal expenses.
Costs are subject to change, and students should review the most current information before making financial or travel commitments.
Housing
ADU offers on-campus and off-campus student housing options. Students are encouraged to begin the housing process early and should review current availability, costs, deposits, and application requirements directly with ADU.
Visa and Health Insurance
International exchange students studying at ADU may have expenses associated with their UAE visa, Emirates ID, health insurance, medical testing, and visa cancellation. Students should begin the visa process well in advance of the semester and follow current guidance provided by Abu Dhabi University.
Abu Dhabi University Students: Study at the University of Arizona
Undergraduate students from Abu Dhabi University can spend a semester at the University of Arizona in Tucson and experience academic life at a leading public research university in the United States.
Exchange students have access to a broad range of undergraduate courses, subject to eligibility, availability, prerequisites, and individual academic restrictions.
Eligibility
Students must be nominated by Abu Dhabi University and remain enrolled as degree-seeking students at their home institution during the exchange.
University of Arizona exchange requirements include:
- Good academic and disciplinary standing at the home institution
- A minimum equivalent GPA of 2.5, although individual academic programs may require a higher GPA
- Required English-language proficiency, when applicable
- Continued enrollment as a degree-seeking student at ADU
Graduate-level exchange is not currently available, and undergraduate exchange students may not enroll in graduate-level courses.
Spring 2027 Important Dates
Nomination Deadline: September 15, 2026
Application Deadline: October 1, 2026
Spring Semester: January 13 through May 13, 2027
Students must first be nominated by the appropriate ADU exchange coordinator. Once a nomination is accepted, students will receive instructions from the University of Arizona regarding the application process.
Courses
Exchange students can explore undergraduate courses across the University of Arizona, although some colleges, departments, and individual courses have restrictions or limited availability.
Students should work closely with ADU and University of Arizona exchange representatives when planning their coursework.
Fees and Expenses
Students participating through the exchange are not responsible for University of Arizona tuition but are responsible for mandatory student fees and other expenses associated with studying and living in Tucson.
For Spring 2027, estimated mandatory University of Arizona student fees total approximately $2,612. This estimate includes student engagement, international student, health insurance, orientation, CatCard, course materials, and other applicable fees.
Fees are estimates and subject to change.
Students should also plan for housing, meals, transportation, travel, books and course materials, and personal expenses.
Housing and Health Insurance
On-campus housing is not guaranteed for exchange students. Students should review current University of Arizona housing information and begin planning as early as possible.
International exchange students are automatically enrolled in the University of Arizona Student Health Insurance Plan. Insurance exemptions are limited and subject to University requirements and approval.
Plan Your Exchange
International exchange requires advance planning. Students are encouraged to begin conversations with their home institution, academic advisors, and exchange coordinators early to ensure adequate time for course approvals, applications, travel documentation, housing, and other arrangements.
University of Arizona Students
Interested in spending a semester at Abu Dhabi University?
Apply for the UA to Abu Dhabi University Exchange
Learn more about University of Arizona Study Abroad
Abu Dhabi University Students
Interested in spending a semester at the University of Arizona?
Explore University of Arizona Inbound Exchange
Questions?
Interested in learning more? Reach out to your academic advisor to explore whether this opportunity is right for you.