In the Middle East lies the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a country composed of seven emirates. Decades of oil-driven development and economic diversification have transformed the country, attracting people from around the world, including students. The culture, opportunities, and education options all play a part in convincing many students to take their bachelor’s degree in the country.
In the guide below, we discuss how you can apply for a bachelor’s degree in the United Arab Emirates.
Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
Requirements vary by university, program, and applicant category. Common items include an online application, an attested high school certificate or Grade 12 certificate, grade reports or transcripts, a passport copy, a passport-size photo, proof of English proficiency if required, certificate equivalency for non-MOE or international curricula, an Emirates ID or residency visa for UAE residents, and a good conduct certificate where required.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Undergraduate Studies
Many universities in the United Arab Emirates offer English-taught programs. Arabic requirements vary by university and program, so applicants should check the current admissions page for their chosen major before applying.
For English proficiency, international applicants to United Arab Emirates University should meet the university-approved English language proficiency requirements. Current UAEU requirements list either a minimum score of 90% in English on the MOE Grade 12 certificate or an equivalent recognized test score, such as IELTS Academic 5.5, TOEFL ITP 525, or TOEFL iBT 70. Students from non-MOE curricula who studied in a non-English-medium school must prove English proficiency through one of the recognized tests. Native English-speaking applicants and certain English-medium school graduates may be exempt under UAEU’s approved regulations.
Arabic proficiency requirements at United Arab Emirates University depend on the program. For example, the current international admissions page lists an Arabic requirement for the College of Law, such as a 90% high school Arabic score or an Al Ain Arabic Language Test score of 6.0. UAEU also notes on its orientation exams page that Arabic courses are no longer required for non-Arabic speakers.
The American University of Sharjah requires admitted applicants to provide proof of an approved English language proficiency test for full admission. AUS currently lists minimum scores such as IELTS Academic 6.5, TOEFL ITP 550, or TOEFL iBT 80. AUS states that only TOEFL and IELTS are accepted for English language proficiency.
Khalifa University requires students to meet its English language requirement for undergraduate admission. Current requirements list IELTS Academic 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 79. EmSAT is not mandatory for Khalifa University, although valid EmSAT scores may still be considered if they meet the university’s admission criteria.
Bachelor’s Degree Application Process
For this section, we have outlined a general procedure you may follow for your application to study for a bachelor’s degree in the UAE:
Step 1. Choose a Program and Check the Requirements
Select a program and review the university’s admission criteria, as well as any program-specific requirements. Some universities have different requirements by college, curriculum, and applicant category.
United Arab Emirates University lists current international undergraduate admission requirements by college. Applicants generally need a Grade 12 certificate or equivalent, approved English language proficiency, and an equivalency certificate for high school certificates that do not follow the UAE Ministry of Education curriculum. For example, the College of Engineering currently lists a 90% high school average or equivalent, English requirements, mathematics requirements, and science requirements. Some programs, including Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, have additional nationality, funding, scholarship, or approval conditions.
For the American University of Sharjah, requirements vary by curriculum and major. Holders of American high school diplomas must generally have a minimum B or 85% average in Grade 12 or in the best two years of grades 10, 11, and 12. Applicants completing American High School Diplomas must also submit an SAT Math score of 450 or above before joining AUS.
Meanwhile, Khalifa University requires applicants to meet its high school, English, and program requirements. Applicants must have completed Grade 12 or an equivalent recognized curriculum, and admission is competitive. Khalifa University currently lists IELTS Academic 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 79 as mandatory English requirements. It also lists tests such as SAT Math, AP, A-Level, and IB as possible ways to support or satisfy subject requirements, depending on the program.
Step 2. Prepare Documents
Prepare all documents required by the university or program you are applying to. These commonly include your high school certificate, grade reports or transcripts, passport copy, passport-size photo, English test results if required, certificate equivalency where applicable, and any additional documents requested by the university.
For example, Khalifa University lists documents such as an attested high school certificate, TOEFL or IELTS certificate, passport copy, passport-size photograph, Emirates ID for UAE nationals and UAE residents, and a good conduct certificate. United Arab Emirates University also states that international applicants must meet health fitness requirements and submit any necessary medical documents if applicable.
Step 3. Submit Through the Online Application System
Universities have their own application systems through which you can apply and upload documents.
United Arab Emirates University directs international applicants to apply through the official UAEU application website during the announced application periods. Khalifa University states that international students inside and outside the UAE should use the Khalifa University online application, while UAE nationals and applicants with Emirati mothers who are graduating from high school in the current year should apply through NAPO.
Step 4. Pay Application Fees
Remember to submit documents on time and pay any applicable fees on time. Application fees vary by university. For example, the American University of Sharjah requires undergraduate applicants to pay a non-refundable application fee, while Khalifa University’s FAQ states that no undergraduate application fee is required.
Step 5. Take the Interview
Some universities and programs may require interviews, recorded video submissions, or admission assessments. For Khalifa University, applicants are now required to submit a video recording as part of the application documents instead of attending a traditional in-person interview. The admissions committee evaluates factors such as English communication, familiarity with the profession, commitment to the program, reasons for choosing Khalifa University, and leadership potential.
Step 6. Await Results
Wait for the results of the application. You may ask for updates from admissions, but keep in mind that offices may be busy during application periods. Upon receiving your letter of admission, refer to the university for the next steps.
For the American University of Sharjah, admitted applicants are required to take major placement tests before registering for freshman-level courses, depending on their intended major. These tests place students into the appropriate level of English, math, or physics.
Admission decisions and next steps differ by university. At Khalifa University, completed applications are screened against admission requirements, shortlisted applicants may be invited to sit for admission tests, and final decisions are announced before the start of the semester. Applicants must also meet the English language requirement to enroll.
We hope this article on how to apply for a bachelor’s degree in the UAE was helpful. Check also the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying bachelor’s programs abroad.
