UAE: Higher education institutes can now set own admission criteria

HEIs (Higher Education Institutions) in UAE now can establish their own admission norms. That is based on a recent mandate by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR). 

This modular model will increase enrolment, by providing students with more choice in how they pursue the courses that are right for them and prepare them for the realities of the labour market. 

The order prescribes the foundations for HEIs to develop or impose their own admission standards for bachelor’s degree, higher diploma, diploma, partial qualification and short units of learning (levels 4 and 5 in the National Qualifications Framework). 

Modernizing the admission criterion for HEIs follows the Ministry’s initiatives to strengthen collaboration with universities and to allow them to tailor their educational programs according to students’ aspirations, said Ahmad Ibrahim Alsaadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Higher Education Operations Sector and Director of the International Education Support and Scholarships Department at MoHESR. 

"It’s going to be great for HEI enrollment to grow with more students being able to take academic courses in the areas they are most interested in," he said. It also considers which major students want to major in, so unrelated subjects are not used to determine HEI entrance. We at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research will keep introducing specialised programmes and activities to facilitate the education of all students and ensure that they graduate from the same academic path as their professional career." 

Overall high school grade no longer required

The reform update also explains that high school scores are no longer required to enter HEIs, and they can accept students according to grades on the subjects in which they intend to major. 

It can also be the case that colleges might demand for students to gain masters and doctorates a qualifying academic qualification from the earlier level, as per the National Qualifications Framework 2024. 

The revision also adds that secondary school grades are those from a recognised educational programme in the UAE i.e advanced track or equivalent according to the Ministry of Education’s matrix. 

New requirements for English  

Students who have studied English-language courses out of Ministry’s syllabus do not need to prove English fluency. But students from institutions that don’t have English programs have to prove they’re competent by passing internationally accepted standardised exams, as required by their university. 

Students who have not attended a course that is part of the Ministry, can be tested on university-set standards for the ability to do the major they wish to pursue. 

Schools may also accept you on conditional basis (subject expertise) by announcing that they will consider the average of their secondary schools as the entry criteria. 

Communicate directly with the concerned HEIs to check that everything is ready and according to the regulations. 

Transforming Learning: The admissions policies of UAE universities have been changed—to create a more promising student future. To stay updated sign up to Just Dubai!