MoHESR has announced updated admission guidelines for higher education institutions across the UAE

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has issued updated admission standards for higher education institutions (HEIs) throughout the UAE under Ministerial Resolution No. (19) of 2024. The new framework gives HEIs the freedom to create their own admission criteria for a variety of programs, including bachelor's degrees, higher diplomas, diplomas, and short learning units.

Key changes include the elimination of overall high school scores as a required criterion, allowing institutions to admit students based on marks in courses relevant to their major. According to the National Qualifications Framework 2024, applicants for postgraduate studies must have previous academic level qualifications.

Additional adjustments concern English proficiency. Students who studied non-Ministry curricula in languages other than English must take international standardized tests, whereas those who studied English-language curricula outside of the Ministry's framework are exempt. HEIs may also admit students on a conditional basis, requiring them to complete preparation or remedial programs regardless of their overall secondary school GPA.

The MoHESR recommended students and parents to contact universities directly about specific admission procedures in order to ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory norms.