Global Studies University UAE Admissions 2027: MA and PhD Programs, Scholarships, Fees, Eligibility and Deadlines
Global Studies University in Sharjah, UAE, is accepting graduate applications for the Fall 2027 intake across its Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy programs. Prospective students can apply for full-time, on-campus study supported by competitive scholarship opportunities.
Overview
Global Studies University (GSU) in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, offers interdisciplinary graduate study focused on Africa, its global connections, and regional movements. The institution provides full-time, on-campus postgraduate degrees alongside shorter certificate courses in various languages.
The available academic pathways include:
- Master of Arts in Global African Studies: A two-year, 36-credit program featuring tracks in Museum and Critical Heritage Studies, Diplomacy and Africa's International Relations, and Afro-Arab Relations.
- Doctor of Philosophy in Global Studies: A five-year, 81-credit doctoral program combining coursework with research and dissertation writing across cultural, visual, literary, historical, political, and social tracks.
- Language Certificate Programs: Shorter courses in Arabic, Amharic, Hausa, and Kiswahili for non-native speakers.
Eligibility
Candidates must meet specific academic, documentation, and language requirements depending on their chosen program of study:
- MA Applicants: Requires a bachelor's degree from an independently accredited institution recognized by GSU and the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- PhD Applicants: Requires a relevant bachelor's or master's qualification from a recognized institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- English Language Standards: Both graduate degrees require an IELTS Academic overall score of 6.5 or a TOEFL iBT score of 91. Home-based or online examinations are not accepted.
- Supporting Documents: Submissions must include official transcripts and degree certificates, a UAE Certificate of Recognition for overseas qualifications, a valid passport, a curriculum vitae, a Statement of Interest, two recommendation letters issued within one month of submission, and academic writing samples.
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare their documentation and submit their application through the official portal by following these steps:
- Select the appropriate program and specialization track.
- Verify the recognition status of previous qualifications and initiate the UAE Certificate of Recognition process early if educated abroad.
- Schedule and complete an accepted English language proficiency test.
- Secure two recently issued recommendation letters from referees.
- Draft and refine required written materials, such as the Statement of Interest and research statements.
- Submit a complete application online through the official GSU application portal and pay the non-refundable application fee of AED 365, unless an early-applicant fee waiver applies.
Deadline
Applications for the Fall 2027 graduate intake close on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare and submit their complete applications early to secure consideration for available application-fee waivers.