The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has introduced Ministerial Resolution No. (19) of 2024, providing updated admission criteria for programs offered by UAE-based higher education institutions (HEIs).
The new resolution allows HEIs to develop their own admission criteria for bachelor’s degrees, higher diplomas, diplomas, partial qualifications, and short learning units (levels 4 and 5 within the National Qualifications Framework).
Ahmad Ibrahim Alsaadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Higher Education Operations Sector and Director of the International Education Support and Scholarships Department at MoHESR emphasized that this update aligns with the Ministry’s goal of strengthening collaborations with universities and supporting them in designing academic programs that align with students’ ambitions.
He highlighted that this move will help students gain qualifications that are better suited to the labor market while ensuring transparency and high-quality academic standards.
“This flexible approach will boost student enrollment in HEIs by offering more opportunities for students to choose academic paths that fit their abilities. It also takes into account the students’ intended majors, ensuring that unrelated subjects will not hinder their admission,” Alsaadi stated. He added that the Ministry will continue to introduce specialized programs that create educational opportunities and ensure that students’ academic journeys align with their future careers.
Key changes include the removal of the requirement for a high school score as a mandatory admission criterion. Now, HEIs can admit students based on their grades in subjects relevant to their chosen major. Additionally, for postgraduate admissions, universities can require qualifications from the previous level in line with the National Qualifications Framework 2024. The new guidelines also clarify that secondary school grades must come from an accredited curriculum, such as the advanced track or its equivalent.
For students who studied English-language curricula outside the Ministry’s framework, English proficiency is not a requirement. However, those who studied in a language other than English must demonstrate proficiency through international standardized tests, as set by their university.
Students from non-Ministry curricula can also show proficiency in subjects relevant to their chosen major based on criteria determined by the university. In some cases, universities may accept students conditionally, requiring them to pass preparatory or remedial courses to ensure subject proficiency, without relying on the general secondary school average.
The MoHESR has advised students and parents to review the specific admission requirements for their chosen university and program, ensuring compliance with the latest rules and regulations.
