Khalifa University
Address: Khalifa University, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 2 401 8000
Email: admissions@ku.ac.ae
Website: www.ku.ac.ae
About Khalifa University
In 2017, UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, issued a decree to merge the Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research, the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, and The Petroleum Institute under one university called the Khalifa University of Science and Technology (Khalifa University).
Khalifa University is now a comprehensive research-intensive university with three colleges, three research institutes, 18 research centers, and 36 departments covering a broad range of disciplines in science, engineering, and medicine. The internationally top-ranked university is the one university in the UAE with the research and academic programs that address the entire range of strategic, scientific and industrial challenges facing the UAE’s knowledge economy transformation and our rapidly evolving world.
Khalifa University’s world-class faculty and state-of-the-art research facilities provide an unparalleled learning experience to students from the UAE and around the world. The university brings together the best in science, engineering and medicine in the UAE, to offer specialized degrees that can take promising high school graduates all the way to top-rated doctorate degree holders.
It will continue to evolve with the UAE’s rapidly developing national goals and needs and nurture the innovation ecosystem required for the country’s targeted knowledge economy transformation.
Why Khalifa University
Khalifa University is renowned for its emphasis on cutting-edge research, advanced technology, and industry partnerships, positioning it as a leader in science and engineering education in the Middle East. Here’s why the university stands out:
1. Top-Ranked University in the Region
- Khalifa University consistently ranks as the top university in the UAE and among the leading institutions in the Arab region, recognized in global university rankings for its research output, quality of faculty, and innovative programs.
2. Specialized Research Centers
- Khalifa University hosts several high-impact research institutes, such as the Masdar Institute for Clean Energy, Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems Institute, and Robotics and Autonomous Systems Institute. These centers support projects that address challenges in sustainability, clean energy, smart cities, and healthcare, aligning with UAE’s strategic goals.
3. Focus on Innovation and Technology
- Known as a hub for innovation, the university works on advanced projects in collaboration with global industry leaders, including space technology with the UAE Space Agency, biotechnology, nuclear energy, and autonomous systems. This emphasis on applied research enables students to work on real-world solutions.
4. Strategic Government and Industry Partnerships
- Khalifa University has strong ties with governmental and private sectors, particularly in fields such as defense, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence. The university plays a crucial role in supporting UAE’s national objectives for technological advancement and sustainability, attracting significant investment in research and development.
5. Unique Programs in Nuclear Engineering and Aerospace
- The university offers one of the only nuclear engineering programs in the region, essential for the UAE’s nuclear energy initiatives, and has specialized programs in aerospace engineering, which are highly relevant to the UAE's growing interest in space exploration.
6. High Research Output and Funding
- Khalifa University has a high research output, particularly in engineering and applied sciences, supported by substantial funding and grants. This focus on research leads to numerous publications, patents, and innovations, especially in areas like renewable energy, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence.
7. International Faculty and Diverse Student Body
- With faculty from top global universities, Khalifa University attracts talent worldwide, fostering a diverse academic environment. This international presence enhances its research collaborations and broadens the perspectives within its programs.
8. Support for UAE’s Vision 2030
- As part of UAE’s Vision 2030, Khalifa University is instrumental in developing sectors such as sustainable energy, advanced technologies, and the knowledge economy, contributing to the country’s long-term socioeconomic development goals.
At Khalifa University, the primary language of instruction is English, especially for its engineering and science programs. Here’s an overview of language requirements for prospective students:
1. English Proficiency Tests
- Undergraduate Programs:
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6.0 overall.
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 79.
- Graduate Programs:
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5 overall (with no band below 6.0).
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 91.
2. Additional Requirements for Non-Native Speakers
- Applicants who completed their previous education in a non-English-speaking country must meet these English proficiency scores to ensure they can follow the curriculum, which includes advanced technical language in engineering and science.
3. Exemptions
- Students who have completed prior education (high school or bachelor’s degree) in an English-medium institution in countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand may be exempt from providing separate proof of English proficiency, depending on Khalifa University's policies.
4. Arabic Courses
- While Arabic is not mandatory for most programs, the university offers Arabic language courses, especially for international students who want to learn it or may require basic Arabic proficiency in certain fields, such as healthcare.
Meeting the English language requirements is essential as courses, assignments, and exams are conducted in English, and technical terminology is crucial for academic success in fields like engineering, IT, and applied sciences at Khalifa University.
Khalifa University in the United Arab Emirates is highly specialized in engineering, science, and technology disciplines, with a strong focus on research and innovation. Here are some of the key areas of specialization:
1. Engineering Programs
- Aerospace Engineering: Known for research in unmanned aerial vehicles, aerospace systems, and propulsion.
- Biomedical Engineering: Focuses on biomechanics, bioinformatics, and medical imaging technologies.
- Chemical Engineering: Emphasis on petrochemical processes, polymers, and materials engineering.
- Civil Infrastructure and Environmental Engineering: Studies in sustainable construction, water resources, and structural resilience.
- Electrical and Computer Engineering: Covers areas like power systems, robotics, communications, and artificial intelligence.
- Mechanical Engineering: Known for robotics, automation, renewable energy systems, and materials science.
2. Information Technology and Computing
- Computer Science: Specializations include data science, cybersecurity, software engineering, and AI.
- Robotics and Intelligent Systems: Focus on machine learning, robotics applications, and autonomous systems.
- Artificial Intelligence: Includes AI systems development, ethics in AI, and applications across various industries.
3. Science Programs
- Physics: Research in quantum physics, nuclear physics, and photonics, with applications in energy and materials science.
- Chemistry: Focuses on chemical processes, materials development, and industrial applications, especially relevant to UAE’s petrochemical industry.
- Mathematics: Offers specialization in computational mathematics, data science, and applications in engineering and technology.
4. Energy and Sustainability
- Renewable Energy: A key area due to UAE’s strategic focus on sustainable energy sources, studying solar, wind, and other renewable energies.
- Nuclear Engineering: The only program in the UAE, training specialists in nuclear technology, safety, and applications.
- Environmental Engineering and Sustainability: Researches sustainable urban development, waste management, and environmental technology.
5. Health, Safety, and Environmental Engineering
- Programs dedicated to industrial safety, environmental health, and risk management, especially relevant to the oil and gas industry.
6. Business and Technology Integration
- Engineering Management: Focused on integrating engineering skills with business management practices.
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Programs aimed at fostering startup culture and entrepreneurship in technology sectors.
Research and Innovation Centers
Khalifa University also houses research centers like the Masdar Institute and the Center for Cyber-Physical Systems and collaborates with international institutions on cutting-edge research in areas like AI, energy, aerospace, and bioengineering.
Khalifa University has several highly regarded professors who are recognized for their contributions to engineering, technology, and science. Here are a few notable faculty members:
1. Dr. Tod Laursen
- Specialty: Mechanical Engineering
- Background: Dr. Laursen is known for his expertise in computational mechanics and biomechanics, focusing on advanced computational methods for engineering applications.
- Position: Former Interim President and currently associated with the faculty of engineering, he has held leadership positions and contributed significantly to the university's growth in research and academic excellence.
2. Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi
- Specialty: Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Background: Dr. Al Hammadi is recognized for his work in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity. His expertise has also contributed to various UAE governmental and security-related research projects.
- Position: Executive Vice President; instrumental in establishing several of the university’s innovative research programs.
3. Dr. Steve Griffiths
- Specialty: Energy and Sustainability
- Background: Known for his research in sustainable energy systems and policies, Dr. Griffiths has contributed to many international and UAE-based sustainability projects, especially in clean energy and climate action.
- Position: Senior Vice President for Research and Development, where he oversees many of the university's research initiatives.
4. Dr. Hector Hernandez
- Specialty: Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology
- Background: With expertise in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering, Dr. Hernandez's work focuses on sustainable biotechnologies, biofuels, and environmental applications.
- Achievements: He has led numerous projects on bioengineered solutions and collaborated with healthcare organizations for innovations in biotech.
5. Dr. Ernesto Damiani
- Specialty: Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and Cybersecurity
- Background: Dr. Damiani is renowned for his research in big data analytics, cybersecurity, and AI ethics. He has published extensively and is a globally recognized expert in these fields.
- Position: Director of the Center for Cyber-Physical Systems at Khalifa University, leading the university's initiatives in AI and cybersecurity.
As of now, Khalifa University does not have any Nobel Prize laureates among its faculty, alumni, or affiliates. However, the university is highly recognized for its research contributions and partnerships in fields like renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and advanced engineering, which are aligned with the UAE’s national priorities.
Khalifa University’s strategic focus on fostering innovation and supporting groundbreaking research in science and technology fields positions it as a regional leader in higher education, though it has not yet produced a Nobel Prize winner. The university’s commitment to excellence and collaboration with prestigious global institutions could potentially set the stage for such achievements in the future.