Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi: a strategic springboard for an international career

Mobility and the circulation of talent are reshaping career paths: succeeding professionally is no longer confined to one’s home country. Higher education now operates within a global dynamic, combining academic excellence, multicultural experiences and international opportunities – all assets to prepare younger generations for the challenges and careers of tomorrow. In this context, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi offers high-quality academic training in an international environment, equipping its students for a global professional future. 

In this context, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) holds a distinctive place. Founded in 2006 through an agreement between Sorbonne University, Université Paris Cité and the government of Abu Dhabi, SUAD is the only overseas campus of a French university. Studying at SUAD means earning the same degree as in Paris, recognised by the French Ministry of Higher Education and validated in the United Arab Emirates. Over 3,000 graduates from more than 90 nationalities have already made this choice. 

With 11 bachelor’s programmes and 14 master’s courses, the offer covers strategic fields such as law, economics, data science, artificial intelligence, international relations, diplomacy, applied languages and art history. “I studied highly engaging subjects related to markets and commerce during my three-year degree. I gained solid training in finance and quantitative methods, which was very useful during my internship at a private bank abroad,” recalls Quentin Broussan, a student in economics and management. 

Abu Dhabi, a global hub of opportunities 

At SUAD, students enjoy an environment conducive to developing skills, completing internships and gaining professional experience. As the political capital and a major economic centre, Abu Dhabi attracts international companies, institutions, NGOs and start-ups, providing learning directly connected to the professional world. 

“My experience was extremely stimulating and rewarding. I had the opportunity to work for two months as an intern at the United Nations in New York,” says Theodora Mylen, a graduate in international relations. 

The career centre: turning learning into careers 

To make the most of this environment, SUAD has a highly effective Career Centre. Job fairs, international CV workshops, mentoring with alumni – everything is designed to connect students to a global labour market. “I am grateful to have had an experience that values practical learning as much as theory,” emphasises Sarah Al Raeesi, a graduate who completed an internship in Spain on European Union environmental law. 

A global network and future-oriented sectors 

SUAD’s strength also lies in its international alumni community, present across the globe. “I am proud to be a SUAD graduate in foreign languages. It was a rich experience combining cultural immersion, language mastery and a global business perspective,” says Abdullah AlBlooshi. 

At the same time, the university prepares its students for high-potential fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, international law and diplomacy. These choices align with the OECD’s analysis: “international mobility of graduates increases their employability and career prospects, with significant salary differences five years after graduation” (OECD, Globalisation). 

A cosmopolitan experience in a safe hub 

With more than 90 nationalities represented on campus, SUAD offers unparalleled cultural immersion. Clubs, associations, sports and arts events animate student life, while Abu Dhabi – ranked the safest city in the world – provides a secure and stimulating living environment. 

“An incredible experience. Studying here has been a real journey. The language department not only taught me several languages, it opened doors to new worlds,” says Ahmed AlAmeeri. 

In an academic landscape where international mobility has become essential, SUAD represents a strategic intersection of French academic excellence, the Gulf’s economic hub and a global network of opportunities. In other words, a strategic choice for any international career.