English Bridge Program
Why choose to study in the English Bridge Program?
The English Bridge Program at American University of Sharjah is designed to help students improve their English language skills and prepare for university success so that they can join their major of choice at AUS.
For over 25 years, students from more than 30 countries have thrived in our Bridge Program. Students spend just one semester in the Bridge Program before joining their chosen college or school.
The English Bridge Program eases students' transition to undergraduate studies through tailored courses focused on improving English proficiency and university preparedness. When they begin their undergraduate program, students from the Bridge Program not only achieve success in their studies, but also frequently excel in the extracurricular roles they take on.
To join the Bridge Program, please make sure you have applied to AUS. Find out more about our entry requirements below.
Entry Requirements
The English Bridge Program serves students scoring:
- a minimum overall score of 6.0 on the IELTS (Academic Version) or
- a minimum of 72 or a new score of 4 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT) or
- a minimum of 543 on the AUS Institutional Paper-based TOEFL (ITP)
For more details regarding AUS admissions requirements, please visit www.aus.edu/prospective-students.
Faculty
Our instructors bring decades of experience in English language teaching in higher education to their work at AUS, and this helps students successfully transition to academic life. They are committed to ensuring personalized care and attention for every student in the English Bridge Program throughout the entire semester.
Courses Taken
Students attending the English Bridge Program spend a minimum of 12 hours in classes per week during the semester, primarily focused on English language learning:
-
ELP 211: Academic Literacy
-
ELP 221: Communication OR ELP 232: English for Grammar Writing Success
Students are also eligible to enroll in one undergraduate course (3-4 credits) to start earning credits toward their undergraduate degree:
One general education course from the options below:
Math
- MTH 100, MTH 102, MTH 103, MTH 111
Mass Communications
- MCM 101 Digital Video Skills (restricted to BAMC students)
Arabic Heritage
- ARA 101A Introduction to Arabic Heritage I (in Arabic)
- ARA 102A Introduction to Arabic Heritage II (in Arabic)
Course descriptions
- ELP 211 Academic Literacy
9 hours per week, 0 credit | Enhances the ability to write and read academic English at the intermediate and upper-intermediate levels, while developing strategies to think critically and apply accurate grammar, vocabulary and mechanics.
- ELP 221 Communication
3 hours per week, 0 credit | Focuses on speaking and listening skills at the intermediate and upper-intermediate levels respectively while developing the ability to participate in discussions, deliver oral presentations and understand spoken English.
- ELP 232 English for Grammar Writing Success
3 hours per week, 0 credit | Provides the context to develop academic English writing skills through targeted grammar instruction and practice for more accurate and precise communication. Builds foundational accuracy for academic writing.
Students are placed in this course if they submit a listening part score of at least 6.5 IELTS, 4.5 iBT or 54 ITP.
- College of Arts and Sciences General Education Courses
3 hours per week, plus lab if applicable, with a value of up to 4 credits depending on the course.
Click here to read more information about the general education courses offered by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) in the AUS Undergraduate Catalog.
Math
- MTH 100, MTH 102, MTH 103, MTH 111
Arabic Heritage
- ARA 101A Introduction to Arabic Heritage I (in Arabic)
- ARA 102A Introduction to Arabic Heritage II (in Arabic)
Media Communications
- MDC 101 Digital Video Skills
- Course Fees and Scholarship Information
To view the fees for the English Bridge Program, please click here.
Students eligible for a merit scholarship and/or a financial grant may be able to put some of these funds towards their time in the English Bridge Program.
Please visit our scholarships page for more information.
Beyond The English Bridge Program
96%
of students say that their learning in the Bridge Program was positive.
Transition To Undergraduate Studies | Once a student has successfully completed the English Bridge Program, they matriculate and become an AUS undergraduate student. You can visit this page for a full list of AUS’ application requirements.
Life On Campus
The English Bridge Program is located in the heart of the AUS campus.
It’s a short walk to the Library, the Student Center, all of the colleges, the Sports Complex and the residential halls.
Many students choose to live in AUS’ residential halls and thrive in these living/learning communities.
Hear from our Students
In addition to improving their English, Bridge Program students often say they have improved other essential skills, such as communication, presentations, research, teamwork and time management, all of which have brought them benefits that have lasted well beyond their time in the Bridge Program.
- Saghar Khalil Arjmandi | Mechatronics | Fall 2025
This term, I learned many new skills, and I am truly happy and grateful for everything I have achieved. I want to thank the kind and supportive AABP instructors who were always by my side and helped me throughout this journey. I really appreciate all their efforts and guidance.
— Director’s Award winner
- Omar alDamkhi | Computer Engineering | Spring 2025
Joining the Bridge Program was one of the most fun, interesting and useful experiences I’ve ever had.
I made a lot of friends, it introduced me to university life, and it made me realize that if I had joined my major without studying in the Bridge Program first, I would’ve had a really hard time.
—Director’s Award winner
Get in Touch
The English Bridge Program, Department of English
American University of Sharjah
Sharjah, UAE
[email protected]
Administrative Assistant
Tel +971 6 515 2653
