top of page

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Why choose BACU?
    There are many reasons to choose British Applied College in Umm al Quwain (BACU) for your higher education studies. Applied Education The number one reason is that we are the first and only private higher education institution in the UAE that provides a true applied education experience. Our programs provide you with both theoretical and practical knowledge. The applied part comes in the form of assessments that do NOT require memorization of theories or concepts that can be easily ‘Googled” but challenges the students mentally to think creatively to solve real world problems in an applied manner. By the time students finish our programs, they are ready to face the world easily. Affordable The price of higher education is a concern for most students and can jeopardize possibilities to exploit their full potential. At BACU, we believe everyone must have the opportunity to study for a quality applied UAE & UK degree and be part of a student experience like no other. Hence, our tuition fees are only a fraction of similar programs offered in the country. Flexible We offer different learning models at different levels. Students have a choice to enroll in 1-year, 2-year or 4-year higher education programs depending on their future career plans. All our programs offer both a UAE and a UK award. Above all, we value student success above everything else. International faculty Our international faculty are highly qualified and inspirational in their field, bringing innovative teaching styles and philosophies from across the globe. Currently we have faculty and staff of around 10 different nationalities. Our faculty members are experienced researchers who believe that teaching and research go hand-in-hand. With different backgrounds (USA, UK, Lebanon, Tunisia, India, UAE, Egypt ...) , our experienced faculty members offer students diverse perspectives that will enhance their understanding of the challenges they may face when they graduate. Graduate employability for our programs The pathways/majors offered at BACU are directly linked with market demands which guarantees that our students are directly employed after they graduate. For example, according to Forbes, the explosion in home and remote working that began during the Covid-19 pandemic and is set to continue into 2023 means cyber security (one of BACU’s pathways) is essential to every company and up to 10 million professionals will be employed in the field during 2023. Student Support & Activities We provide the right support, opportunities, and facilities to help every student achieve their potential. We are committed to helping students thrive and pave the right path for their future. We are passionate about making student life at BACU fulfilling and inclusive. Specifically, we provide sports facilities (Football, Volleyball, Gym, Table Tennis …) and conduct many university related activities all year long to make sure that our students have a great university experience as the best things in life are the memories that you make along the way. Industry & University Partners Part of the College’s mission is to establish partnership with both national and international entities including universities, companies and other strategic partners that will build a bridge for our students to expand their careers either in terms of employability or future research projects. Our partners include: Pearson UK Teeside University, UK University of Wolverhampton, UK Accreditation and Licensure BACU is recognized nationally and internationally and our programs are recognized or accredited by the following bodies: UK, BTEC Pearson UK, Teeside For more about our UNIQUE program offerings, check this.
  • What do BACU students have to say?
  • Is BACU accredited?
    BACU is recognized nationally and internationally and our programs are recognized or accredited by the following bodies: UK, BTEC Pearson UK, Teeside University Other national accreditations are in progress.
  • Where is BACU located?
    We are located in Umm al Quwain, UAE just 5 minutes from the beach area and the main mall. The city is located on the peninsula of Khor Al Bidiyah, with the nearest major cities being Sharjah to the southwest and Ras Al Khaimah to the northeast. You can contact us and see our exact google map location here
  • Is attendance compulsory?
    All our programs require regular attendance and have minimum attendance requirements. Frequent absences will result in automatic failure of the module. Please refer to BACU's ATTENDANCE POLICY (in the FAQs Section).
  • What are the entry requirements to apply to BACU?
    Admission and English proficiency requirements can vary depending on the program you wish to study. Full details can be found HERE.
  • When does the academic year start at BACU and what are some key dates to note?
    Admissions for the new academic year are usually open on September 1 and the first day of classes is usually the last week of September. The last day of registration without late fees will usually be the first day of classes. Check our the Academic Calendar HERE.
  • How many Semesters are there at BACU? Can I join the program in the middle of the academic year?
    - There are two main semesters + a summer session in each BACU Academic Year, Fall & Spring. - The Fall semester starts in Late September and the Spring semester starts in February (or late January). - Each semester is normally 12 weeks long. Students can join either in Fall or Spring. However, those who join in Spring will have to take the following summer session to compensate for all missed subjects in the previous fall semester. This way they can continue the next fall semester with the other students who started in fall. Also, the summer session is used to give students who failed a subject another chance to retake that subject and submit the needed assessments.
  • What programs/Majors does BACU offer?
    We currently have three main schools (or faculties) including: School of Computing, School of Engineering, and School of Construction and Built Environments. Each school offers several pathways (majors) including: Cybersecurity, Data Analytics & AI, Software Engineering, General Computing, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Automation & Control Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture and others. All programs details can be found HERE.
  • How do I apply to BACU?
    You may apply to BACU by completing the online application (or visiting us in person) Step 1: Select the program of interest after checking the admission requirements HERE and apply online HERE Step 2: Attach the required documents (mentioned in the application form page) and send by email to (info@acuq.ae) after step one was completed. Do not worry if you do not have all your documents when you apply. Depending on what you submit, we may be able to make you a conditional offer. Step 3: Receive a firm or conditional offer letter of acceptance by email. Step 4: Complete registration and payment of tuition fees online after the offer has been received using the payment link sent. Alternatively, you may visit the Admission Department at BACU. We are open Monday to Thursday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm and till 1:00pm on Friday and the Admissions Team will be happy to assist you with the application process. Please do not forget to bring all your documents.
  • Does BACU conduct entrance exams?
    BACU does not normally conduct entrance exams; however, we may do from time to time for some scholarships. Our entry requirements are mostly based on high school grades and English proficiency tests. We do offer challenge tests for some foundation subjects which would allow students to skip some courses if they pass the associated challenge tests.
  • May I join BACU if I do not meet the entry requirements?
    An applicant who does not meet the minimum requirements of a program may still be given consideration, depending on additional evidence provided. Students may also be admitted under probationary admission or offered a Foundation course. Check out more details about CONDITIONAL ACCEPTENCE HERE. We also recognize prior learning. Check out more details HERE. If we cannot offer you a place on the program you applied for, our aim is to offer you an alternative program or pathway. Make sure to discuss this with the student support officer.
  • Can I transfer credits from another University or from another vocational program?
    Depending on your program of study, you may be able to transfer some of your credit hours, diplomas, or prior learning. For more information, please contact the Admissions Officer and we usually handle such cases on a case by case basis with each program head. Check out more details HERE.
  • When is the BACU Admissions Office open?
    We are open Monday to Thursday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm and till 1:00pm on Friday and the Admissions Team will be happy to assist you with the application process. Please do not forget to bring all your documents. You can find our contact information HERE.
  • Is it possible to complete the program in less time?
    BACU offers a diploma program (with UK Pearson) and a bachelors program (with Teesside University, UK). Since our subjects are offered annually, the minimum time to complete a Bachelor’s degree will be 3 years if students were able to provide evidence of prior learning of the foundation or general education subjects of year 1.
  • Does BACU offer double majors?
    BACU does not currently offer double major programs.
  • Does BACU offer Masters Programs?
    BACU does not currently offer Masters Programs however we will be introducing a Masters in Engineering Management and other postgraduate programs in 2023/2024. Stay tuned or contact us for more details.
  • Does BACU offer financial aid or scholarships to students?
    BACU offers merit-based scholarships for academically distinguished students. We also believe that our students are our best ambassadors hence we offer 100% tuition fees for 1 year for every six referrals and successful enrollment at BACU.
  • Is it possible to get a student loan or pay in installments for my studies?
    BACU offers in-house financing in the form of monthly, or quarterly instalment payments of the total annual fees with zero interests or processing fees. Make sure to ask for more details.
  • What are the accepted forms of payment?
    We accept cash, card, cash deposit, bank transfer or cheques drawn only in local banks in UAE Dirhams for the payment of tuition fees. Cheques should be made payable to “British Applied College”. Submission of post-dates cheques (PDCs) at the time of registration is mandatory for instalment payment options
  • When do I have to pay the tuition fees?
    Registration and tuition fees must be paid before the deadline mentioned in the offer letter. This is usually before the first day of classes (without any penalties).
  • Does BACU offer accommodation?
    BACU does not offer accommodation on campus however we have partnerships with local residence buildings to arrange for housing or accommodation for students who are interested. Contact the facilities manager for more information.
  • Does BACU provide student residency visas?
    We assist our students with a UAE residence visa under our university sponsorship, provided that all registration formalities are complete and course fees are paid. For information, please contact info@acuq.ae.
  • Does BACU provide transportation?
    There is a scheduled bus service. Timings of the BACU Bus Service are posted on Moodle.
  • Is parking available on campus?
    Yes, free parking is provided on-campus for students and guests.
  • Does BACU provide wheelchair access?
    Yes, the campus is accessible for wheelchairs.
  • Where can I find my schedule/ Timetable?
    You will be given your timetable after registering for the upcoming semester and all timetables will be uploaded on Moodle and posted on the reception notice boards and in front of all classrooms.
  • Does BACU offer Training or other executive Programs?
    BACU is proud to be one of the very few institutions to offer CPD certified training programs on a number of emerging topics. More information on this are available here.
  • When can I get my student ID card?
    Student ID cards will be provided by the Registration Team during Induction.
  • What is the BACU Alumni Association?
    The Alumni Association is our graduate’s link to the University after graduation. The association will be your first point of contact whenever you have an inquiry or need assistance. Students who complete their undergraduate or postgraduate studies are eligible to join the association. Registration is free of charge, please visit the BACU Student Affairs office at the campus or register through our BACU Website to update your details.
  • Does BACU provide students with jobs after graduation?
    BACU does not guarantee to provide students with jobs after graduation but we do offer employment assistance and guidance on resumes, job interviews, and job opportunities with our industry partners.
  • Does BACU provide internships?
    Students who demonstrate excellent academic performance will be selected for in-college internship programs with the IT dept. or other departments. We also support students seeking internships with a range of employers.
  • What help can I get to prepare for internships and interviews?
    We offer regular Pre-Internship workshops to enhance your employability skills. This includes the opportunity to practice your interview skills and help you create a successful CV.
bottom of page