EMSAT English: Your Complete Guide to Studying in the UAE

Do you want to study in the United Arab Emirates, but don’t want to take the IELTS or TOEFL? EmSAT English Achieve is the subject test that will save you. The English Achieve Test is a test that you can take to meet the English language requirements set by universities. The test is nationally recognised and is valid for both undergraduate and postgraduate admissions. Moreover, it is considered easier than IELTS and TOEFL. Do you want to learn more about this exam? Keep reading our blog.

EMSAT Achieve English: An Overview 

EmSAT Achieve is a collection of standardized subject tests that students take after completing Grade 12 to pursue higher education in the UAE. Many universities require these tests for undergraduate admissions. The EmSAT Achieve English test is part of this collection. Depending on the program, you may need to take the English test alone or together with other subject tests. The results of the English test are not merged with the other tests, and it is valid for a period of 18 months. 

Format of the EmSAT Achieve English

This computer-based test assesses whether you are ready to study in an English-medium college or university in the UAE. The exam is divided into multiple sections, and each section is timed separately. Let’s understand the key format of this test.

Feature	Details
Test Duration	Approximately 125 minutes
Number of Questions	110 questions, including one essay (250 words)
Content Areas	Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading, Writing
Task Types	Multiple Choice, Fill-in-the-Blanks, Drag and Drop, Essay, Reading, Sentence Re-Ordering

Topics Covered in the EmSAT Achieve English 

The examination covers 6 main topics. That is, grammar and sentence construction,  vocabulary, cloze reading, extended reading, and writing. You will find questions from these sections in the paper. Let’s understand them one by one.

1. Grammar: The grammar questions will assess your ability to select the correct word or words to complete a sentence. Questions are often fill-in-the-blank, MCQs, and drag-and-drop.
2. Vocabulary: This section analyses the extent to which you know high‐frequency words. Questions are often fill-in-the-blanks, MCQs, drag and drop, or re-ordering words to form a sentence.
3. Sentence construction: Consists of re-ordering words to form a sentence.
4. Cloze Reading Passages: In a reading passage, you will find that some words are removed. You have to choose the right words under it. Basically, you have to fill in the blanks.
5. Extended Reading: The reading section might contain 3 reading passages that are descriptive, expository texts, or narrative. The word count of such passages is often 275 to 550 words. You will be required to identify the main idea, find factual details, and the meaning of unfamiliar words, among others. The questions are MCQ-based.
6. Writing: There is only one writing task that you have to complete. A prompt will be given in English, and you have to write 200 to 250 words around the topic. 

EmSAT English Scoring Pattern

The EmSAT test is scored according to the following criteria. First of all, there is an overall score. The overall score is granted by combining the reading and writing scores. By reading, we mean all topics except writing. The writing section is scored separately. 

By combining the reading and writing sections, the overall score ranges from 200 to 800. Based on this, the overall CEFR level is calculated. The score is graded from A1 to C2.

English Proficiency Levels by EmSAT Score

The table below showcases the EmSAT Achieve English scores and the corresponding language proficiency levels. The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) provides internationally recognised English proficiency bands for each score..

EmSAT Achieve English Score	Score Descriptors	CEFR Band
2000	Understands nearly all spoken and written English. Summarises information and expresses ideas fluently and accurately, even in complex situations.	C2
1625 – 1975	Understands a wide range of texts. Communicates fluently and spontaneously, producing clear, well-structured content on complex topics.	C1
1250 – 1600	Understands the main ideas of complex texts. Interacts comfortably with native speakers. Produces detailed text and explains viewpoints clearly.	B2
875 – 1225	Understands key points of familiar topics. Manages most situations while travelling. Writes simple connected text and describes experiences.	B1
500 – 850	Understands common phrases and basic sentences. Communicates on simple, routine matters. Describes immediate needs and surroundings.	A1
300 – 475	Understands and uses basic everyday expressions. Introduces self and gives personal details. Communicates slowly and clearly with help.	A1

EmSAT English Achieve Test Fees

The exam fees are the same for all international students irrespective of their nationality. The fees are regulated by the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE). For the first attempt, you have to pay around AED 300, and AED 100 for any retakes.

Category	Purpose	Test Fee (AED)	Retest Fee (AED)
International students who are in their 12th grade	The fee covers your first attempt at the basic subjects, including English.	300 AED	100 AED per subject
International students who have graduated from high school	The fee covers your first attempt. Retests are limited to one attempt.	250 AED per subject	100 AED per subject

Steps To Register for Emsat Achieve English as an International Student

The official website for registration is the Ministry of Education (MOE) portal for Emsat Achieve. To register as an international student, first visit the support channel of the official website. Fill out the form for Non-Emirati ID Holder / Special Case, upload documents, and then wait for approval. Your documents will be verified, and your account will be activated. Thereafter, you can follow the steps below:

1. Visit the official EmSAT Student Portal login page, and log in to your account with your email address and password.
2. Go to the exam booking page, choose the EmSAT Achieve English test, read the rules and instructions for the test, and declare the same.
3. Thereafter, select the test centre, the test date, and submit your booking.
4. You can pay the test registration fee online and confirm your booking.

Universities in the UAE Accepting EmSAT English Scores

All universities in the UAE accept the EmSAT English scores. If you have taken this test, you do not need to take the IELTS/TOEFL exam for admission. Here are some of the top universities accepting the English test scores. Their QS World Ranking is provided for your convenience.

No.	University Name	Location	Rankings (QS World 2026)	Minimum EmSAT English Score (Undergraduate)
1	Khalifa University	Abu Dhabi	=177	1400 for full admission and 1250 for conditional admission
2	United Arab Emirates University	Al Ain	229	1250
3	American University of Sharjah	Sharjah	=272	1250
4	University of Sharjah	Sharjah	=328	Varies by program, generally 1100–1250
5	Abu Dhabi University	Abu Dhabi	391	1100
6	Ajman University	Ajman	501-510	1100
7	Al Ain University	Al Ain	558	1100
8	American University of Ras Al Khaimah	Ras Al Khaimah	=591	1250
9	Zayed University	Abu Dhabi & Dubai	595	1250
10	Canadian University Dubai	Dubai	604	Generally 1100
11	American University in Dubai	Dubai	678	Generally 1100
12	University of Dubai	Dubai	851-900	Generally 1100

Also Read: 8 Best Fully Funded Scholarships in the UAE for International Students

EmSAT Achieve Test Results 

Those who are in their 12th grade can get the test results within 15 working days after the test dates. However, those who have already graduated from high school can get their test results earlier. That is, within 10 working days after the test date. Your results are notified through email, and you can view the results by logging into the official website where you have registered for the test. It is important to note that in the UAE, working days do not include Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, or public holidays.

How Hard is the EmSAT Achieve English? Is It Easier Than IELTS Or TOEFL?

The difficulty level of the EmSAT English test is often considered moderate. If you have a good English language proficiency level, you should have no problem clearing this examination. 

In comparison to alternative exams like IELTS and TOEFL, this English test is considered easier. This is because the exam tests your language skills at a medium level. It is highly structured and focuses on grammar and vocabulary. There is no separate speaking and listening test that you need to clear. It is suitable for those who have a basic to intermediate level of English.

On the other hand, exams like IELTS/TOEFL are based on international standards and assess your language skills at a higher level (B2 to C1 on the CEFR scale). The exams require you to have a deeper understanding and command of the language. There are separate speaking and listening tests, which can be difficult for intermediate-level students.

 EmSAT English vs IELTS vs TOEFL 

Here is a table of comparison: the UAE English test, IELTS, and TOEFL. It is important to note that the English Achieve is only valid in the UAE, while the other tests are valid internationally. However, if you to study in the UAE, the English Achieve test will be easier than the other examinations.

Feature	EmSAT English	IELTS	TOEFL
Purpose	University admission in the UAE	International academic & professional use	International academic & professional use
Difficulty	Medium (CEFR B1 level)	Medium-High (CEFR B2-C1)	Medium-High (CEFR B2-C1)
Test Format	Computer-based	Paper-based or computer-based	Computer-based
Skills Tested	Reading, Writing, Grammar, Listening	Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking	Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking
Scoring	100–400	Band 0–9	0–120
Global Recognition	Mostly UAE universities	Worldwide	Worldwide
Time Required	~2–3 hours	~2 hours 45 minutes	~3 hours
Focus	Academic English within UAE context	Academic and general English	Academic English for international contexts
Ease of Passing	Generally easier than IELTS/TOEFL	Moderate to difficult	Moderate to difficult

Also Visit: A Complete Guide on International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 

7 Tips To Prepare for the EmSAT Achieve English 

Do you want to tackle the Achieve English test with confidence? The key is preparation. Here are some tips that will help you to prepare for the exam and score well.

1. The first step is to understand the exam format and prepare a study plan
2. Thereafter, focus on building your vocabulary by reading books, newspapers, and even journals. Pay attention to new phrases and words and learn them.
3. To clear this exam, you must be good with grammar. Hence, go back to the basics and learn sentence structures, verb tenses, subject-verb agreements, and others.
4. Develop a reading habit and practise reading passages and answering questions.
5. Learn how to structure an essay, and practise writing essays on given prompts.
6. Review and edit your written work, and work on your weaknesses
7. Lastly, use the previous year’s question papers, practice well, and learn to manage your time.

The EmSAT English is an English test you can clear to meet the requirements of the university. The exams assess whether you have enough command of the language to study in English-taught classes. This exam is comparatively easier than IELTS and TOEFL. However, it is only valid in the UAE. The exam is held for 125 minutes and covers your grammar and sentence construction,  vocabulary, cloze reading, extended reading, and writing sections.

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