International

International relations at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi embody the institution’s founding ambition: to serve as a bridge between civilizations, fostering dialogue, cooperation, and shared knowledge between France, the United Arab Emirates and the world.  

Positioned as a beacon of French and European academic excellence in the heart of the Gulf, the university plays a unique diplomatic and intellectual role in the region. Its international strategy is rooted in an expansive and multidimensional network that extends well beyond traditional academic partnerships. Collaborations with global organizations, ministries, embassies, leading corporations, foundations and museums reflect a deep commitment to shaping global conversations and advancing shared solutions to today’s most pressing challenges.  

At the core of our vision is a commitment to critical thinking and intercultural understanding—values we instill in our students by encouraging them to travel the world, engage with diverse societies, and take part in global academic exchanges.  

At the same time, we welcome students from across the globe to our Abu Dhabi campus, where they benefit from a cosmopolitan academic environment and gain insights into one of the world’s most dynamic regions.  

This reciprocal mobility is essential for preparing the next generation of leaders, capable of advancing sustainable solutions and fostering constructive global engagement. 

Through international exchange agreements 

Students from the following institutions may apply for exchange:  

• Sciences Po Paris
• Tsinghua University
• University of Bergamo
• University of CLUJ
• Federal University of Para
• Wuhan University
• University of Pisa
• Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona
• University of Zaghreb
• University of Firenzi 

Eligibility 

Undergraduate and graduate exchange students can apply. 

Undergraduate students must have completed at least two semesters before arrival. 

Course catalogue available here 

Step 1: Nomination by home university 

Students must first be officially nominated by the international office of their home university. Self-nominations by students are not permitted. 

Nomination Deadlines are as follows: 

• For the Autumn Semester: 1st June 
• For the Spring Semester: 1st November 
  

Step 2: Application submission 

Once nominated, students will receive detailed instructions on how to submit their application. The following documents are required (in english or french):

• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal Statement
• Copy of Passport
• Photo ID (neutral background)
• University transcripts (in English or French)
• French and/or English language certificates,
• A signed Learning Agreement, if applicable (a template will be provided by Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi for completion and approval by the home university)
• A personal information form (a template will be provided by Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi) 
  

Application submission deadlines as follows: 

• For the Autumn Semester: 15 June  
• For the Spring Semester: 15 November  

Step 3: Acceptance and pre-arrival information 

Accepted students will receive: 

• An official acceptance letter confirming their exchange at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
• An invitation to a Welcome Webinar before arrival

Course Load 

• Minimum: 5 ECTS credits per semester 
  
• Maximum: 30 ECTS credits per semester (up to 60 ECTS per academic year) 

Language of Instruction 

Check the course catalogue for language details. 

Academic Program Disclaimer 

While every effort is made to enroll students in their requested courses, there is no guarantee that students will secure their required or preferred courses. Students may not enroll in:  

• Courses for which they have not completed the necessary prerequisites 
  
• Courses that are closed, unavailable, or restricted. 

It is strongly recommended that students discuss alternative course options with their home university before arrival. 

Language Requirements 

Proof of Language Proficiency: 

For English-taught courses: IELTS certificate with minimum overall band of 6.0, or TOEFL certificate with minimum score of 79, or Cambridge CAE with minimum score B or Native English speaker who completed one full year in an English education institution. 

 For French-taught courses: B2 (DELF, DALF, SELFEE, TCF, TEF) 

Special Exam Sessions for Calendar Incompatibilities 

International students who can provide official proof of an academic calendar conflict at their home university may request a special exam session before their departure, subject to administrative approval.  

Internships and Career Support 

International exchange students at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi may undertake internships during their stay in Abu Dhabi, provided that the internship does not conflict with their coursework in terms of schedule and workload. To formalize the arrangement, an internship agreement will be signed between the relevant parties. 

Exchange students have full access to the Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s Career Center, where they receive career guidance and job search support, access to JobTeaser, internship and employment advice, CV and interview preparation assistance.  

For more information, please visit the Career Center page. 

Academic Rules and Regulations 

Students must read and comply with: 

• Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s Student Code of Conduct 
  
• Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s Student Handbook 

Accommodation 

Housing is available for all exchange students coming from partner universities. The housing includes kitchen, free laundry, free wifi, clean sheets every two weeks and housecleaning every week.

The housing fees per semester are 12,700 AED (around 3,300 euros), which includes all utilities charges.

A refundable deposit of 1,000 AED (around 260 euros), is also required and will be returned if no damages in the room. 

For more information, please visit the Student Housing page

Visa and Health Insurance 

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi handles visa and health formalities for foreign students. 

The total cost for the issuance of the visa—which included the entry visa, residency permit, Emirates ID card, and mandatory blood test—along with a one-year health insurance is 2,700 AED (around 700 euros). 

The student visa is issued for one year and is renewable annually until the student completes their studies or withdraws from the university. Visa and Health Insurance formalities are non-refundable. 

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is not responsible for visa application rejections by UAE authorities. 

On-Campus Life 

Exchange students have free access to several sports activities (stand up paddle, climbing, pilates, tennis, Judo, Muay Thai, Cross Training and gym facilities, among others) and may participate in Sport Competitions. multicultural events, such as Safaris, trips, concerts and cultural guided tours (museums).

The University also hosts debate clubs, cultural clubs (cinema, music), and chess tournaments.  The following language courses: English, French, Arabic, Spanish, German, Chinese and Italian.

Exchange students also have access to international trips organized by different departments, including a three-day trip to Oman during Spring (250 AED or 65 euros) all included. 

For more information, please visit the Sports and Events page. Additional information about student life may be found in Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s Student Handbook 

Student well-being 

The University offers free on-campus certified counsellors and academic mentorship to provide guidance and support to students to help manage personal matters and to assist them with developing the skills and confidence to function in a different cultural environment. 

Individual mobility not covered by an exchange agreement 

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi welcomes international students who wish to study outside the framework of a formal exchange agreement. Whether you are seeking to transfer from another university, enroll for a semester as a visiting student, or pursue a full degree, we encourage motivated individuals from all over the world to join our diverse academic community. 

Prospective students in this category must follow the standard admissions procedure applicable to international applicants. 

Through international exchange agreements  

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi students may engage in semester and year long mobilities at our partner universities, as follows: 

• Sciences Po Paris
• Tsinghua University
• University of Bergamo
• University of CLUJ
• Federal University of Para
• Wuhan University
• University of Pisa
• Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona
• University of Zaghreb
• University of Firenzi 

The application for the year 2025/2026 is closed. 

An information seminar will be held in November 2025 to present the exchange opportunities and procedures for the year 2026/2027. 

The application procedure will follow the following schedule: 

• Application procedure: December 2025 
• Auditions: January 2026 
• Nominations: February 2026 

No other long-term applications will be available. 

Summer Schools 

The University partners with the following institutions to offer Summer School programs: 

• London School of Economics Summer School 
• Wuhan University Summer School 
• University of Bergamo Summer School 

The applications for Summer 2025 are now closed. 

Applications for Summer 2026 will be announced on March 2026. 

Contact Information 

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi 

International Relations Office 

international@sorbone.apps.plana.ae 

Al Reem Island 

Abu Dhabi 

United Arab Emirates 

PO Box 38044  

T +971 (2)  656 9330/555