Dubai, UAE – November 7, 2024: Universities across the UAE are quickly adapting to new admission standards after the recent discontinuation of the EmSAT exam, as announced by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. This change affects Grade 12 students nationwide, who will no longer require the EmSAT for higher education admission, allowing institutions to set independent criteria tailored to their academic programs.
In response, universities are adopting individual admission requirements, aiming to simplify the application process and prioritize academic relevance in fields such as medicine and engineering. For these specialized fields, institutions will now focus more on students’ grades in science subjects rather than overall scores, marking a shift towards more specialized assessment practices.
Adaptations Across Universities
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai will maintain its practice of subject-specific placement tests in Physics, Math, and English, while also accepting international assessments like the IELTS and TOEFL. Dr. Yousef M. Al Assaf, President of RIT Dubai, noted that these changes align with the institution’s flexible approach: “Certain placement tests will determine the appropriate level for each student, ensuring they are positioned for success in foundational courses like Physics 100 or 102.”
At BITS Pilani Dubai Campus, the removal of the EmSAT will allow admissions to center on high school grades and subject-specific requirements relevant to students’ chosen fields. Nahid Afshan, Head of Admission, expressed optimism, saying, “This simplification will relieve students of added pressure, enabling them to focus on their high school grades and achievements.”
The American University in Dubai (AUD) will continue to offer a flexible admissions approach, with English and Math proficiency requirements met through alternatives like the IELTS, TOEFL, and SAT. “Our commitment to accommodating diverse educational backgrounds is essential to our mission,” stated Sara Sleem, Associate Director of Student Recruitment and Admissions at AUD.
Focusing on Specialized Skills for Future Growth
For universities with specialized programs, such as Gulf Medical University (GMU), the shift from EmSAT opens up a more detailed evaluation framework, enabling a focus on specific competencies critical for medical education. Prof. Manda Venkatraman, Vice Chancellor Academics at GMU, shared that the university’s new admissions criteria will include Grade 12 marks, the College Board Proficiency Test, and GMU’s Admission Test scores to comprehensively assess student qualifications.
“We anticipate that this strategy will lead to improved medical education and healthcare standards in the UAE, with graduates better prepared for the demands of the job market,” Venkatraman added, underscoring the broader, long-term benefits for the UAE’s healthcare sector.
Future Outlook for UAE Higher Education
Academics and university leaders alike view these changes as a pathway to a more adaptable and responsive higher education system. By eliminating EmSAT requirements, institutions gain flexibility to assess students based on a wider array of skills and qualifications, cultivating talent suited for the evolving global job market.
This major reform not only offers a streamlined admissions experience for students but also raises the bar for education quality across the UAE, allowing universities to develop admissions criteria that better reflect their unique academic standards and prepare students for their future careers.