Zarqa University is a private university established in 1994, located in az-Zarqa', Jordan. The university continues to develop its educational environment to support students' academic and professional aspirations. The university's academic portfolio includes 60 programs designed to meet different educational goals and interests. Campus life brings together academic excellence and participation in various sports and cultural activities.
About Zarqa University
If you look at Zarqa University’s numbers before anything else, one figure immediately stands out: more than 2,300 international students from 60 different nationalities at a single private university. The university was established in 1994 in Zarqa, around 25 kilometers northeast of Amman. It ranks 16th among Jordanian universities according to uniRank, a ranking that focuses on digital presence and academic visibility rather than research performance alone.
The university has 14 faculties covering fields from Sharia and Dentistry to Information Technology, Media, and Nursing. It obtained ISO certification in 2009 and an international quality award from the United Kingdom in 2015. It has also hosted the Arab International Conference on Information Technology annually since 2000, a detail many students may overlook when first researching the university.
Zarqa University follows a flexible credit-hour system, which means you pay based on the number of courses you register for rather than one fixed amount regardless of your academic load. Tuition starts from around JOD 2,000 per year, with scholarships and discounts of up to 70% available in many majors. However, scholarships are not automatically maintained; students generally need to keep a cumulative average above 65% throughout their undergraduate studies.
YouApply makes your application easier
YouApply helps you apply to Zarqa University for free and follows your application step by step until you receive your admission letter.
Why Choose Zarqa University?
Zarqa University has clear strengths, but there are also factors worth considering before making your decision. Whether you are a student choosing where to study or a parent planning for your son’s or daughter’s future, these points deserve careful consideration:
✅ University Strengths
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Competitive tuition and generous scholarships: Tuition starts from around JOD 2,000 per year, with discounts of up to 70% in many majors.
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Strong academic variety: 14 faculties and more than 44 majors covering medicine, engineering, law, pharmacy, media, and design.
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Arab and Islamic environment: Jordan is an Arab Muslim country, making halal food, prayer facilities, and religious practices widely accessible.
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Close to Amman: Around 25 minutes from the capital with relatively affordable transportation, giving students access to a wider social environment and more opportunities.
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International recognition: The university holds ISO certification and its qualifications are recognized in several Arab and Gulf countries.
✅
Flexibility for non-Jordanian students: International students may be accepted with an average up to 15 points below the standard requirements, subject to applicable regulations.
⚠️ Points Worth Considering
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Limited global ranking: A QS ranking of 1401+ does not compare with major global universities, so it may not suit students whose top priority is international brand prestige.
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Zarqa is an industrial city: It is less tourism-oriented than Amman, and student life outside the campus may be more limited.
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Jordanian job market: Local employment opportunities after graduation can be more limited than in Gulf countries, and many international students prefer to return home or seek opportunities elsewhere.
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Limited PhD options: The university places greater emphasis on bachelor’s and master’s programs, while doctoral options are available in fewer fields.
YouApply Recommendation
Zarqa University can be a strong option for students who want to study in Arabic within an Arab environment at a relatively affordable cost, especially those interested in Pharmacy, Health Sciences, Business Administration, or Information Technology.
Programs and Majors at Zarqa University
Zarqa University has 14 faculties offering more than 44 bachelor’s majors, in addition to 13 master’s programs. Most programs are taught in Arabic, with notable exceptions in fields such as Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Software Engineering, where English is commonly used.
Zarqa University’s 14 Faculties
Faculty of Sharia
Faculty of Arts
Faculty of Science
Faculty of Information Technology
Economics and Business Administration
Faculty of Educational Sciences
Faculty of Law
Applied Health Sciences
Faculty of Nursing
Faculty of Technological Engineering
Faculty of Pharmacy
Arts and Design
Faculty of Media
Faculty of Dentistry
Academic Programs at Zarqa University by Study Level
| Level |
Number of Programs |
Study Duration |
Language of Instruction |
| Bachelor’s |
44+ majors |
4 years (Dentistry: 5 years) |
Arabic / English |
| Master’s |
13 programs |
Usually 2 years |
Arabic / English |
| PhD |
Limited programs |
3+ years |
Depends on the program |
Most Popular Zarqa University Majors Among Arab Students
| Major |
Faculty |
Language |
Demand Level |
| Pharmacy |
Faculty of Pharmacy |
English |
Very High |
| Dentistry |
Faculty of Dentistry |
English |
Very High |
| Software Engineering |
Information Technology |
English |
High |
| Business Administration |
Economics and Business Administration |
Arabic |
High |
| Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence |
Information Technology |
English |
Growing |
| Nursing |
Faculty of Nursing |
Arabic / English |
Growing |
| Law |
Faculty of Law |
Arabic |
Moderate |
| Journalism and Digital Media |
Faculty of Media |
Arabic |
Moderate |
Master’s Programs at Zarqa University
Available master’s programs include English Language, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Accounting, Marketing, Business Administration, Islamic Banking, Law, Nursing Administration, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medical Laboratory Sciences, and Digital Media. Check YouApply to confirm actual availability for the 2025/2026 academic year, as some programs may open depending on demand.
Zarqa University Tuition Fees 2025/2026
Zarqa University uses a credit-hour system, which means you pay based on the number of courses and credit hours you register for each semester rather than one fixed tuition amount. The tables below show the cost per credit hour and the approximate total program cost. Keep in mind that these figures are based on the latest available information and may change.
Zarqa University Tuition Fees by Major (Bachelor’s)
| Major / Faculty |
Fee per Credit Hour (JOD) |
Total Credit Hours |
Approximate Total Tuition |
| Humanities and Sharia |
30–38.5 JOD |
~132 hours |
4,000–5,000 JOD |
| Economics and Business |
15–36 JOD |
~132 hours |
2,000–4,800 JOD |
| Technological Engineering |
27.5–30 JOD |
~145 hours |
4,000–4,400 JOD |
| Information Technology and Software Engineering |
29–40 JOD |
~132 hours |
3,800–5,280 JOD |
| Nursing and Applied Health Sciences |
38.5–59.5 JOD |
~140 hours |
5,400–8,300 JOD |
| Pharmacy |
~72 JOD |
~165 hours |
~11,880 JOD |
| Dentistry (Jordanian Student) |
Variable |
~165 hours |
~40,803 JOD |
| Dentistry (International Student) |
Variable |
~165 hours |
~70,350 USD |
Additional Zarqa University Fees
| Item |
Amount |
Note |
| Registration Fee |
360 JOD |
Paid once upon admission |
| Admission Fee |
60 JOD |
One-time fee |
| E-Learning Fee |
30 JOD / semester |
Every semester |
⚠️ The figures above are approximate and based on the latest available data. Contact the YouApply team for the latest 2025/2026 tuition information for your major.
Cost of Living in Zarqa and Jordan
Zarqa is considered one of the more affordable cities in Jordan, with a noticeable cost difference compared with Amman. The table below provides estimated monthly expenses for three different lifestyle levels. These figures are approximate because rent varies depending on the neighborhood, housing type, and distance from the university.
| Monthly Expense |
🟢 Budget |
🟡 Moderate |
🔵 Comfortable |
| Accommodation (room or shared apartment) |
80–130 JOD |
130–200 JOD |
200–320 JOD |
| Food and Dining |
60–80 JOD |
80–120 JOD |
120–180 JOD |
| Transportation (bus / taxi) |
20–35 JOD |
35–55 JOD |
55–90 JOD |
| Mobile and Internet |
10–15 JOD |
15–25 JOD |
25–40 JOD |
| Electricity and Water |
15–25 JOD |
25–40 JOD |
40–60 JOD |
| Entertainment and Social Activities |
15–30 JOD |
30–60 JOD |
60–100 JOD |
| Miscellaneous (clothing, supplies) |
10–20 JOD |
20–40 JOD |
40–70 JOD |
| Estimated Monthly Total |
210–335 JOD |
335–540 JOD |
540–860 JOD |
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Useful Comparison
Living costs in Zarqa can be around 20–30% lower than in Amman and significantly lower than in destinations such as the United Kingdom or Australia. The biggest difference is usually rent: a shared room near the university may cost around JOD 80–130 per month, while accommodation in many Western capitals can exceed JOD 600 per month.
Zarqa University Admission Requirements for International Students
Bachelor’s Admission Requirements at Zarqa University
| Faculty / Field |
Minimum Average (Jordanian) |
International Students |
Notes |
| Humanities, Arts, and Sharia |
60% |
45%+ |
Flexible for Arab students |
| Economics and Business Administration |
60% |
45%+ |
— |
| Information Technology and Engineering |
80% |
65%+ |
— |
| Sharia and Law |
75% |
60%+ |
— |
| Nursing and Health Sciences |
75% |
60%+ |
— |
| Pharmacy |
80% |
65%+ |
— |
| Dentistry |
85% |
70%+ |
Highest requirement |
✅
Advantage for International Students
Zarqa University accepts non-Jordanian students with an average up to 15 points below the minimum required for Jordanian students, making the admission process more flexible for many international applicants.
Master’s Admission Requirements at Zarqa University
| Requirement |
Details |
| University Degree |
Accredited bachelor’s degree from a recognized university |
| Minimum Average |
68% (“Good”) cumulative bachelor’s average |
| English Language (TOEFL) |
400–550 points depending on the program, or an internal language exam |
| Language Requirement: Technology Programs |
65 points in the national English language test |
| Language Requirement: Accounting and Marketing |
50 points in the national English language test |
| Language Requirement: English Literature and Pharmacy |
75 points in the national English language test |
Documents Required to Apply to Zarqa University
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📄
Official high school transcript, duly certified and equivalency completed where required
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🪪
Copy of passport or national ID
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📷
Two recent passport-size photographs
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🏛️
Equivalency certificate from the relevant Jordanian authority for international students, where required
-
✉️
No-objection letter from the Jordanian embassy for some nationalities
-
🎓
Bachelor’s degree certificate and equivalency for master’s applicants
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Application Dates
Applications typically open in July and close in September for the first semester. For second-semester admission, contact YouApply to check whether additional application periods are available.
Scholarships at Zarqa University
Zarqa University offers tuition discounts and reductions of up to 70% in many majors. This is a relatively high level of financial support compared with many private universities in Jordan. However, these scholarships are conditional, and undergraduate students generally need to maintain a cumulative average of at least 65% to keep the discount.
Up to 70%
Academic Excellence Scholarship
For students with high secondary-school averages. The scholarship is maintained by keeping a cumulative university average above 65%.
Varies
Scholarship for Children of University Employees
Special tuition discounts may be available for children and relatives of Zarqa University employees.
Varies
International Student Scholarship
Special discounts may be available for international students. Contact YouApply to check what is available for your nationality.
Partial
Scholarship for Students from Less-Privileged Areas
Financial support may be available for students from less-privileged areas, with eligibility conditions determined by the university each year.
⚠️
Scholarship Retention Requirement
If your cumulative average falls below 65% at the undergraduate level, or below 75% at the master’s level, your scholarship may be withdrawn. Make sure you monitor your academic performance throughout your studies.
Guide for International Students in Zarqa and Jordan
Ask yourself one question before anything else: will you feel far from home? In Jordan, the answer is often no, especially for Arab students, because Zarqa is an Arab city in a predominantly Muslim country. Still, every country has its own character, and the following points are useful to know before you arrive rather than after.
🕌
Mosques Are Widely Available
Mosques are common throughout Zarqa, and daily prayers and Friday prayers are an established part of public life.
🥩
Restaurants Are Widely Available at Relatively Affordable Prices
Restaurants and shopping centers are spread across Zarqa and are generally easy to access. Prices are often relatively lower than in some other areas of Jordan.
🌙
Ramadan in Jordan
Ramadan is an important part of life in Jordan. Restaurants offer suhoor and iftar, and daily schedules at institutions may be adjusted during the holy month.
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Popular Areas to Consider for Housing
Areas students may consider include New Zarqa and Russeifa. Some students may also choose to live in Amman and commute, depending on their lifestyle and transportation preferences.
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Transportation from Amman
Public transportation between Amman and Zarqa is frequent, and shared taxis are also available throughout the day.
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International Student Community
More than 2,300 international students from around 60 nationalities study at the university, creating a diverse student community.
Country-Specific Tips
| If You Are From |
What You Should Know |
| Gulf Countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, etc.) |
Daily life in Jordan is generally simpler and less expensive than in many Gulf countries, although students may need some time to adapt to a different lifestyle. |
| Egypt |
The language and culture are relatively familiar, so adaptation is often straightforward. Living costs may be somewhat higher than in Egypt. |
| Iraq and Yemen |
Jordan hosts established Iraqi and Yemeni communities, which may make it easier to find familiar social networks. |
| North Africa (Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria) |
The dialect differs, but communication is usually easy, and the broader social and cultural environment remains familiar. |
Student Residence in Jordan for Zarqa University Students
Student residence procedures in Jordan are different from visa systems in many Western countries. The process can be relatively straightforward, but students still need to pay attention to validity periods and renewal requirements. International students generally arrange their legal residence status after receiving university admission.
1
Entering Jordan
Many Arab nationalities can enter Jordan with a visa on arrival or without a prior visa. Check with the Jordanian embassy in your country to confirm the rules for your nationality.
2
Obtain Student Residence
After enrolling at the university, international students apply for an annual student residence permit through the relevant Jordanian authorities. The university can assist with this process.
3
Annual Renewal
Student residence is generally renewed annually using a university letter confirming continued enrollment and study.
Ask Us About Student Residence
Residence requirements differ by nationality. Contact the YouApply team and we can guide you through the process based on your individual situation.
Career Opportunities for Zarqa University Graduates
Jordan is relatively small in terms of population and geographic size, but it hosts regional offices of international companies and has active sectors in technology and communications. This creates real opportunities in some fields, particularly Information Technology and ICT, although the local job market can still be competitive.
| Major |
Job Opportunities in Jordan |
Regional Opportunities |
Average Starting Salary |
| Pharmacy |
Moderate |
High (Gulf) |
400–700 JOD/month |
| Software Engineering / Information Technology |
High |
Very High |
600–1,200 JOD/month |
| Business Administration and Accounting |
Moderate |
High (Gulf) |
350–650 JOD/month |
| Nursing and Health Sciences |
Moderate |
Very High (Gulf) |
400–800 JOD/month |
| Media and Communication |
Moderate |
Moderate |
300–550 JOD/month |
💡
Important Advice
Many Zarqa University graduates look for career opportunities in Gulf countries after graduation. If you plan to work in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, or Oman, always check the relevant official recognition and professional licensing requirements for your degree and major.
Zarqa University Compared With Similar Universities in Jordan
| Criteria |
🎯 Zarqa University |
University of Jordan |
Jordan University of Science and Technology |
Philadelphia University |
| Type |
Private Current |
Public |
Public |
Private |
| QS World Ranking |
1401+ |
601–650 |
651–700 |
1401+ |
| Annual Tuition (Approx.) |
2,000–11,880 JOD |
800–4,000 JOD |
900–4,500 JOD |
2,500–12,000 JOD |
| Scholarships and Discounts |
Up to 70% |
Limited |
Limited |
Available |
| International Students |
2,326 from 60 nationalities |
Large international community |
Large international community |
Relatively fewer |
| Dentistry Faculty |
✅ Available |
✅ Available |
✅ Available |
❌ Not available |
| Admission Flexibility for International Students |
Very High (-15 points) |
Moderate |
Moderate |
High |
| Best Suited For |
Students looking for solid education at a relatively affordable cost |
Students prioritizing the highest-ranking university in Jordan |
Science and Engineering |
A similar private-university environment |
Frequently Asked Questions About Zarqa University
What are Zarqa University tuition fees for international students?
Zarqa University uses a credit-hour system, with annual tuition ranging from around JOD 2,000 to JOD 11,880 depending on the major. In general:
- Humanities and Business: JOD 2,000–5,000 per year
- Engineering and IT: JOD 4,000–5,500 per year
- Pharmacy: approximately JOD 11,880 for the full program
- Dentistry for international students: approximately USD 70,350 in total
Contact YouApply to get the exact 2025/2026 tuition fees for your chosen program.
What are Zarqa University admission requirements for Arab students?
Arab and other international students may be admitted with an average up to 15 points below the minimum required for Jordanian students. For example:
- Humanities and Economics: 45%+
- Engineering and IT: 65%+
- Pharmacy and Health Sciences: 60%+
- Dentistry: 70%+
International applicants may also need an official equivalency certificate, depending on their qualification.
Is Zarqa University recognized in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf?
Zarqa University is accredited in Jordan and its qualifications may be recognized in a number of Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. However, recognition can vary by degree, major, and professional regulator, so always verify the requirements in your destination country, particularly for regulated fields such as Pharmacy, Dentistry, Nursing, and Engineering.
What scholarships are available at Zarqa University for Arab students?
Zarqa University offers tuition discounts and exemptions of up to 70% for many majors. These may include academic excellence scholarships for students with high secondary-school averages, special discounts for international students, and other forms of financial support. Undergraduate students generally need to keep a cumulative average above 65% to maintain their scholarship.
How much does it cost to live in Zarqa as an international student?
Zarqa is considered one of the more affordable cities in Jordan. Approximate monthly costs may include:
- Shared accommodation: JOD 80–150/month
- Food: JOD 60–120/month
- Transportation: JOD 20–50/month
- Typical overall budget: around JOD 200–400/month
This can be significantly more affordable than Amman or many Western capitals.
What is Zarqa University’s global and national ranking?
Zarqa University is ranked 16th among Jordanian universities according to uniRank and 4558th globally in the same ranking. In the QS World University Rankings, it is placed in the 1401+ range. It does not compete directly with Jordan’s highest-ranked public universities, but it may still appeal to students looking for a private university with flexible admission and competitive tuition.
How long do Zarqa University programs take to complete?
Study duration varies by program:
- Humanities and Science bachelor’s programs: around 4 years (typically 132 credit hours)
- Engineering and IT bachelor’s programs: around 4–4.5 years
- Pharmacy: around 5 years
- Dentistry: around 5 years
- Master’s programs: typically around 2 years
Can international students work while studying in Jordan?
International students in Jordan may be able to work in certain circumstances, but employment is subject to Jordanian labor and work-permit regulations. Students should not assume that a student residence permit automatically allows employment. We recommend checking the current rules that apply to your nationality and legal status before taking any paid work.
