HEAD-TO-HEAD INSTITUTIONAL DOSSIER · 2026/2027 INDEX

Khalifa University vs Almaarefa University

Khalifa University Logo
Khalifa University

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

QS World: #1477% Admit
Almaarefa University Logo
Almaarefa University

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

QS World: Regional/Specialist68% Admit
EXECUTIVE DECISION BRIEFINGCross-System Synthesis

01 · Global Academic Standing

Comprehensive comparison between Khalifa University and Almaarefa University. Both institutions offer world-class undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities.

02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths

Khalifa University boasts strong global prestige and leading academic research. Almaarefa University excels in international collaboration and student outcomes.

03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture

Choose Khalifa University for classical academic standing, and Almaarefa University for industry-focused modern career tracks.

SECTION 01 · QUANTITATIVE BENCHMARK LEDGER

Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown

Indicator Tally7 — 1 Advantage
Comparative DimensionKhalifa UniversityAlmaarefa University
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#147 (2027)Lead
Unranked
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#235 (2027)+466 places
#701 (2027)
ARWU Shanghai Rank
Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers
#601 (2026)Lead
Unranked
U.S. News Global Rank
Global research reputation & publications
#340 (2027)+1574 places
#1914 (2027)
Admissions Selectivity
Estimated acceptance rate (lower = more selective)
7%More selective
68%
Annual International Tuition
Estimated undergraduate/graduate base fee
$28,000
$18,000Lower tuition
Founding Heritage
Year of institutional establishment
1989Lead
2009
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
4,000
6,500
Campus Safety Index
Composite campus & surrounding municipal safety
95 / 100Lead
88 / 100
SECTION 02 · DECADE TRAJECTORY COMPARISON

10-Year Historical Ranking Trajectory

Decade-long global standing curve across major league tables (higher curve position = stronger rank).

SECTION 03 · DEPARTMENTAL BENCHMARKS

QS Subject Rankings Showdown

Click any discipline row to inspect side-by-side degree programs, tuition, and scholarships below.

Khalifa University · Specialist Subject Standings

Petroleum Engineering#6
Electrical and Electronic Engineering#92
Chemical Engineering#94
SECTION 04 · FINANCIAL & LIVING BENCHMARK

Cost of Living & Annual Budget Face-off

Estimated monthly student expenditure in Abu Dhabi vs Riyadh alongside annual international tuition.

Global Baseline

Khalifa University (Abu Dhabi)

$1,560/mo
Housing & Utilities$1,100/mo
Food & Groceries$380/mo
Local Transit & Personal$80/mo
Est. International Tuition$28,000/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$46,720/yr
Global Baseline

Almaarefa University (Riyadh)

$1,560/mo
Housing & Utilities$1,100/mo
Food & Groceries$380/mo
Local Transit & Personal$80/mo
Est. International Tuition$18,000/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$36,720/yr
APPLICANT DECISION SUITE · FREE & PRO TOOLS

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