Khalifa University is a public research university in Abu Dhabi and the top-ranked university in the UAE. It ranks 147th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2027, released in June 2026, making it the first UAE university in the global top 150. It is best known for engineering, science, computing and medicine.
The university was formed in its current shape in 2017 and has grown quickly in global rankings since. This 2026 update covers its history, programmes, research strengths, latest rankings and what Indian students should know before applying.
Khalifa University quick facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Public research university |
| Location | Abu Dhabi, UAE (Main Campus and Sas Al Nakhl Campus) |
| Current form since | February 2017 |
| President | Ebrahim Al Hajri |
| Students | Over 4,000 |
| QS World Rankings 2027 | 147th globally, first in the UAE |
| THE World Rankings 2026 | 201st globally, 5th in the Arab region |
History of Khalifa University
Khalifa University brings together three older institutions. The Petroleum Institute was set up to train engineers for the oil and gas sector with support from ADNOC. Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research (KUSTAR) was created in 2007. The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, also founded in 2007, focused on graduate research in energy and sustainability.
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In February 2017, a decree by the then UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan merged the three into Khalifa University of Science and Technology. The merger combined their staff, labs and research programmes under one name.
Colleges and programmes
The university is organised into three colleges:
- College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- College of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences
It offers undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programmes across engineering, science, computing and medicine. Undergraduates take general education courses along with their main specialisation. In 2024, it launched a dual PhD in Biomedical Sciences and Engineering with KU Leuven in Belgium.
Research at Khalifa University
Research is central to the university’s identity. It runs three research institutes and around 18 to 20 research centres, according to its Wikipedia profile. Priority areas have included aerospace, energy and the environment, healthcare, information and communication technology, transport and logistics, and security.
Its subject rankings reflect this focus. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, released in March 2026, Khalifa University ranked 6th in the world for Petroleum Engineering. It also had three subjects in the global top 100, including Electrical and Electronic Engineering (92nd) and Chemical Engineering (94th).
Other subject rankings in 2026
Several other subjects also placed well in the 2026 QS subject tables:
- Mathematics: 130th in the world
- Mechanical Engineering: 133rd
- Computer Science and Information Systems: 137th
- Engineering and Technology (broad area): 131st
- Natural Sciences (broad area): 220th, its first ranking in this area
In all, 15 of its subjects were ranked in 2026, which shows that its strength now goes beyond oil and gas engineering.
Khalifa University rankings in 2026
The university has climbed steadily in global tables. In the QS 2027 edition, which assessed 1,500 institutions, it moved up 30 places from the year before, and in QS 2026 it was third in the Arab region. The figures below are the latest available as of October 2026.
| Ranking | Position |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | 147th (first in the UAE) |
| QS World University Rankings 2026 | 177th (up 25 places) |
| THE World University Rankings 2026 | 201st (5th in the Arab region) |
| QS Subject Rankings 2026, Petroleum Engineering | 6th in the world |
The earlier version of this article quoted ranks of 183rd in QS and 351st in THE. Those figures are now out of date.
Career support and student life
The university offers career services that help students set academic and career goals, prepare CVs and cover letters, practise interviews and connect with employers. Workshops are run with academic departments, and students are encouraged to take part in volunteering and civic activities.
Campus life includes student clubs, a sports office that runs tournaments and fitness programmes, and teams that take part in inter-university competitions in Abu Dhabi. On-campus housing is available for eligible full-time undergraduates. Check the official website for current eligibility rules and fees, as these can change.
Should Indian students consider Khalifa University?
For Indian students interested in engineering, computing or research careers in the Gulf, Khalifa University is one of the strongest options in the region by global rankings. Its strength in petroleum, electrical and chemical engineering makes it especially relevant for students aiming at energy and technology jobs.
Admission requirements, scholarships and fees vary by programme and are updated each year. Always confirm details on the university’s official admissions pages before you apply. For more study-abroad guides, see our Education and Infotainment sections.
Further reading: TheEducationDaily.
Frequently asked questions
What is Khalifa University’s world ranking?
Khalifa University is ranked 147th in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and 201st in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026.
Is Khalifa University the best university in the UAE?
It is the highest-ranked UAE university in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and the first from the country to enter the global top 150.
Where is Khalifa University located?
It is in Abu Dhabi, with a Main Campus on Abu Dhabi Island and a second campus at Sas Al Nakhl.
What is Khalifa University known for?
It is known for engineering, especially petroleum engineering, where it ranked 6th in the world in the 2026 QS subject rankings, as well as computing, science and medicine.
Sources: Wikipedia: Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi Media Office: QS 2027, Abu Dhabi Media Office: QS by Subject 2026.
