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Admissions

UAE University Admissions Guide

How students from India and Pakistan get into universities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE): marks, English tests, letters, deadlines and papers.

United Arab Emirates University Applications

Language Proficiency
Example: your IELTS score
Documents
Example: a short essay about yourself

You apply to each UAE university on its own form. Rules for Indian and Pakistani boards differ by university.

Admissions Journey

Your Path to a UAE University

Six steps from choosing a university to your visa. AUS calls the August start 'Fall' and the January start 'Spring', and its application rounds 'periods'.

1

Choose universities

Check each university's marks rule for your board.

2

Prepare tests and letters

An English test (IELTS or TOEFL) if needed. A short essay about you and letters where asked.

3

Apply online

Fill in each university's form and pay the fee.

4

Get your decision

AUS tells you its decision on fixed dates after each application round.

5

Accept and pay

Accept the offer and pay your deposit.

6

Papers and visa

Get your certificates stamped as real, apply for your Certificate of Equivalency and send your visa papers.

Key Application Deadlines

Spring 2027 (January start)
  • BITS Pilani Dubai: last date 15 December 2026.
  • AUS: applications close on 24 December 2026.
Fall 2027 (August start)
  • AUS Fall 2027 application rounds close on 7 January, 18 March and 20 May 2027.
  • New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Regular Decision (the normal round): 5 January.

Do the stamping and the visa after your offer. Both take time.

Key Components

Comprehensive Admissions Guide

Explore every aspect of the United Arab Emirates university application process through our detailed guides on eligibility, documents, and submission procedures.

Eligibility
Marks you need.

Key Information

AUS: 65% in each of the last three years (Indian and Pakistani boards).
Khalifa University: 80% in maths and one science, in Class 12 (India) or your final school certificate (Pakistan).
BITS Pilani Dubai: 60% overall, and 60% across Physics, Chemistry and Maths.
3 key points
Documents
Papers to send.

Key Information

Class 10 and 12 marks (India) or your school certificate marks (Pakistan).
Passport pages.
Attested certificates.
3 key points
English Tests
Scores you need.

Key Information

AUS accepts IELTS Academic 6.5, TOEFL iBT 80, TOEFL ITP 550 or EmSAT Achieve English 1550.
Khalifa University: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 79.
2 key points
Statements and Letters
What to write.

Key Information

AUS: a short essay about you (personal statement) and two letters from your school.
Khalifa University master's: a statement of purpose (an essay about your goals) and two recommendation letters.
2 key points
Deadlines
Dates to remember.

Key Information

AUS Spring 2027: 24 December 2026.
BITS Pilani Dubai January 2027: 15 December 2026.
2 key points
How to Apply
The steps.

Key Information

Each university's own online form.
NYUAD uses one shared online form, the Common Application, that many universities accept.
2 key points
Application Tips

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Even qualified applicants can face rejection due to application errors. Be aware of these common mistakes to increase your chances.

Missing attestation

Certificates from outside the UAE need an official stamp saying they are real (attestation). At American University of Sharjah (AUS), three offices must stamp them: your education office, your foreign ministry and the UAE embassy.

Missing Certificate of Equivalency

Certificate of Equivalency: a paper from the UAE Ministry of Education that says your school certificate counts the same as a UAE one. At AUS, apply at least two months before classes start.

Wrong English test

Each university accepts its own list of English tests. Check your university's list before you book a test.

Missing the deposit date

A deposit is money you pay first to keep your place. Pay it by the date in your offer, or you can lose your seat.

Complete Guide to United Arab Emirates

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