UAE Drops EmSAT Exam, Revises University Admission Criteria
New guidelines prioritize science grades for medical and engineering programs, enhancing access to higher education
UAE Cancels EmSAT Exam and Revises University Admission Criteria
UAE authorities have announced the immediate cancellation of the EmSAT exam for Grade 12 students and have introduced revised criteria for university admissions.
The new rules place more weight on students’ scientific grades than their overall percentage scores when it comes to entrance to medical and engineering institutions. This change gives colleges greater latitude in establishing admission requirements and provides students with a range of academic options.
According to the Ministry of Education, these modifications are intended to improve students’ transition into higher education while supporting their academic and professional goals. Additionally, by placing them in preparation classes to improve their language skills, colleges will be able to admit students who do not fulfill the requirements for English competence.
Remedial courses are also available to students who do not meet the subject requirements for their chosen fields.
Admissions to medical and engineering programs will now focus more on grades in pertinent science courses than the total Grade 12 percentage after the EmSAT was canceled. The ministry has urged parents and students to learn about each university’s unique entrance requirements for the courses they choose to pursue.
The Ministry of Education has also updated the certificate equivalency criteria for private schools, now requiring academic records from the past three years. Moreover, all Arab students will be required to study Arabic, and Muslim students must study Islamic Studies for the same period, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to promoting the Arabic language and fostering values of religious tolerance.
Sarah Al Amiri, the UAE Minister of Education, commented, “Our flexible educational policies are driven by our commitment to our students’ best interests.”
Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, noted that the new strategy aims to broaden access to higher education for all Grade 12 graduates, whether they pursue bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, or skill certification programs.
What is the EmSAT Exam?
The EmSAT, or Emirates Standardized Test, is an assessment tool aimed at evaluating students’ academic readiness in the UAE. It was once a compulsory requirement for university admissions and scholarships but has shifted to an optional status since 2023. This change allows universities to consider other qualifying exams for admissions.
Designed to gauge various skill levels, EmSAT assists students in identifying their educational paths and understanding their preparedness for higher education. Grade 12 students can register for the EmSAT through the UAE PASS platform, with UAE nationals receiving their first attempt in essential subjects at no charge, while subsequent attempts incur a fee. Non-UAE nationals must pay a fee for mandatory subjects and any additional tests taken.
