By Staff Reporter
Ministry of Higher Education Introduces Flexible Admission Criteria for Universities
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has announced updated admission guidelines for higher education institutions (HEIs) across the UAE under Ministerial Resolution No. (19) of 2024.
The new framework provides flexibility for HEIs to develop their own admission criteria for various programmes, including bachelor’s degrees, higher diplomas, diplomas, and short learning units.
Ahmad Ibrahim Alsaadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Higher Education Operations Sector, emphasized that the changes align with the Ministry’s efforts to foster partnerships with universities and tailor academic programmes to students’ aspirations.
“This flexible approach will increase student enrolment by offering opportunities to pursue academic tracks suited to their capabilities and career goals,”
he stated.
Key updates include the removal of overall high school scores as a mandatory requirement, allowing institutions to admit students based on grades in subjects relevant to their chosen major. For postgraduate programmes, applicants must hold qualifications from the preceding academic level, as per the National Qualifications Framework 2024.
Additional changes address English proficiency. Students who studied non-Ministry curricula in languages other than English must pass international standardized tests, while those from English-language curricula outside the Ministry’s framework are exempt. HEIs may also conditionally admit students, requiring them to complete preparatory or remedial programmes without considering their general secondary school average.
The MoHESR urged students and parents to consult directly with universities regarding specific admission requirements to ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory standards. These updates aim to enhance accessibility to higher education while maintaining academic excellence and labour market readiness.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
