How To Apply

Exchange and Study Abroad

Annual Timeline

Open call:	September – November
Application Deadline:	End November
Initial Selection:	Mid December
Informal Discussions:	Mid December – February
Final Selection:	Beginning of February
Paperwork:	February – Mid March
Nominations:	Mid-March
Acceptances & Applications:	April – May
Final Meetups:	April – May
Travel Preparation:	Jun – August
Mobility Starts:	September/October

Deadlines

Start your application 6 to 9 months before the semester you plan to study abroad.

Eligibility

Mobility typically takes place during the 3rd year of undergraduate study, but may be allowed in the 4th year in exceptional cases.

Criteria

To qualify for mobility or exchange, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.1/4 and demonstrate appropriate behaviour in all aspects, including academic honesty. In cases where two applicants have identical scores, priority will be given to the applicant facing fewer opportunities due to socio-economic or other circumstances. Note: The host university makes the final decision on selecting candidates for mobility.

Required Documents

Requirements may vary depending on the host institution. Typically, you will need to submit:

Study enrolment confirmation
Transcript of records
Preliminary learning agreement
Relevant CV
Passport details

English Language Proficiency

Some partner institutions may require an English language certificate. Ahlia University can issue an official confirmation that all classes are taught in English. However, the partner institution may still request certificates, placement tests, or additional documents.

Learning Agreement and Recognition

Approved courses taken abroad will be recognised at Ahlia. Students will receive an “Exempt” (E) grade for any course completed abroad with a grade of C or above. The recommended minimum number of ECTS credits per semester is 19 (or XX equivalent in Ahlia credits).

International Academic Coordinator

Each college at Ahlia University has a designated International Academic Coordinator. This faculty member supports students in selecting equivalent courses at the host university, aligning them with Ahlia’s curriculum, and completing the Learning Agreement. The coordinator provides preliminary approval, while final approval is granted by the Directorate of International Relations (DIR). A Learning Agreement template is available in the Downloads section or as a direct download from here.

The College of Arts & Science: Prof. Abdelbasit Mahmoud, [email protected]; Ms. Aysha Shaabi, [email protected]
The College of Business & Finance: Prof. Abdalmuttaleb Al-Sartawi, [email protected]
The College of Engineering: Prof. Ahmed Kassam, (Ms. Ghadeer Buhussain) [email protected]
The College of Information Technology: Dr. Suresh Subramanian, [email protected]
The College of Medical & Health Sciences: Dr. Enas Elballat, [email protected]

Transparency & Selection

The selection process is fair, objective, and transparent, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants. Only complete applications submitted on time will be considered. Ahlia University’s Directorate of International Relations makes the final decision on nominations, while the host university makes the ultimate selection. All nominations depend on the host institution’s available capacity.

Financial Overview

Students on mobility continue paying their regular tuition fees to Ahlia University. In some cases, Ahlia may offer a partial or full tuition fee waiver during the mobility period, depending on individual circumstances.

Ahlia’s Disclaimer

Ahlia University reserves the right to discretion in the selection process to uphold its reputation and ensure candidates demonstrate maturity, readiness, and suitability for the challenges of studying abroad. Selected students must conduct themselves with academic integrity and appropriate social behaviour both during and outside academic settings.

Procedure Step by Step

Identify host universities: Ensure their programmes are compatible with your Ahlia home programme with sufficient matching courses. Find their application requirements, deadlines, and any fees for international mobility students.
Find compatible courses: Choose courses that match what you would have taken at Ahlia. Prepare a detailed list (course descriptions, credits, department/college, year, semester) to show your International Academic Coordinator.
Draft the Learning Agreement: Work with your coordinator to create a preliminary Learning Agreement and submit it to the Directorate for Communications and International Relations for approval.
Gather required paperwork: Most applications require the following documents:
- Study enrolment confirmation
- Transcript of records
- Preliminary learning agreement
- Relevant CV
- Passport details
- English Proficiency Confirmation (Ahlia University provides an official statement confirming that all classes are taught in English. However, the host university may require additional certificates or proof).
- Any other documents specified by the host institution
Submit your application: During the promotional campaign and open call (September-November), in accordance with the published instructions, submit your complete application to the Directorate for Communications and International Relations.
Pre-nomination discussions: After submission, Ahlia University conducts a preliminary selection process, including informal discussions with applicants.
Selected candidates do the paperwork: If selected, gather all required documents to finalise your application.
Ahlia University Sends Out Nominations: Ahlia University formally submits your nomination to your chosen partner or international university.
Acceptances by International Universities: Host universities review your application and issue acceptance letters, usually between April and May. Some may request accepted candidates to complete online applications through their platforms.
Ahlia Assists You: Once acceptances are received, Ahlia University organises additional meetups and provides guidance to help you prepare.
Organizing Travel & Stay: During the summer, arrange travel, accommodation, and other necessary details for your stay abroad. Once accepted by the host university, contact their designated officer for assistance.
Your Mobility Starts: Arrive in the host country before your chosen semester begins to settle in and arrange your stay without stress.

Apply

During the open call (September–November), submit your application via email to [email protected].