About AU
Established in 2004, Australian University brings world-class higher education to the Gulf, building leaders who innovate, serve, and excel.
Who we are
The Australian University (AU) was established in 2004 under the name "Australian College of Kuwait" as one of the first private universities in the State of Kuwait. AU offers world-class higher education through international learning partnerships, providing diploma and bachelor programs in Engineering, Business, Aviation, and Maritime studies.
AU implements experiential models including Project Based Learning (PBL) and Conceive, Design, Implement and Operate (CDIO), proven modern methods that help students make good decisions, adapt, innovate, and develop workplace skills.
At AU, our diversity, excellent learning and research, and commitment to collaboration allow us to create positive change and build a more innovative and sustainable realm.
"To be among Kuwait's leading higher education institutions recognized for leadership, academic excellence, student-centered approach, and innovative research."
Our PRIDE values
Five core values underpin everything we do.
AU's history
AU has grown and evolved for over 20 years, passing many milestones and forging traditions along the way.
AU is one of the first private universities in Kuwait, established in 2004. As the name suggests, the Australian University aims to bring quality international experiential education models and apply these within the context of our beloved homeland. AU is more than a place of academic learning.
AU offers a personalized approach to learning where each student has an academic advisor who is available for scholastic and career guidance. At the same time, AU places importance on the overall University experience and accordingly a wide range of sporting and club activities are available so that students can pursue their hobbies and interests with others and establish lifelong friendships.
2004
- Australian College of Kuwait (ACK) was licensed by the Kuwait Ministry of Education and Higher Education under Amiri Decree 141/2003 and commenced operations on 2nd October 2004.
2005
- First Career Fair was held to provide opportunity for students to meet representatives from local employers to discuss graduate opportunities.
- Introduced the Project Based Learning (PBL) to link theory with practical scenarios related to the workplace.
2006
- First graduation ceremony for the Diploma graduates.
- Received first Institutional Accreditation.
- The 'Landing' of Boeing B737-200 at the campus to become feature of new Aviation Program.
2007
- Commencement of bachelor's degree programs.
- Official opening of Aviation Hangar to provide Diploma of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering.
2009
- First cohort of graduates from Business Bachelor programs.
- 5-year re-accreditation from Kuwait Private Universities Council (PUC).
- The launch of the Maritime simulation facility.
- Started new bachelor programs: Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Petroleum) and Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electronics and Controls).
2010
- First cohort of graduates from Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) and (Mechanical) programs.
- Obtained approval to offer HR Diploma.
- Received approval for diplomas in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering by Kuwait Directorate General Civil Aviation (KCASR Part 147 approval Certificate Number: DGCA/AMTO/002 Basic Training).
- Ministry of Communication Approval to deliver Maritime Courses.
2011
- Maritime Center within ACK gained ISO9001:2008 certification.
- Received the EASA Approval of Part-147 for Aviation Diploma programs.
2014
- 10th anniversary of opening.
- College sponsored 'Journey of Hope' international awareness project for young people with learning difficulties.
- Establishment of "Smoking Awareness Program" to highlight health risks of smoking within community.
2015
- Obtained "Engineers Australia" Accreditation for Engineering Programs.
- Establishment of "Research Center".
- Establishment of "Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship".
- Accreditation from PUC for a period of 4 years.
- Hosted International Conference SMART2015.
- Hosted the first Symposia for Private Higher Education: Road to Excellence (SPHERE).
2016
- Gained Investors in People (IIP) certification reflecting best practice in people management.
- Secured ISO 9001:2008 Certification.
2017
- Received accreditation from EAQUALS (Evaluation and Accreditation of Quality Language Services) for English Language Program.
- Hosted the second Symposia for Private Higher Education: Road to Excellence (SPHERE).
2018
- Obtained accreditation from Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) for all College of Business Diploma and Bachelor programs.
- Achieved the new version of ISO 9001:2015.
- Adopted Conceive, Design, Implement and Operate (CDIO) model of teaching and learning.
- First Master's Degree Scholarship Recipient Graduated from CQU.
2019
- Won 1st and 2nd Places in the Huawei ICT Competition in China.
- Won 1st and 2nd Places in the KOC's Science Innovation Competition.
2020
- Won 1st and 3rd Places for Best Technological Projects in the 2020 Kuwait's Maker Faire.
- Held First HR Symposium on Training and Development in Kuwaiti Organizations.
- Signed MoU with Huawei to Establish ICT Academy.
- Earned Re-accreditation from INVESTORS IN PEOPLE (IIP).
2021
- The 1st Academic Institution from the Gulf Region to Hold the 2021 CDIO Asian Regional Meeting.
- Held the first virtual Career Fair.
- Held the first virtual Graduation Ceremony.
- Won 1st and 2nd Places in Hackathon 2021.
2022
- Successfully transited from ACK to Australian University (AU) based on the Amiri Decree (No.: 3-year-2022) released on 16 January 2022.
- Received Outstanding Performance Award at Huawei ICT Competition.
2023
- Achieved a 5-star ranking in Teaching, Internationalization, Inclusiveness, Employability, and Academic Development according to the prestigious QS World University ranking organization.
- Attained the Silver standard in Investors in People (IIP) accreditation, emphasizing commitment to international HR standards, attracting global talent, and prioritizing employee engagement and an inclusive organizational culture.
- Launched new Academic Bachelor programs (0-4) in Business.
- Launched the Diploma of Maritime.
- Launched new Diploma and Bachelor Programs in Aviation.
2024
- Signing new MoUs with International Universities to facilitate the Research activities and Benchmarking.
Messages from our leadership
Words from the people who founded and lead AU.
Founder's message
Mr. Abdullah A. O. Al-Sharhan, Founder (Late)This message is preserved in its original form in honor of the Founder's vision and lasting legacy.
Kuwait is well positioned to grow as a regional leader in commerce and industry; however, in the process we must preserve our core culture and heritage. Accordingly, as our name suggests, the Australian University aims to bring quality international experiential education models and apply these within the context of our beloved homeland. Together, we must build on the past for a brighter future by availing the best education to our community.
AU is more than a place of academic learning. It is a vibrant community of over 3000 students and 400 staff who each have their own ambitions and drives to promote AU to become one of the leading higher education institutions not only in Kuwait but the Gulf States and the region. Our target is to guide and support students as they lay the foundations to convert their dreams into achievable goals. Accordingly, our primary core value is to "enable human potential within a culture of care."
In addition to its role in teaching, learning and training, AU is building and developing a research environment in cooperation with national and international partners. Its output in this regard is reflected in the scientific publications of its academic faculty members.
I welcome you to our website as we commence our 2018/2019 academic year and take this opportunity to proudly acknowledge the dedication of our AU community. They are all committed, each in their own specialized roles, to make the learning and life journey at AU a fruitful and fulfilling experience for our students.
Thank you for visiting the AU website. Our Board of Trustees members are all committed to provide the right environment for students to develop to their full potential not only regarding their future career but as engaged members of our community.
Chairman's message
Dr. Sa'ad Al Omari, ChairmanOur motto of enabling "Human Potential within a Culture of Care" represents the ideals we espouse at AU. Our mission is to support the development of our society through research and education of the highest standards in the fields of Engineering, Business, Aviation, and Maritime Studies.
We are working on several fronts to expand our offerings using digital technology and transformative pedagogies. Our active student-centered approach will impact all of AU students as we continue to improve and personalize our curricula. The collaboration of the AU community with our partnerships creates an inclusive space for progressive thinking to flourish.
We aim to share our expertise with the greater community, collaborate across disciplines, and build the next generation of human capital needed for the development of our country's infrastructure and economy.
At AU, we teach our students to think critically, ask questions, and be receptive to new ideas: these are the skills that will prepare them for tomorrow's jobs.
Explore About AU
Find out more about how AU is governed, recognized, and run.
Strategic Plan 2026–2030
Our strategic roadmap charts a bold path for Australian University: strengthening academic quality, expanding research impact, and deepening community engagement across Kuwait and the wider Gulf region.