Note: These new admissions regulations apply specifically to federal universities in the UAE, and do not extend to international branch campuses operating within the country.
The higher education landscape in the UAE is undergoing a significant transformation. For students applying in 2026 and beyond, federal universities are no longer requiring EmSAT scores or enforcing fixed minimum overall high school GPA thresholds. Instead, institutions now have the flexibility to evaluate applicants through more personalised and holistic criteria.
This shift aligns with national goals to prioritise student potential, reduce high-stakes testing pressure and create a more inclusive admissions pathway that recognises diverse strengths and learning backgrounds.
Key Changes:
– Removal of EmSAT as a universal requirement.
– No compulsory minimum overall GPA for admissions.
– Universities may adopt customised criteria such as subject-specific grades, interviews, portfolios, extracurricular achievements or institutional entry exams.
These changes allow federal institutions to tailor their selection methods to better match programme needs and future labour market demands. Students with strong subject-specific performance or substantial practical experience will especially benefit under this new model.
For applicants, this means preparing a well-rounded application that highlights strengths beyond grades, including projects, portfolios, leadership activities and relevant accomplishments.
