Study in United Arab Emirates: Admissions

Language Tests for United Arab Emirates University Admissions

A comprehensive guide to language proficiency requirements, accepted tests, and preparation resources for applying to universities in United Arab Emirates.

Overview of English Language Requirements for United Arab Emirates Universities

Most universities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) teach in English. They ask for a score from an English test, IELTS or TOEFL. Each university sets its own score.

Who Needs Language Testing?

Most students who apply to AUS, Khalifa University and University of Birmingham Dubai.
At BITS Pilani Dubai, only some students. See the school rule below.

Common Exemptions

At BITS Pilani Dubai Campus (BPDC), no test if your school taught in English.

Important Considerations

Which tests count

American University of Sharjah (AUS) accepts IELTS Academic 6.5, TOEFL iBT 80, TOEFL ITP 550 or EmSAT Achieve English 1550.

Take it at a test centre

Khalifa University (KU) does not accept the TOEFL iBT Home Edition (taken at home) for master's. Take it at a test centre.

Score age

At AUS, TOEFL and IELTS scores count for two calendar years.

Apply first, test later

At Khalifa University, you can apply first and upload your test score later. They start work on your application only after you upload it.

TOEFL iBT

TOEFL iBT (the internet-based test) is accepted by AUS, Khalifa University and University of Birmingham Dubai.

Score Requirements for United Arab Emirates Universities

University Tier	Undergraduate	Graduate
Khalifa University (KU)	79	91 (Khalifa University master's)
American University of Sharjah (AUS)	80 (TOEFL ITP 550 also accepted)	-
University of Birmingham Dubai, Group A	80 in total, and at least 19 in reading, 19 in listening, 21 in speaking and 19 in writing	-

These are general ranges. Always check the specific requirements of each institution and program.

Official Website & Registration

Visit the official ETS website to register for the TOEFL exam, view dates, and find testing centers.Visit TOEFL Site

IELTS Academic

IELTS Academic is accepted by AUS, Khalifa University and University of Birmingham Dubai. Choose the Academic test, not General Training.

Scoring System

Score Validity

AUS counts IELTS scores for two calendar years.

United Arab Emirates University Requirements

Typical Minimum Requirements

American University of Sharjah (AUS)

6.5

e.g., Bachelor's. Academic IELTS.

Khalifa University: bachelor's

6.0

e.g., Bachelor's. Academic IELTS.

Khalifa University: master's

6.5 in total

e.g., Master's. Academic IELTS.

University of Birmingham Dubai

Group A: 6.0 in total, at least 5.5 in each part. Group B: 6.5 in total, at least 6.0 in each part.

e.g., Group A courses: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Sustainability. Group B courses need a higher score.

University of Birmingham Dubai: foundation

5.5 in total, at least 5.5 in each part

e.g., Integrated foundation courses.

Special Considerations

• Graduate programs may require higher scores
• Some schools require minimum scores in each section
• English-focused majors often have higher requirements

Official Website & Registration

Visit the official IELTS website to register for the exam, find test centers, and access preparation materials.Visit IELTS Site

Other Tests

Some universities accept other tests. Check before you book.

Important Considerations

AUS: tests it accepts: AUS accepts IELTS Academic 6.5, TOEFL iBT 80, TOEFL ITP 550 or EmSAT Achieve English 1550.

Birmingham Dubai: PTE Academic: PTE Academic is another English test. Group A courses need 64 in total and at least 59 in each of reading, writing, listening and speaking.

EmSAT Achieve English: EmSAT Achieve English is an English test. AUS accepts a result of 1550.

Scores by University

Minimum scores at each university.

University Category	TOEFL iBT	IELTS Academic	PTE Academic
American University of Sharjah (AUS): bachelor's e.g., TOEFL ITP 550 and EmSAT Achieve English 1550 are also accepted.	80	6.5	-
Khalifa University: bachelor's e.g., Online IELTS is not accepted.	79	6.0	-
Khalifa University: master's e.g., TOEFL iBT Home Edition is not accepted.	91	6.5	-
University of Birmingham Dubai: Group A undergraduate e.g., Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Sustainability.	80	6.0	64

Score Requirements Variations

These are general ranges. Individual universities may have different requirements, and some programs (especially in areas requiring high communication skills like business, education, or healthcare) often require higher scores than the university minimum.