Following the recent decision to discontinue the EmSAT (Emirates Standardized Test) for Grade 12 students, universities across the UAE are revising their admissions criteria to make the application process more efficient and accessible. The UAE Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research have jointly announced the cancellation, urging institutions to create alternative admissions requirements tailored to each student’s intended field of study.

With EmSAT no longer a requirement, universities will now set admission criteria based on subject-specific grades rather than relying on a national standardized test. This shift will make it easier for students to focus on their core high school subjects and help universities adopt a more flexible, individualized approach to admissions.

Adapting Admissions for Specialized Fields

For competitive fields like medicine and engineering, universities are now prioritizing students’ performance in science subjects instead of looking solely at overall scores. This change aims to support students’ specialized interests while providing universities with a more detailed view of each applicant's strengths and skills.

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai, for example, will continue with its own placement tests in core subjects like Physics, Math, and English, alongside internationally accepted English proficiency exams such as IELTS and TOEFL. Dr. Yousef M. Al Assaf, President of RIT Dubai, mentioned that these placement tests help to determine the right level for each student, ensuring they are placed in courses that match their academic abilities.

Similarly, BITS Pilani Dubai Campus is shifting its admissions criteria to emphasize high school performance. The Head of Admission, Nahid Afshan, noted that the change would allow students to focus on their high school grades, reducing pressure from additional tests and making the application process more straightforward.

Flexible Testing Options for a Diverse Student Body

The American University in Dubai (AUD) has also welcomed the shift, recognizing it as a way to accommodate students from a variety of educational backgrounds. According to Sara Sleem, AUD's Associate Director of Student Recruitment and Admissions, students can now meet English and Math requirements through alternative tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or the AUD Math Placement Test.

Universities are also open to considering international exams such as the SAT or ACT, offering more pathways for students to meet academic requirements.

Cultivating Skilled Professionals for the Job Market

The new approach allows universities to conduct a more comprehensive review of applicants, taking into account their academic history, extracurricular involvement, and specific skills. For medical programs, for instance, universities like Gulf Medical University (GMU) are now incorporating subject-specific requirements in science as part of their revised criteria. Prof. Manda Venkatraman, Vice Chancellor and Dean at GMU, shared that students will need to meet benchmarks in key science subjects, assessed through internal tests and high school performance, ensuring that candidates possess the skills essential for medical education.

This strategy aims to create a talent pool that is better prepared to meet the demands of the UAE’s evolving job market, particularly in specialized fields. Removing EmSAT as a prerequisite for admission is expected to streamline the process while maintaining high standards for academic and professional readiness.

In the long run, UAE universities anticipate that this tailored approach will enhance educational quality, particularly in fields like medicine and engineering, and ultimately lead to stronger outcomes in the job market.