At a glance
- Main criterion
- Grade 12 subject percentages
- UAEU English
- 80% English, or IELTS 5.0 / TOEFL iBT 61
- Khalifa English
- IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 79
- Khalifa tuition
- AED 2,500 per credit hour
- Emirati applications
- MoHESR unified registration
Requirements at four federal and public universities
From each university's admissions page, checked on 6 October 2026. Requirements vary by programme; this is a summary.
| University | School marks | English | Own tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE University (UAEU) | Engineering: 80% maths or SAT Math 555. Medicine: 90% in maths and two sciences | 80% in English, or IELTS Academic 5.0, TOEFL ITP 500, TOEFL iBT 61 | Medicine adds an entrance exam and interviews |
| Khalifa University (KU) | MOE Advanced or Elite: 80%; General: 90%; maths and one science required | IELTS Academic 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 79 | Shortlisted applicants sit KU tests in maths, physics and chemistry (90 minutes each) |
| Zayed University (ZU) | 80% in maths (or SAT Math 530) for most STEM and business programmes | 80% in English or TOEFL iBT 72 | None listed |
| Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) | Maths 70% for non-engineering; engineering 75% to 85% depending on stream | 80% in English or TOEFL iBT 61 | Maths placement test for American-curriculum applicants |
Meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place. Always read the current page for the exact programme.
Khalifa University by curriculum
Khalifa University publishes requirements for each school system. Its page is a useful model of how UAE universities read international curricula.
| Curriculum | Entry requirement | Credit for strong results |
|---|---|---|
| British (A Level) | Three A Levels including Mathematics (grade C or above) and one of physics, chemistry or biology | Grade A can earn credit for first-year courses such as MATH 111 |
| American | Grade 12 maths and one science, 80% minimum; SAT Math 625 strengthens an application | AP score of 5, for example Calculus BC for MATH 111 |
| IB Diploma | Six subjects with at least 4 in each and 24 points overall, including maths and a science | Higher Level 6 or 7, for example Mathematics HL 6 for MATH 111 |
| UAE MOE | 80% in Advanced or Elite stream, 90% in General stream, maths and a science | None stated |
Source: Khalifa University undergraduate admissions page, checked 6 October 2026. Fall 2027 application dates had not been announced.
What changed after EmSAT
Under EmSAT, a strong EmSAT English or maths score could make up for a weaker school record, and bands decided whether a student started in a foundation year. Now the Grade 12 marks carry that weight directly. The practical result is that end-of-term results in English, maths and the sciences in Grade 12 count for admission, and that students aiming for Khalifa University or English-taught programmes need an IELTS or TOEFL score planned well before applications open.
Emiratis and children of Emirati mothers apply through the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research's National Unified Registration System, which covers public and private universities and the national scholarship programme. International students apply directly to each university. Khalifa University lists tuition of AED 2,500 per credit hour, about AED 81,250 a year, and says international merit scholarships are considered as part of the admission decision.
What to do in Grades 11 and 12
- List two or three target programmes and copy their exact requirements: subject percentages, English score and any admission test.
- Check which Grade 12 subjects count. Most STEM programmes look at maths plus one science, and English is checked for everyone.
- Book IELTS or TOEFL early in Grade 12 if the school English mark may fall below 80% or the target needs IELTS 6.0.
- For Khalifa University, prepare for the admission tests in maths, physics and chemistry, which follow the shortlist.
- International-curriculum students should keep certificates ready for equivalency and check whether A Level, IB or AP grades can earn first-year credit.
How tutoring helps
With school marks deciding admission, Grade 12 maths, science and English results are where support pays off. A tutor who teaches the MOE Advanced stream, A Levels, the IB or the American curriculum can follow the school's units, prepare for each end-of-term exam and, separately, build IELTS or TOEFL skills. LiveTutor lessons are one to one, 60 minutes and online, and Arabic-speaking tutors are available for some subjects.
Common questions
Is EmSAT still required for UAE universities?
No. In October 2026 none of UAEU, Khalifa University, Zayed University or HCT lists EmSAT in its undergraduate requirements.
What IELTS score does Khalifa University need?
IELTS Academic 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 79, according to its admissions page.
Does UAE University accept A Levels and IB?
Its page refers to internationally recognised systems and says it may grant credit hours for AP, IB and A Level results. Ask admissions how your child's grades map to its subject requirements.
What does Khalifa University cost?
Its page lists AED 2,500 per credit hour, about AED 81,250 a year.
How much do LiveTutor lessons cost?
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.