UAE Admissions

Eligibility for UAE Universities

What marks and tests universities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ask from students with Indian (CBSE, ICSE, state boards) and Pakistani board certificates.

Example Eligibility Check

Example: bachelor's applicant

Example: Class 12 marks

Verified

Example: Class 12 marks sent

Example: English test

In Progress

Example: IELTS booked

Example Status

Conditional

Example only. Your own result depends on each university's rules.

Key Eligibility Points

Check these before you apply.

Your board's marks

Each university sets a rule for Indian and Pakistani boards. They differ a lot.

Required subjects

Science and engineering courses usually need maths. Khalifa University (KU) needs maths and one science.

English

Most universities ask for IELTS or TOEFL (English tests). BITS Pilani Dubai asks for one only if your school did not teach in English.

When you finished school

Khalifa University asks for students who finished school no more than two years before they apply.

Equivalency

The UAE Ministry of Education must agree that your school certificate counts the same as a UAE one.

Meeting the Minimum Is Not Enough

Admission is competitive. At Khalifa University, meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place.

Rules by Level

Minimum rules at each university.

By Study Level

1Bachelor's

AUS: 65% or more in each of the last three years (Indian and Pakistani boards).
Khalifa University: 80% in Class 12 maths and one science (CBSE and Pakistani boards).
BITS Pilani Dubai B.E.: 60% overall, and 60% across Physics, Maths and Chemistry, Biology or Computer Science, with at least 50% in each of those subjects.
University of Birmingham Dubai foundation year (an extra first year): CBSE, ICSE and West Bengal boards need a 65% average. Other Indian state boards need 70%. Pakistan HSC (Higher Secondary Certificate) needs 70% or grade B.

2Master's

Khalifa University: a bachelor's with a CGPA (cumulative grade point average) of 3.0 out of 4.0, or an upper second-class honours (a UK degree grade). Your CGPA must be on the 4-point scale.
BITS Pilani Dubai Master of Engineering (M.E.): 60% on average in the degree you studied before.

Other Tests

Standardized Testing Requirements

Undergraduate Tests

1BITSAT (the BITS entrance test)

You do not need BITSAT for the Dubai campus. If you take it, a good score can win you a scholarship.

BITS Pilani Dubai

Graduate Tests

1GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

A maths (quantitative) score of at least 150.

For Khalifa University's direct PhD (without a master's).

Note: NYU Abu Dhabi does not ask for a test score for the 2027-28 application year. You may send one if you want.

English Test Scores

English Proficiency Requirements

See our English tests page for more.

Test	Undergraduate	Graduate	Notes
IELTS Academic	6.5 (AUS); 6.0 (Khalifa University)	6.5 (Khalifa University master's)	AUS accepts IELTS Academic 6.5, TOEFL iBT 80, TOEFL ITP 550 or EmSAT Achieve English 1550.
TOEFL iBT	80 (AUS); 79 (Khalifa University)	91 (Khalifa University master's)	Khalifa University does not accept the TOEFL you take at home for master's. Take it at a test centre.

Important Considerations

Score Validity

Check the test provider’s score validity rules and your university’s requirements.

Possible Exemptions

You may be exempt from English proficiency requirements in certain cases:

BITS Pilani Dubai asks for IELTS or TOEFL only if your school did not teach in English.

Rules by Subject

Different academic disciplines often have specific requirements beyond the general eligibility criteria. These specialized requirements ensure you have the necessary background and aptitude for success in your chosen field in United Arab Emirates.

Engineering

BITS Pilani Dubai Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.): 60% overall, and 60% across Physics, Maths and Chemistry, Biology or Computer Science, with at least 50% in each of those subjects.
American University of Sharjah (AUS): for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects you may need at least a B grade in maths and physics.

Architecture and design

AUS: send a portfolio for architecture, design management and interior design.

Looking for Other Fields?

This is not an exhaustive list. Many other academic disciplines have specific requirements. Always check with your target universities in United Arab Emirates for the most accurate and up-to-date requirements for your specific program of interest.

For Students From Outside the UAE

International students face several additional requirements beyond those for domestic applicants. These ensure that you can successfully transition to studying in United Arab Emirates and comply with immigration regulations.

Attestation

Attestation means official stamps that say a paper is real.

AUS asks you to get your certificates stamped by your education authority, your country's foreign ministry and the UAE embassy.

Equivalency

The UAE Ministry of Education must agree that your school certificate counts the same as a UAE one.

AUS: apply online for the Certificate of Equivalency at least two months before classes.
If it is not ready, AUS lets you register for the first semester if you sign a Conditional Admission Contract (an agreement to get the paper later).