Finding their way in and applying to the university is something that has remained a delight as well as a challenge to most learners in the UAE. Given that there are many universities which offer various programs, it is important to know how to apply and what it entails. 

This guide highlights some important dates for application, what a university application involves and common portals used to apply to universities in the UAE.

Key Application Deadlines

The admission to the universities in the UAE adheres to certain laid down guidelines concerning the time of admission. Most universities have two main intakes: The activities rather fall and spring where most student enrollments are. 

The most completed intake is the Fall intake and the application deadlines usually range from January to May of the year depending on the particular University. For the Spring intake an application period is from September to November. Many students who require these services should ensure that they make their application as early as possible in order they have enough time to produce all the documents needed for applications should be produced ahead of time. Some universities also have early admission plans through which they allow the students to apply much earlier (in fact from September of the previous year). One drawback of failing to meet a certain deadline is that one will be forced to wait for the next intake hence the need to keep track of these dates.

Components of a University Application

It is important to know what is important in a university application so as to get a positive response. While each university may have specific requirements, the following components are commonly required across institutions in the UAE.

• Application Form: This is the first step, where the student submits basic identification information, educational background and course selection. The form can normally be completed online via the university’s application Web site.

• Academic Transcripts: High school transcripts of the students are required where the student should have uploaded his/her grades from the past few years of schooling. Transcripts of schools, colleges or universities for credit may require translation and attestation by the concerned authorities.

• Standardised Test Scores: Most programs need the student to produce SAT, ACT or any other standardised exam depending on the country of origin or IELTS/ TOEFL for English proficiency. Some universities also demand the candidate to sit subject based tests.

• Personal Statement or Essay: Most of the universities in UAE ask the student to write a personal statement or an essay. This is a chance to state goals, plans and, if any, expectations of a learner while choosing a certain program or a certain University.

• Letters of Recommendation: Scholars are always requested to provide recommendation letters from teachers, counsellors or any other person who can attest to the candidates’ academic standards and character.

• Extracurricular Activities and Achievements: Apart from the academic performance, universities will consider a student’s participation in co-curricular activities, leadership forestry and other accomplishments.

• Application Fee: Almost all universities require an application fee which has to be paid in order to complete the application process. It depends on which institution that you are with; how much the fee is will depend on institutions.

Common Application Platforms

In the UAE, students can apply to universities through several common platforms that simplify the application process:In the UAE, students can apply to universities through several common platforms that simplify the application process:

Nawfal UAE Common Application

With the help of this platform, one can apply for several universities throughout the United Arab Emirates with a single application. This makes the work easier as the students are able to submit all the documents that may be required for their applications through the portal.

Direct University Applications

Most institutions have their own online application systems where a student can apply from the University. The distinctive feature of this kind of approach is the necessity to make a separate application for every university and to fill it using the profile described above.

International Application Portals

As for UAE universities, some of them have introduced the option of applying on such foreign-based platforms as the Common Application – an American system or the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service – a British one. Such platforms are useful to the international students who are applying for multiple admission places in different countries including UAE.

It is therefore very important for students who wish to study in the UAE universities to have adequate information on the university application process in the UAE. Understanding these deadlines, getting all the components ready and using the common applications platforms would help students get through this process with ease.