UAE Cancels EmSAT Test for Grade 12 Students to Improve Higher Education Access

UAE authorities have announced the immediate cancellation of the Emirates Standardized Test (EmSAT) for Grade 12 students.

Alongside this change, revised university admission criteria will prioritize students’ science subject grades over overall percentage scores, particularly for medical and engineering programs.

This strategic decision, communicated by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR) on Sunday, aims to facilitate a smoother transition into higher education, enabling students to pursue their academic and career ambitions effectively. It also allows universities greater flexibility in establishing admission standards, providing diverse academic pathways.

Under the new criteria, universities will have the opportunity to enroll students who do not meet English language proficiency requirements in preparatory courses. Similarly, students lacking the necessary grades for their desired specialization will be able to take specialized remedial courses.

Sarah Al Amiri, UAE's Minister of Education, emphasized that the change reflects the authorities’ commitment to student interests, aiming to evaluate performance throughout academic stages and align education with labor market needs.

Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Awar, the Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, highlighted the vision of expanding higher education access, ensuring that every twelfth-grade graduate can enroll in various academic programs.

Previously, EmSAT served as a mandatory entrance test for university admission and scholarship opportunities. The recent relaxation in rules made EmSAT results optional for the 2023-2024 academic year, allowing institutions to utilize alternative assessments and establish minimum score requirements.

News Source: Khaleej Times