The United Arab Emirates has introduced significant changes to its university admission policies, removing the requirement for a high school GPA. According to Ministerial Circular No. (19) of 2024, issued by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR), higher education institutions now have the flexibility to admit students based on grades in subjects relevant to their chosen fields of study.
Programs Covered Under the New Rules
The updated admission policies apply to the following levels and qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Advanced Diplomas
Partial Qualifications
Short Learning Units (Levels 4 and 5) in the National Qualifications Framework
New Admission Criteria
1. High school GPA is no longer mandatory. Universities can assess applicants based on their grades in relevant subjects.
2. Master’s and Ph.D. applicants must present qualifications from prior levels that align with the 2024 National Qualifications Framework.
3. Students educated outside the UAE’s education system in a non-English language must demonstrate English proficiency through international standardized tests.
Conditional Admission and Bridging Programs
Universities are now allowed to admit students conditionally. In such cases, students may be required to complete preparatory or bridging courses to strengthen their skills in key subjects related to their chosen fields.
Purpose of the Changes
These new policies aim to enhance flexibility in student admissions and create more opportunities for individuals with diverse talents. By removing the high school GPA requirement, the UAE is making higher education more accessible and positioning itself as a leading educational destination in the region.
This shift enables higher education institutions to tailor their admission criteria to market demands and student capabilities, ultimately improving the quality and diversity of education in the UAE.
