At a glance
- Core subjects
- Mathematics and physics
- Cambridge
- A*A*A or IB 41 to 42, plus ESAT
- Khalifa University
- Maths + science, IELTS 6.0, own tests
- UAE University
- 80% maths or SAT Math 555
- Kuwait University
- 65% school, 15% English, 20% maths
The subjects to take, by curriculum
Based on Cambridge's and Khalifa University's published requirements, checked 6 October 2026. Most engineering courses ask for the same core.
| Curriculum | Must have | Strongly helps |
|---|---|---|
| A Level | Mathematics and Physics | Further Mathematics (Cambridge asks for it to AS or A Level if the school offers it) |
| IB Diploma | Mathematics and Physics at Higher Level for selective courses | Check whether the course names Mathematics: analysis and approaches |
| American | Grade 12 maths and a science; calculus by Grade 12 | AP Calculus BC and AP Physics; Khalifa gives credit for a 5 in Calculus BC or Physics C Mechanics |
| UAE MOE | Advanced or Elite stream with maths and a science | High Grade 12 maths and physics percentages |
| Saudi, Kuwaiti and Qatari national systems | Scientific track | Strong maths in national aptitude tests |
Published engineering requirements
| University | School results | Tests and English |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge | A*A*A, or IB 41 to 42 with 776 at Higher Level; maths, physics, further maths if offered | ESAT (Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics) |
| Khalifa University | A Level: three subjects incl. maths at C or above and a science. IB: 24+ with 4 in each subject. American: 80% in maths and a science. MOE: 80% Advanced or Elite, 90% General | IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 79; KU admission tests in maths, physics, chemistry for shortlisted applicants; SAT Math 625 strengthens an American-curriculum application |
| UAE University | 80% in maths, or SAT Math 555 | 80% in English or IELTS 5.0, TOEFL iBT 61 |
| Higher Colleges of Technology | Engineering 75% to 85% in maths depending on stream | 80% in English or TOEFL iBT 61 |
| Qatar University | 70% to Spring 2027, 75% from Fall 2027; scientific or technological track | English and maths placement for English-taught programmes |
| Kuwait University | At least 80%; equivalent rate 65% school, 15% English test, 20% maths test | KU aptitude tests; chemistry test for placement only |
Each university's own page, checked 6 October 2026. Minimums do not guarantee a place.
Why maths decides most engineering applications
Look across the table and one pattern stands out: maths is weighted more than anything else. Kuwait University gives its maths test 20% of the equivalent rate for engineering, more than English. UAE University and Zayed University let an SAT Math score stand in for school maths. Khalifa University tests maths again after shortlisting. Cambridge asks for further maths where it is available and sets two maths sections in the ESAT.
This means the subject to protect from age 14 is maths, and the most common reason a capable student misses engineering is a maths grade that slipped in the final two years. Physics comes second: it is required almost everywhere, and the mechanics content overlaps with first-year engineering.
What to do and when
- Ages 14 to 16: take the higher tier or extended IGCSE maths, or the hardest maths track available; Additional Maths helps where offered.
- Age 16: choose A Level Maths and Physics (plus Further Maths if possible), IB Maths AA HL and Physics HL, or AP Calculus and AP Physics.
- Year 12 or Grade 11: check whether target universities set an admissions test (ESAT, KU tests) or SAT Math thresholds, and plan practice.
- Final year: keep maths and physics predictions high; apply with the courses' exact subject requirements in hand.
How tutoring helps
Engineering applicants usually need help with depth in maths, not breadth: algebraic fluency, calculus technique and the multi-step problems that admissions tests and top grades reward. A tutor who teaches A Level Maths and Further Maths, IB Maths AA, AP Calculus or national-curriculum maths can work at that depth and, separately, prepare SAT Math or admission-test questions. LiveTutor lessons are one to one, 60 minutes and online.
Common questions
Do I need Further Maths for engineering?
Not everywhere, but the most selective courses ask for it if the school offers it. Cambridge requires it to AS or A Level where available.
Can I study engineering without physics?
Rarely. Most engineering degrees require physics or treat it as essential; check each course page.
What SAT Math score do UAE universities accept for engineering?
UAE University accepts SAT Math 555 in place of 80% in school maths, and Khalifa University says SAT Math 625 strengthens an application.
What does Kuwait University engineering require?
At least 80% at school, ranked on an equivalent rate of 65% school, 15% English test and 20% maths test.
How much do maths and physics lessons cost with LiveTutor?
Each one-to-one 60-minute lesson is $15, on a weekly plan of 1 to 5 lessons billed monthly. The first lesson is a free trial.
Sources
Dates and figures on this page come from these official and published sources. Always confirm deadlines on the official page before acting on them.
- University of Cambridge, Engineering course page
- Khalifa University, undergraduate admissions
- UAE University, undergraduate admission requirements
- Higher Colleges of Technology, entry requirements
- Qatar University, undergraduate college requirements
- Kuwait University, aptitude tests and weights by college 2026/2027 (PDF, Arabic)