UAE · Bachelor's
American University in Dubai
Bachelor of Architecture
American University in Dubai
Course Overview
AUD's Bachelor of Architecture is a 5-year professional degree accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education and the US-based NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board) — the only NAAB-accredited B.Arch in the Middle East. The programme is taught from the Dubai Media City campus and the curriculum combines US/American liberal-arts breadth with Gulf-specific design studios (high-rise, hospitality, museums, infrastructure). Studio-based delivery throughout all 5 years, with internships at Foster + Partners Dubai, Aedas, Atkins, AECOM, U+A, and the long tail of Dubai-based design firms.
Sri Lankan demand for B.Arch in Dubai is driven by the UAE construction boom and 0% personal income tax — graduating architects routinely earn AED 10,000-15,000/month at graduate level, with senior project architects clearing AED 30,000+/month. The NAAB accreditation is reciprocal with US, Canada and Mexico (under the Canberra Accord) and recognised by the UK ARB — opening global mobility for Sri Lankan graduates.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Sri Lankan Cambridge / Edexcel A Levels: BBC minimum across 3 subjects.
- check_circle Sri Lankan GCE A/L: 3 passes (any stream); a creative subject helps.
- check_circle Portfolio of 10-15 pieces (sketches, models, digital work, drawings) — reviewed online.
- check_circle Online interview with the School of Architecture, Art and Design.
- check_circle Direct Year 2 entry rare — most international applicants start year 1.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.0 Overall.
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 79 Overall.
- check_circle AUD English Placement Test (free, online) accepted as alternative.
- check_circle Waived if your school qualification was taught and assessed entirely in English (most Sri Lankan applicants from Edexcel/Cambridge International streams qualify).
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (AED) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year, ~30 credits) | AED 90,000 | Rs. 7,830,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year, shared apartment) | AED 42,000 | Rs. 3,654,000 |
| UAE Student Visa & Medical Insurance | AED 4,500 | Rs. 391,500 |
| Studio Materials, Models, Software & Setup | AED 8,000 | Rs. 696,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | AED 144,500 | Rs. 12,571,500 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Sri Lankan graduates qualify for the UAE 2-year post-study work visa, with 0% personal income tax. Recent AUD B.Arch graduates have placed at Foster + Partners Dubai, Aedas, Atkins (now AtkinsRéalis), AECOM, U+A, Killa Design. Graduate Architect salaries in Dubai: AED 10,000-15,000/month, climbing fast for licensed and project-architect roles.
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