MoE And MOHESR Announce Cancellation Of EmSAT Exam For Grade 12 Students Seeking University Admission

The Emirates Standardised Test (EmSAT) for Grade 12 students has been immediately cancelled by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR). This change allows universities to set their own admission criteria, aligning with their academic goals. The decision, approved by the Education, Human Resources and Community Development Council, aims to enhance the national education system, preparing students for higher education and future job markets.

Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, highlighted ongoing efforts to refine policies in collaboration with MOHESR. She stressed the importance of quality and flexibility in the education system to ensure global competitiveness. The updated performance assessment system will accurately evaluate students' skills across various subjects. "The new policy will facilitate a smooth transition to higher education," she stated, emphasising its role in empowering students to achieve their academic and career goals.

Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, outlined MOHESR's vision for enhancing student admissions. He explained that universities now have more responsibility in setting admission criteria. This flexibility allows them to attract students who may not meet English proficiency requirements by offering bridging courses. Additionally, remedial courses are available for those not meeting specific subject grades.

Admission standards for medical and engineering programmes will focus more on science-related grades rather than overall percentages. Dr. Al Awar noted that these changes aim to provide diverse academic pathways aligned with student abilities while addressing job market needs. This approach is expected to produce qualified professionals capable of competing in both public and private sectors.

The MoE clarified that cancelling EmSAT does not affect certificate equivalency for most private school curricula except the American curriculum. Students from this curriculum must take alternative standardised tests like SAT (Math) and TOEFL (English). Additionally, MoE updated equivalency requirements for private schools, requiring academic records from the last three years. Arab students must study Arabic, while Muslim students must study Islamic Studies during this period.

MoE advised students and parents to directly contact universities regarding admission requirements based on desired majors. They stressed the importance of reviewing equivalency requirements according to specific curricula. These updates align with UAE's commitment to promoting Arabic language use and religious tolerance values.

Vision for Future Education

The MoE and MOHESR emphasised that these changes reflect UAE leadership’s vision for an education system that transforms challenges into opportunities. The goal is to equip students with skills necessary for contributing to the nation's future success. By adapting educational policies, they aim to meet society's aspirations while ensuring students are well-prepared for evolving labour market demands.

With inputs from WAM