Today's Edition
A.SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)
The UAE Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced the immediate cancellation of the EmSAT exams for 12th grade students and the implementation of revised university admission criteria.
EmSAT, which stands for the Emirates Standardised Test, is a national system of standardised, computer-based tests aligned with the UAE's national standards. These tests are designed to measure and assess student skills across various academic stages. The test scores are mainly used by the Emiratis students to get admission into various public higher education institutions.
The UAE Government Media Office announced the decision in a social media post. Elaborating on the decision, the statement said the move is designed to ensure seamless transition to higher education, which enables “students to pursue their future ambitions throughout their academic and career paths”.
The decision gives the universities additional flexibility in setting admission criteria which will provide diverse pathways for students, the statement said.
Admission to medical and engineering programmes will now prioritise students science subject scores over overall percentage scores, the statement added.
Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, emphasised that MoE continues to streamline and enhance its policies in collaboration with MOHESR to support students throughout the different stages of their educational journey, ensuring the quality, flexibility, and global competitiveness of the national education system.
She also highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to accurately evaluating students’ skills across various academic subjects through the recently updated performance assessment system, which relies on a comprehensive methodology to assess and upskill students.
Sarah Al Amiri emphasised the critical need for close coordination and streamlined processes among all relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the new decision. She highlighted that the new policy will facilitate a smooth transition to higher education, empowering students to attain their academic and career aspirations in line with the evolving demands of the labour market and society.
Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, presented MOHESR’s vision for enhancing student admission standards at higher education institutions across the country.
He highlighted that the ministry aims to increase access to higher education, ensuring that every 12th-grade graduate has the opportunity to enrol in bachelor’s degree, higher diploma, diploma, or skill certificate programmes, thereby equipping them appropriately for the job market.
Dr. Al Awar clarified that the new vision will give universities more responsibility and flexibility in setting admission criteria. This will enable them to attract students who might not meet the English language proficiency requirements by enrolling them in courses designed to bridge this gap.
Universities will also be able to admit students and enrol them in specialised remedial courses if they do not meet the required grades in specific subjects.
Medical and engineering programmes
Dr. Al Awar pointed out that admission requirements for medical and engineering programmes will place a stronger emphasis on grades in science-related subjects relevant to the specialisation, rather than focusing on the overall Grade 12 percentage.
He noted that the proposed enhancements to university admission standards aim to provide diverse academic pathways that align with students' abilities, ultimately producing generations of qualified specialists and professionals capable of competing effectively in both the public and private sectors.
University admission requirements
MoE and MOHESR advised students and parents to review the university admission requirements based on the student’s desired major by directly contacting the relevant institutions. They clarified that cancelling the EmSAT will not affect certificate equivalency requirements for most private school curricula, except for the American curriculum, which requires students to take alternative standardised tests, like SAT (Math) and TOEFL (English).
MoE also updated the certificate equivalency requirements for private schools, now requiring academic records from the last three years.
Additionally, Arab students must study Arabic, and Muslim students must study Islamic Studies for the same period. This step aligns with the UAE's commitment to strengthening the role of the Arabic language and promoting values of religious tolerance.
(with inputs from WAM)
