Non-Discriminatory Admissions Policy (10.6.1)

Publicly available admissions policy ensuring equality and fairness for all applicants.

Introduction:

Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU) maintains a comprehensive, transparent, and non-discriminatory admissions policy that ensures equal access to higher education for all applicants regardless of gender, nationality, religion, disability, socioeconomic status, or academic background. The policy upholds the principles of equity, inclusion, and fairness as core values of the university’s governance framework, aligning directly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10 – Reduced Inequalities.

AAU’s admissions process is fully merit-based and policy-driven, guided by national higher education regulations and internal quality assurance standards. Admission decisions are made solely on academic qualifications, personal motivation, and potential for success, without any form of bias or preferential treatment. The university’s Admission and Registration Department, in cooperation with the Sustainability and Global Ranking Center, continuously monitors and reviews all admissions procedures to guarantee compliance with local laws, international best practices, and equality principles.

The policy is publicly available on the university’s website, ensuring transparency and accessibility for all applicants, including those from underrepresented and marginalized groups such as refugees, international students from developing countries, persons with disabilities, and first-generation learners. In addition, AAU provides inclusive support services — such as financial aid programs, counseling, and academic bridging courses — to help ensure equitable participation and success among all admitted students.

By adopting this non-discriminatory admissions framework, Al-Ahliyya Amman University reaffirms its dedication to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and socially just academic community, where every student is offered an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development both locally and globally.

Centers and Departments:

January
01

1. Admission and Registration Department

Ensures a transparent and merit-based admissions process that provides equal opportunities for all applicants, regardless of gender, nationality, religion, disability, or socioeconomic background. The department strictly follows national higher-education regulations and internal quality-assurance standards to uphold fairness and integrity in every stage of admission.

January
01

2. Sustainability and International Ranking Center

Monitors and evaluates inclusion indicators within the admissions process to ensure full alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The center verifies that admission data, scholarships, and outreach programs promote access for underrepresented and international students from developing countries.

January
01

3. Deanship of Student Affairs

Provides equitable support services for all students after admission, including academic advising, counseling, scholarships, and inclusion programs designed to guarantee equal participation and academic success.

January
01

4. Disability Support Office

Offers specialized assistance and accessibility accommodations for applicants and enrolled students with disabilities, ensuring barrier-free participation in all academic and extracurricular activities. The office also conducts awareness workshops for faculty and staff to foster a culture of inclusion and respect for diversity.

January
01

5. Human Resources and Institutional Development Unit

Ensures institutional fairness and equal opportunity across recruitment, training, and student-assistant programs. It aligns internal employment and scholarship processes with the same non-discriminatory principles applied in admissions to promote inclusive governance across the university.

Activities:

January
01

1. Implementation of the Open and Transparent Admissions Portal

AAU provides a fully digital admissions platform that allows all applicants—local, international, and from developing countries—to apply and track their applications online through a transparent, merit-based system. The portal clearly lists admission requirements, tuition fees, and scholarship opportunities, ensuring accessibility and fairness for all candidates.

January
01

2. Equal Opportunity Admission Campaign

Each year, the Admission and Registration Department, in cooperation with the Deanship of Student Affairs, launches a public awareness campaign titled “Education for All.”

The campaign highlights AAU’s commitment to accepting students without discrimination based on gender, disability, nationality, or financial background and provides direct communication channels for applicants who require admission support or accessibility accommodations.

January
01

3. Special Admission Support for Persons with Disabilities

Through the Disability Support Office, AAU ensures that applicants with physical, hearing, or visual disabilities receive full assistance during the application and enrollment process. This includes accessible facilities, flexible admission procedures, and on-campus orientation sessions designed to guarantee equal participation.

January
01

4. Inclusive Orientation Program for New Nursing Students – Summer 2024–2025

Al-Ahliyya Amman University organized an inclusive orientation meeting for newly admitted students in the Faculty of Nursing for the summer semester 2024–2025. The event aimed to facilitate students’ integration into the university environment and strengthen communication between new students, faculty members, and academic advisors.

The Dean and department heads introduced the university’s mission, vision, and academic regulations, emphasizing students’ rights and responsibilities, equal treatment, and adherence to institutional policies. The meeting also highlighted the importance of academic advising, attendance, and professional conduct.

The Guidance and Alumni Office presented community service and counseling opportunities available to all students, while the Assistant Dean for Practical Training introduced inclusive clinical training procedures. Notably, international students participated actively — with Saudi student Ali Al-Mustanir delivering a speech on behalf of his peers — reflecting the diversity and openness of the university community.

This activity demonstrates AAU’s practical commitment to its Non-Discriminatory Admissions Policy, ensuring equal inclusion, transparent communication, and supportive integration for all students, regardless of nationality, gender, or background.

January
01

5. Artistic Excellence Scholarship for AAU Choir Members – Promoting Equal Access through Talent Recognition

In recognition of artistic talent and cultural contribution, Al-Ahliyya Amman University granted a 50% tuition discount to members of its university choir following their outstanding performance at the Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts. The ceremony, attended by the University President Prof. Sari Hamdan and chaired by Dr. Maher Al-Hourani, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees, celebrated the students’ creativity and commitment.

Dr. Al-Hourani announced that the university will continue to allocate “Artistic Excellence Scholarships” each semester to support talented students across various artistic fields, ensuring that creativity and cultural engagement are valued equally alongside academic achievement.

This initiative demonstrates AAU’s practical application of its Non-Discriminatory Admissions and Financial Support Policy, promoting inclusion, fairness, and equal access to higher education opportunities for all students, irrespective of socioeconomic background.

January
01

6. AAU Honors Outstanding Students in Sports, Arts, and Community Engagement – Promoting Equal Recognition and Inclusion

Under the patronage of the University President, Prof. Sari Hamdan, Al-Ahliyya Amman University organized an official ceremony to honor a select group of outstanding students in recognition of their achievements across multiple disciplines, including sports, cultural and artistic performance, humanitarian initiatives, and volunteer work. A total of 40 students were honored for their contributions to the university’s image locally and internationally.

The event, hosted by the Deanship of Student Affairs, reflects AAU’s inclusive approach to recognizing excellence beyond academics, ensuring that all students—regardless of background, gender, or field—receive fair recognition for their efforts and talents.

By acknowledging diverse forms of achievement, AAU demonstrates the implementation of its Non-Discriminatory Admissions and Student Support Policy, which promotes inclusion, equity, and fairness for all learners. The university continues to foster an environment where every student has an equal opportunity to excel, contribute, and be celebrated.

SDG Targets: 10.2 (Promote social and economic inclusion for all), 10.3 (Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome)