The UAE’s recent decision to cancel the Emirates Standardized Test (EmSAT) for Grade 12 students marks a significant shift in the university admissions landscape. This change allows universities to adopt a more flexible and comprehensive approach to evaluating candidates, focusing on a broader range of skills and accomplishments.
Immediate Cancellation of EmSAT
On November 3, 2024, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced the immediate cancellation of the EmSAT exam. This standardized test was previously mandatory for Emirati students in public and private schools, as well as non-Emirati students in private schools following the Ministry’s curriculum. The cancellation aims to facilitate a smoother transition to higher education by allowing universities to set their own admission criteria based on academic specializations.
New Admission Criteria
With the removal of EmSAT from the admission requirements, each university can now establish its own criteria tailored to specific programs. For medical and engineering courses, universities will prioritize grades in relevant science subjects over overall high school percentages. This shift enables institutions to better assess candidates’ preparedness for specialized fields.
Comprehensive Evaluation Approach
Dr. Yousef M. Al Assaf, President of Rochester Institute of Technology, Dubai, stated that new admission criteria would reflect their current practices, including placement tests in Physics, Math, and English alongside standard IELTS and TOEFL requirements. This comprehensive evaluation will allow universities to consider various factors such as academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and personalized criteria.Nahid Afshan, Head of Admission at BITS Pilani Dubai Campus, emphasized that abolishing EmSAT simplifies the application process. Admissions will now focus on students’ overall high school examination aggregates while considering minimum marks in relevant subjects based on their chosen specialization.
Flexibility for Diverse Applicants
Sara Sleem, Associate Director of Student Recruitment and Admissions at American University in Dubai (AUD), highlighted the university’s commitment to diversity by accommodating applicants from various educational backgrounds. With alternative testing options for English and Math proficiency, AUD continues to provide a flexible admissions process that meets students’ needs.
Focus on Specialized Skills
The cancellation of EmSAT allows universities to cultivate skilled professionals equipped to meet the evolving job market demands. Prof. Manda Venkatraman from Gulf Medical University noted that their institution would focus on alternative admission criteria, including specific science subject requirements and admission test scores. This strategy aims to enhance the quality of medical education in the UAE.
Conclusion
The cancellation of the EmSAT exam represents a transformative shift in UAE higher education. By allowing universities greater flexibility in setting admission standards, this change prioritizes students’ strengths in relevant subjects and supports their aspirations for specialized fields. As universities adapt their criteria, students can look forward to a more personalized and accessible pathway to higher education.
