Admission Procedure to Study in UAE

Mrunmayai Bobade
Updated on Feb 17, 2022 8:04 PM IST

Intakes to Study in the UAE

Admissions to universities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is divided into three intakes including Fall, Spring and Summer. That being said, not all universities will be open to international students in all of the three admission cycles. So, make sure you have a clear idea of the admission timelines of the universities you are applying to.

Event

Fall Intake

Spring Intake

Summer Intake

Admission Begins

June

December-January

February

Offer of Admission

June-August

December-January

February-May

Classes Begin

August

January

May

Note: The timelines may vary from one UAE university to another.

Know About The English Proficiency Test Scores As Required By The Top Universities Of UAE!

Application Process To Study In The UAE

Check out the basic application process at universities in the UAE:

  • Visit the official website of the university or reach out to us at abroad@collegedekho.com or 785 9990 990.

  • Fill out the application form.

  • Indicate the area of study you are applying for.

  • Prepare all required documentation

  • Pay the application fee.

  • Apply for admission tests and personal interview, if required.

  • Pay the required fee to reserve a place at the university.

  • Apply for an applicable English language proficiency exam and placement test as asked by the university.

  • Complete all documents by the deadline, after which an ID will be issued.

Eligibility Criteria To Study in the UAE

Eligibility Criteria to Study Bachelor’s in the UAE

In order to be considered for an undergraduate programme in the UAE, you must fulfil the following eligibility criteria/admission requirements:

  • Must have completed secondary education or equivalent with the required average no more than three years previously.

  • Applicants to the College of Medicine and Dental Medicine must have finished their secondary education no earlier than one year prior to applying.

  • Must not have been expelled from any academic institution.

  • Must be mentally, physically and medically fit to be admitted to the desired major.

  • Must have completed the application process, as asked by the university along with submission of the required application fee.

  • Must meet all the secondary education grade requirements.

  • Must have obtained the required cutoff marks in English language proficiency tests such as the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Academic.

General Documents Required to Study Bachelor’s in the UAE

Given below are the documents required to study an undergraduate programme at a UAE university:

  • Copy of valid student passport

  • Copy of residence visa

  • Certified copy of Secondary School Certificate or its equivalent

  • Recent passport-size coloured photographs

  • Health Fitness Certificate as required by the university

  • Copy of a good conduct certificate

  • Copy of Birth Certificate

  • An English Language Proficiency Certificate

Eligibility Criteria to Study Master’s in the UAE

In order to be considered for a postgraduate programme in the UAE, you must fulfil the following eligibility criteria/admission requirements:

  • Must hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent from a recognized university with a CGPA of at least 3.00 out of 4.00. (Students with a CGPA between 2.5 and 2.99 may be considered conditionally)

  • Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study that qualified them for the master’s programme.

  • Must have obtained the required cutoff marks in English language proficiency tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS.

  • Must submit an attachment of People of Determination card (if applicable).

  • May also be required to have prior work experience in the related field of study.

General Documents Required to Study Bachelor’s in the UAE

Given below are the documents required to study a postgraduate programme at a UAE university:

  • Copy of valid student passport

  • Certified copy of undegraduate degree

  • Certified copy of undegraduate transcript

  • Recent passport-size coloured photographs

  • Health Fitness Certificate as required by the university

  • Copy of a good conduct certificate

  • Copy of Birth Certificate

  • An English Language Proficiency Certificate

  • CV/Resume

Entrance Exams Required To Study In The UAE

Here are the entrance exams who scores you may be asked to submit in order to get admission to undergraduate/postgraduate programmes in the UAE:

  • Paper-Based TOEFL: It is an assessment test offered in places with the internet version of the TOEFL is not available. The PBT is attempted by only 3% of candidates who choose the test for their English language requirements.

  • TOEFL iBT: The TOEFL iBT test is accepted by more than 11,000 universities and institutions across the world including countries like the US, Australia, Canada, the UK, and more. In the UAE, almost every university accepts TOEFL iBT scores to admit international students.

  • IELTS (Academic): The IELTS Academic test is also an English language proficiency test attempted by international students applying to universities that have an English speaking environment.

  • EmSAT: The EmSAT is based on UAE national standards, a standardised test, introduced to ensure that students have the necessary knowledge and skills to engage in a knowledge-based society in the country.

  • PTE Academic: PTE Academic, conducted by Pearson, is an entirely computer-based English language test for international students, accepted across the world.

  • GMAT: The Graduate Management Admission Test, administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) is a computer adaptive test  aimed at assessing students applying for admission to graduate management programs such as MBA.

Learn About University Related Requirements Of Study Abroad UAE!

FAQs on Admission Procedure to Study in UAE in 2024

Is it possible to sit for the DHA exam without prior experience?

An applicant should have graduated from a medical school recognized by the state. An individual who is not a national of the UAE should have at least two years' experience in clinical practice following internship, one year of which must be in general practice.

Is it possible to start university in January?

The possibility exists to start a short foundation program or first year in January, and then complete a standard degree programme in the fall. Part-time courses and postgraduate degrees are more likely to start in January. Most universities will only offer January entry to certain subjects if they do offer it.

What is an admission application?

Acceptance into a college. Getting into college requires you to fill out an application. Acceptance/Admission : You need to complete an application in order to be considered by a college. An applicant who is accepted into an institution after meeting their entrance requirements is considered to have been admitted.

When top universities review applications, what do they look for?

Student engagement with their studies is expected at university, along with developing original opinions and perspectives. Interviews usually don't go well for students who lack the ability to think on their own. It's also important that applicants can demonstrate their ability to manage their time well and to study independently.

How long does it take for the admission process to be completed?

You will usually receive an admissions decision within six to eight weeks if you applied to a college that has rolling admission. It is customary for admission deadlines to fall around the 1st of the year and announcements of decisions occur between March and April.

If I do not have a passport, can I take the IELTS?

To register for the test, candidates need to provide a valid photo ID proof according to IDP guidelines. Also, participants are required to bring a valid passport or ID card, whichever is appropriate for the test.

Do the UAE require entrance exams for admission?

The UAE requires standardized test scores for applicants aspiring to study in the UAE. These include the GRE, TOEFL, GMAT and IELTS.

How do I apply for admission to a university in the UAE?

An application policy is issued each year by the United Arab Emirates University for admission. Online application systems are available to students for enrolling in a program. The online application process can be completed at your own pace using this online service.

What is the cost of taking IELTS in the UAE?

For Paper Based, the test fee is 1130 AED (inclusive of VAT). IELTS computer-delivered tests cost AED 1260 (including TVA). Payments are only accepted in United Arab Emirate dirhams.

Is there a percentage requirement to study in the UAE?

The application will be considered if the percentage in the undergraduate degree is 60% or higher. The university requires a bachelor's degree as well as TOEFL or IELTS scores for admission.

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