The standardised test has been cancelled with immediate effect, granting universities flexibility in setting their own admission criteria 

Dubai, Nov 03, 2024: The UAE Standardised Test ‘EmSAT’ has been cancelled with immediate effect, announced the UAE Ministry of Education and Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research on Sunday.   

The test was previously mandatory for Emiratis in grade 12 in public and private schools, as well as non-Emiratis studying in private schools affiliated with the Ministry of Education curriculum, until September of last year. 

In February 2023, the Ministry of Education announced universities in the country would be allowed to set their own entry requirements for students studying at publicly run schools, with the changes coming into effect in September of that year. 

Universities that chose to continue to use Emsat were given the freedom to set the minimum score needed by students under the education shake-up, as well as the option to rely on final exams approved by the ministry or request other internationally approved assessment such as A levels or the International Baccalaureate. 

Now education authorities have taken the step to discontinue the EmSAT completely.  

UAE Minister of Education Sara Al Amiri clarified that students need only to meet the entry requirements set by individual higher education institutions, ensuring a smooth transition to higher education and supporting students in achieving their future academic and career goals aligned with the needs of the labour market and society.