AUS Merit Scholarships

Overview

The AUS Merit Scholarships are automatic tuition reductions offered by the American University of Sharjah (AUS) to eligible international undergraduate applicants at the time of admission. Unlike the AUS President's and Chancellor's Scholarships — which require a separate portfolio submission and cover full tuition plus additional benefits — the Merit Scholarships are simpler partial awards of 10% or 20% of tuition and lab fees. They are offered alongside the admissions decision, without any additional application process, and are contingent on scholarship funding availability each intake.

The eligibility criterion is straightforward: an average of 95% or higher in grades 10 and 11 of secondary school. Grade 12 is explicitly not included in the evaluation. This means the scholarship rewards consistent achievement in the earlier years of secondary school, giving students who peaked before final year a fair shot. Transfer students are not eligible for the AUS Merit Scholarships. The award is also subject to impact from major changes — if you change your undergraduate major after enrolment, your merit scholarship eligibility may be affected and you should consult with AUS before making programme changes.

The AUS Merit Scholarships are a practical option for students who do not meet the academic benchmarks or portfolio requirements for the President's or Chancellor's Scholarships but who have strong academic records. A 10% to 20% tuition reduction at a UAE university is a meaningful financial benefit, reducing costs by several thousand US dollars per year depending on programme tuition rates. The key limitation is that availability is not guaranteed — the award is subject to funding availability each intake, so not every eligible student who applies will receive it.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You must have an average of 95% or above in grades 10 and 11. Grade 12 results are explicitly excluded from the evaluation — the scholarship is based on your grades in those two specific years only. The percentage tier (10% or 20%) depends on your academic standing within the pool of eligible applicants. Transfer students are not eligible for this award.

Nationality Requirements

The scholarship is open to international undergraduate applicants. No specific nationality restriction is published. Confirm with AUS admissions if you have questions about eligibility based on your nationality or education background.

Language Requirements

AUS is an English-medium institution. As part of the standard undergraduate application, you must meet AUS's English proficiency requirements. The specific thresholds for the Merit Scholarship track should be confirmed with AUS admissions, as they may align with standard AUS undergraduate English requirements.

Age & Other Requirements

Transfer students are not eligible. If you change your undergraduate major after enrolment, your merit scholarship eligibility may be affected — check with AUS student affairs before making any programme changes. The award is subject to funding availability in each intake, so eligibility does not guarantee receipt of the scholarship.

What the Scholarship Covers

• 10% to 20% reduction on tuition and lab fees per academic year
• Exact percentage determined by your academic standing relative to the eligible applicant pool
• Does not include accommodation, stipend, travel, or medical insurance
• Subject to annual funding availability — not guaranteed even for eligible students
• Transfer students are not eligible

How to Apply

1. Submit your AUS undergraduate application at apply.aus.edu: The Merit Scholarship is offered automatically alongside your admissions decision. No separate scholarship application is needed.
2. Include complete grade 10 and 11 transcripts: These are the specific grades used in the Merit Scholarship evaluation. Ensure your transcripts for these two years are official, complete, and clearly show your percentage averages.
3. Meet AUS English proficiency requirements: Include your English proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) as required by AUS undergraduate admissions.
4. Apply early in the intake cycle: Since the scholarship is subject to funding availability, applying earlier in the admissions window may improve your chances of receiving the award if you are eligible.
5. Review your admissions offer: If you receive the Merit Scholarship, it will be stated in your admissions offer. Check whether a 10% or 20% award has been included alongside your acceptance.
6. Consult AUS before changing your major: If you are awarded a Merit Scholarship and wish to change your programme after enrolment, contact AUS student affairs first — a major change may affect your scholarship eligibility.

Required Documents

• Completed AUS undergraduate application at apply.aus.edu
• Official secondary school transcripts clearly showing grades 10 and 11 averages
• English proficiency scores (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
• Passport copy and any other standard AUS admissions documents

Key Dates & Deadlines

The AUS Merit Scholarship has no separate application deadline. It is evaluated and offered automatically at the time of the admissions decision each intake. Check apply.aus.edu for the current admissions cycle deadlines. Submitting your admissions application early is advisable since the scholarship is subject to funding availability per intake, which may be exhausted before the final admissions deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Submitting official transcripts for grades 10 and 11 that clearly show percentage averages, so the admissions team can verify your eligibility without delays
• Applying early in the admissions window, when scholarship funding is more likely still available
• Averaging above 98% in grades 10 and 11 — students with averages well above the 95% threshold may be favoured for the higher 20% tier
• Ensuring your application is complete and fully documented at submission, avoiding back-and-forth requests for missing materials that can delay your decision
• Considering whether you also qualify for the President's or Chancellor's Scholarship, which have higher value — apply for those if you meet the criteria

Common mistakes to avoid

• Including grade 12 transcripts and assuming they contribute to the Merit Scholarship evaluation — they do not; only grades 10 and 11 are assessed
• Applying as a transfer student and expecting the Merit Scholarship — transfer students are explicitly ineligible
• Waiting until late in the admissions cycle to apply, by which time scholarship funding may have been exhausted
• Changing your major after enrolment without consulting AUS student affairs — this may affect your scholarship status
• Assuming the Merit Scholarship is guaranteed if you meet the 95% threshold — availability depends on per-intake funding, not just eligibility

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of tuition does the AUS Merit Scholarship cover?

10% or 20% of tuition and lab fees, depending on your academic standing within the eligible applicant pool.

Which grades are considered for the AUS Merit Scholarship?

Grades 10 and 11 only. Grade 12 is explicitly not included in the AUS Merit Scholarship evaluation.

Do I need to apply separately for the AUS Merit Scholarship?

No. The scholarship is evaluated and offered automatically alongside your AUS undergraduate admissions decision. Your standard admissions application is the only submission required.

Are transfer students eligible for the AUS Merit Scholarship?

No. Transfer students are explicitly ineligible for the AUS Merit Scholarship.

Is the AUS Merit Scholarship guaranteed if I meet the 95% average requirement?

No. The scholarship is subject to funding availability each intake. Eligible students who apply after funding is exhausted may not receive the award even if they meet the academic criteria.

Does the AUS Merit Scholarship include housing, a stipend, or travel?

No. The scholarship covers only 10% to 20% of tuition and lab fees. Housing, stipend, travel, and medical insurance are not included. For full coverage of these benefits, the President's or Chancellor's Scholarships would need to be considered.

What is the minimum academic average required for the AUS Merit Scholarship?

An average of 95% or above across grades 10 and 11 is the stated eligibility threshold.

Can I receive the AUS Merit Scholarship alongside the President's or Chancellor's Scholarship?

No. The President's and Chancellor's Scholarships are higher-value awards with their own separate criteria and portfolio requirements. If you qualify for and receive either of those, the Merit Scholarship would not be additionally awarded. Check with AUS admissions about your specific situation.

What happens to my AUS Merit Scholarship if I change my major?

Changing your undergraduate major after enrolment may affect your scholarship eligibility. Contact AUS student affairs before making any programme changes to understand the implications for your award.

How do I know if I received the AUS Merit Scholarship?

If you receive the Merit Scholarship, it will be stated in your admissions offer letter. Review your offer carefully and contact scholarships@aus.edu if you have questions about whether the scholarship has been included.