Cancellation of the Emirates Standardized Test (EmSAT) for Grade 12 Students
Filter Why was the Emirates Standardized (EmSAT) Test for Grade 12 students cancelled?
This decision is part of broader efforts to enhance the educational system in the country and better prepare students for university and the job market. It grants universities greater responsibility and flexibility in setting admission criteria, enabling them to attract students based on their academic and professional goals. Additionally, it aligns with the UAE Government’s vision to enable every Grade 12 graduate to access bachelor’s, higher diploma, diploma, or skills certificate programmes, effectively preparing them for the job market.
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What is the purpose of removing EmSAT as a university admission requirement for Grade 12 students?
Removing EmSAT as a requirement will allow students to concentrate on formative and summative assessments throughout the year. We will also introduce programmes to prepare students for higher education by following best practices to strengthen their skills. This approach will create diverse higher education pathways for all students, both citizens and residents.
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How will this decision simplify university admission for students?
This decision aligns with the UAE Government’s vision to expand opportunities, enabling every Grade 12 graduate to pursue bachelor’s, diploma or skills certificate programmes. This enables universities to admit students who have not yet met the English language requirement by offering qualifying courses and to enroll students in remedial courses if they have not achieved the necessary grades in prerequisite subjects.
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Will this decision impact the equivalency requirements for certificates issued by private schools?
Following the cancellation of EmSAT, adjustments have been made to the equivalency requirements for Grade 12 students in private schools following the American curriculum. Students must now pass the following tests:
- English: Complete one of the two tests:
- TOEFL with a minimum score of 61
- IELTS Academic with a minimum score of 5.0
- Mathematics: Pass the SAT 1 - Math Reasoning Test with a minimum score of 450
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Can students who previously did not receive equivalency for their high school certificate due to the EmSAT test now reapply for equivalency?
Students who were previously unable to obtain high school certificate equivalency due to the EmSAT requirement can now reapply through the Ministry of Education's official website. New, more flexible criteria will be applied to help them meet equivalency requirements.
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Do students who took the EmSAT test in September and October 2024 need to take another test, such as the SAT 1, to obtain equivalency?
If a student took the EmSAT test before November 3, 2024, the EmSAT score will be sufficient to meet the equivalency requirements, as per the approved criteria.
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Are there any new requirements for currently enrolled university students who have previously passed the EmSAT test, to complete their study programmes?
Students who have already passed the EmSAT test and are currently enrolled in a university will not need to take additional standardised tests to complete their study programmes.
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Are there approved alternative tests or requirements for admitting students in UAE-based higher education institutions?
Higher education institutions have the flexibility to establish their own admission criteria for academic and study programmes. Each university will independently establish its own admission standards for its programmes.
Students and parents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the specific requirements of each institution and desired academic specialisation. This can be achieved by directly communicating with the relevant HEIs to ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
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Will this change apply to Grade 11 students or earlier?
The cancellation of EmSAT applies to all students, and schools will focus on formative and summative assessments. Additionally, various programmes will be provided to prepare students for university education and the labour market, following best practices.
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Will the cancellation of EMSAT affect the admission criteria for foreign universities?
The cancellation will not impact admission criteria for foreign universities, as internationally recognised tests accepted by most institutions can still be used.
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How does this change impact students' eligibility for university scholarships?
The EmSAT test is no longer required for scholarships at higher education institutions. Each university now sets its own scholarship criteria based on internal regulations. Therefore, students and parents should be aware of the specific scholarship requirements for each university and academic specialisation by contacting the relevant institutions directly to ensure compliance with all applicable rules and regulations. All universities are required to publish their admission criteria on their websites to assist students.
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Will students who were previously unable to enrol in higher education institutions due to not passing the test have the opportunity to apply and continue their academic studies?
Yes. Students who were previously unable to enrol in higher education institutions due to not passing the test may reapply for enrolment if they meet the new admission criteria for the higher education institutions they wish to join.
For federal higher education institutions, priority is given to funding the studies of graduates from the current academic year as well as male students within two semesters of completing their national service requirements.
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Will students who previously failed the test be re-evaluated under the new system?
UAE-based higher education institutions can apply the new conditions to students who failed the test and were unable to enrol in higher education, providing them with the opportunity to pursue university studies based on the available academic tracks, each institution’s priorities and policies and their capacity.
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