UAE authorities have announced the immediate cancellation of the EmSAT exam for Grade 12 students and introduced updated criteria for university admissions.
According to the new guidelines, entrance to medical and engineering programs will now prioritize students’ grades in science subjects rather than their overall percentage scores. This change allows universities greater flexibility in setting admission requirements, providing students with diverse academic pathways.
The Ministry of Education emphasized that these changes are designed to streamline students' transition to higher education, supporting their academic and career aspirations. Universities will also be permitted to admit students who may not meet English proficiency standards by enrolling them in qualifying courses to reach the required language level.
Additionally, students who do not meet specific subject requirements for their chosen specialization can enroll in remedial courses.
In line with the EmSAT cancellation, admissions for medical and engineering fields will now place more focus on relevant scientific subject grades rather than the Grade 12 overall percentage. The ministry encouraged students and parents to review each university’s admission requirements, specific to the student’s desired academic program.
The Ministry of Education also updated certificate equivalency rules for private schools, now requiring academic records from the last three years. Furthermore, all Arab students must study Arabic, and Muslim students must study Islamic Studies for the same period, reflecting the UAE’s focus on promoting the Arabic language and fostering values of religious tolerance.
Sarah Al Amiri, the UAE Minister of Education, stated, "The flexibility of our educational policies stems from our absolute concern for the interests of our students."
Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, highlighted that the new approach aims to enhance access to higher education for all Grade 12 graduates, whether they pursue bachelor's, diploma, or skill certification programs.
What is EmSAT?
The Emirates Standardized Test (EmSAT) is a skill assessment tool used across various educational levels. Previously required for university admissions and scholarships, EmSAT was made optional in 2023, with universities allowed to consider other tests for admissions. EmSAT also assisted students in identifying their educational pathways and gauged their readiness for higher education.
Grade 12 students could register for EmSAT using UAE PASS, with a free first attempt for UAE nationals in four key subjects (English, Arabic, Math, and Physics) and subsequent subjects costing Dh100 each. Non-UAE nationals paid Dh300 for the mandatory subjects, with a Dh100 fee per additional subject.
