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Are you an international student wanting to study in the UAE? Then, you must take the Emirates Standardized Test, also known as the EmSAT test. When it comes to university admissions in the UAE, your high school grades and international certificates matter. However, along with them, you have to take this mandatory entrance exam. Besides university admission, the scores are considered for scholarship applications and for visa applications.
The EmSAT exam has different levels. The level of exam you need to take is the EmSAT Achieve. This is the exam conducted for university admissions. This blog covers everything you need to know, from its format and scoring to universities and the registration process. Keep reading to learn how this one test can help you unlock the UAE university application.
This Blog Includes:
- EmSAT Achieve & Why this Test is Mandatory for International Students
- Who is Eligible to Take the EmSAT Exam?
- EmSAT Achieve & Subject Tests Under It
- EmSAT Exam Scoring Pattern
- EmSAT Exam Fees
- Steps to Register for the EmSAT Exam
- Top 10 Universities in the UAE Accepting the EmSAT Scores
- EmSAT Exam Results
- EmSAT Test Centres
- Difficulty Level of the EmSAT Test for International Students
- 5 Tips To Prepare for the EmSAT Examination
- FAQs
EmSAT Achieve & Why this Test is Mandatory for International Students
The EmSAT is required for enrollment in an undergraduate course at any public university in the UAE. While the private universities are more flexible, taking the exam can still be beneficial. Here are some of the reasons why you should take the test.
- The EmSAT Achieve scores are a non-negotiable requirement for admission to public universities. You need to clear this for admission to most of the programs offered.
- Some private universities have also made the test mandatory for students. Moreover, you need the test scores for scholarship applications.
- The EmSAT English (part of the Achieve) is a standardised national-level English language test. The results are accepted all over the UAE. It is a great alternative to the IELTS/TOEFL exam.
The key thing to remember is that EmSAT is not one exam. Instead, it is a collection of standalone exams. You can take the individual sub-tests depending on the major. For example,
| Intended University Major | Required EmSAT Achieve Subjects |
| Business, Arts, Humanities | English and Mathematics (minimum score required). |
| Engineering, IT, Computer Science | English, Mathematics, and Physics (often compulsory). |
| Medicine, Health Sciences, Biology | English, Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry. |
Universities often specify the score they require for the English test and for other subjects.
Who is Eligible to Take the EmSAT Exam?
You can take the EmSAT exam if you are eligible for it. Here are some basic eligibility criteria that all applicants must meet before registering for the test.
- Be a national or an international students wanting to study in a university in Dubai, or the UAE in general. International students can take the test to show academic equivalency.
- Must have completed your 12th standard from a recognised university.
- Moreover, you must have completed your 12th in the last 2 years. (as required by your university)
- There is no age limit set for appearing for the exam.
- You need to register for the exam through the official portal
| Fun Fact: The exam is available in both English and Arabic. |
EmSAT Achieve & Subject Tests Under It
As mentioned earlier, this is one exam but a collection of subject-specific tests. The exam you need to take depends on the subject you are applying for. The following are the standalone subject-specific tests available under the EmSAT exam.
| Subject | Content Focus | Score Range | Duration |
| English | Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading (Cloze & Extended), and Writing (Essay). | 300 to 2000 | 135 minutes |
| Mathematics | Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics. | 500 to 2000 | 120 minutes |
| Physics | Mechanics, Waves, Thermodynamics, Electricity & Magnetism, and Modern Physics. | 500 to 2000 | 120 minutes |
| Chemistry | Matter, Bonding, Stoichiometry, Chemical Reactions, and Equilibrium. | 500 to 2000 | 120 minutes |
| Biology | Molecules, Heredity, Evolution, and Ecology. | 500 to 2000 | 120 minutes |
| Arabic | Reading, Writing, and basic linguistic structures. | 400 to 2000 | 120 minutes |
All these are computer adaptive tests. This means that the difficulty of the next question is adjusted based on whether you have answered the previous question correctly.
Moreover, the scores you receive are also standalone. A different scorecard is provided for each subject taken. The exam scores are valid for 18 months from the date of the results.
Also Read: 8 Best Fully Funded Scholarships in UAE for International Students
EmSAT Exam Scoring Pattern
Most of the Achieve subjects (Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, and Arabic) are scored from 500 to 2000. On the other hand, the English Achieve test is scored from 300 to 2000. The Ministry of Education has not set any passing score. The universities usually set their own score requirements. For example, for a science course, a university can set its requirement as above 1500.
| Subject | Score Range | Interpretation | University Readiness Band |
| English Achieve | 2000 (Max) | Proficient (CEFR C2) – Fluent, precise expression. | 1250–1600 → CEFR B2 (Independent) |
| 300 (Min) | Basic (CEFR A1) – Limited use of simple phrases. | ||
| Math Achieve | 1750–2000 | Advanced Calculus Readiness – Suitable for 2nd calculus course. | 1500–1725 (Calculus Readiness) |
| 1100–1475 | Pre-calculus Readiness – Sufficient for pre-calculus. | ||
| < 500 (Min) | Major gaps in basic math skills. | ||
| Physics Achieve | 1500–2000 | High Proficiency – Prepared for 1st-year Physics. | 1100–1475 (Proficient) |
| 900–1075 | Borderline – Minimal readiness; needs support. | ||
| < 500 (Min) | Very limited science knowledge. | ||
| Chemistry Achieve | 1500–2000 | High Proficiency – Prepared for 1st-year Chemistry. | 1100–1475 (Proficient) |
| 700–875 | Basic – Weak foundation; needs support. | ||
| < 500 (Min) | Very limited science knowledge. | ||
| Biology Achieve | 1500–2000 | High Proficiency – Prepared for 1st-year Biology. | 1100–1475 ( Proficient / Satisfactory) |
| 700–875 | Basic – Weak foundation; needs support. | ||
| < 500 (Min) | Very limited science knowledge. | ||
| Arabic Achieve | 500–2000 (Variable) | Varies by university/program requirements. | ~900+ ( Often required minimum) |
EmSAT Exam Fees
The EmSAT exam fees are the same for all international students. However, the fees have to be paid in UAE Dirhams (AED). The fees depend on whether you are taking the exam for the first time (core package), or if you are retaking the test, or choosing individual subtests. You can visit the Ministry of Education EmSAT portal to view the latest fees.
| Fee Type | Meaning | Subjects Included | Estimated Fee (AED) |
| Initial Package (Core Subjects) | Covers the first attempt at mandatory core subjects. | Arabic, English, Mathematics, Physics (4 core subjects) | 309 (Total) |
| Individual Subject / Retake | Applies to optional subjects and for repeating any subject. | Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, or any subject retaken (incl. core) | 105 (Per Subject) |
Steps to Register for the EmSAT Exam
The registration process is slightly different for international students. This difference is mainly in the account creation. To register for the EmSAT test, you can visit the official MOE EmSAT portal and follow the steps below.
- Contact the EmSAT administration to set up your account. You can visit the official website, go to the contact us page, and choose the option for Non-Emirati ID Holder / Special Case. Thereafter, you can fill in the application form and submit it.
- Your application will be reviewed, and the official team will notify you regarding the account opening. You can then log in to your account.
- After logging in, you can complete the exam application form, fill in the details, and upload the necessary documents. For example, you will need a personal photograph and a passport.
- At this stage, you can choose the EmSAT Achieve category, select the specific subject tests, and confirm your test details.
- You can also choose the exam date and exam centre in the UAE.
- Read the exam rules, and confirm the same.
- You can then pay the exam fees and wait for payment confirmation.
- You will receive a confirmation email once the registration is complete.
Top 10 Universities in the UAE Accepting the EmSAT Scores
Whether it’s public or private, most universities in the UAE accept the EmSAT test scores. While in private universities the exam is optional, in public it is mandatory even if you are an international student. Here are some of the top universities accepting the test scores. Their QS World Ranking is also provided for your reference.
| Rank (in UAE) | University Name | QS World University Ranking 2025* | Location |
| 1 | Khalifa University (KU) | =177 | Abu Dhabi |
| 2 | United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) | 229 | Al Ain |
| 3 | American University of Sharjah (AUS) | =272 | Sharjah |
| 4 | University of Sharjah (UoS) | =328 | Sharjah |
| 5 | Abu Dhabi University (ADU) | 391 | Abu Dhabi |
| 6 | Ajman University (AU) | =440 | Ajman |
| 7 | American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) | =591 | Ras Al Khaimah |
| 8 | Zayed University (ZU) | =595 | Abu Dhabi/Dubai |
| 9 | Canadian University Dubai (CUD) | =604 | Dubai |
| 10 | American University in Dubai (AUD) | =678 | Dubai |
EmSAT Exam Results
The exam results for core subjects like English and Arabic are available in 10-15 days, and the science subjects’ results are often available within 5 working days. You will be provided with an email notification for the same.
| Subject Category | Release Time |
| Core Subjects (English, Arabic) | 10–15 working days |
| Science Subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | Within 5 working days |
You can visit the official website, log in to your account, and go to Manage My Exams to download the test results. The results are available in PDF format. If you want, you can permit specific universities to view your results directly from the platform.
EmSAT Test Centres
Most of the test centres are located in the UAE. For example, you can find test centres in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain. The exam centres are often schools, colleges, or universities.
However, there are a few international testing centres approved by the Ministry of Education. This is to help students participating in scholarship programs or wanting to apply for admission in universities without travelling to the UAE. Historically, testing centres are often in regions like:
- Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh)
- Middle East/GCC (Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman)
- North America (United States, Canada)
- Europe (United Kingdom, Germany)
The names of the testing centres are not published. Hence, to confirm if there is a testing centre in your location, visit the official EmSAT portal, the Ministry of Education website, or contact the test administrators.
Difficulty Level of the EmSAT Test for International Students
The exam difficulty level varies depending on the high school curriculum and the specific subject test you are taking. Generally, international students can find that the paper difficulty is affected by the following factors:
- Often, students find the English test to be easy, mathematics and science to be moderately difficult, and Arabic subjects to be challenging.
- The Computer-Adaptive Testing (CAT) means that if you answered one question correctly, the next question can be difficult. Difficulty is adjusted in the paper.
- If your curriculum is not as per the UAE’s national curriculum standards, you may identify content gaps mainly in science and mathematics.
| Fun Fact: Some UAE universities accept international equivalents like IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, or ACT. Nevertheless, students prefer taking the EmSAT over these tests. This is because clearing the EmSAT is often easier than getting the desired score in these globally recognised tests. |
5 Tips To Prepare for the EmSAT Examination
Have you decided to take this national assessment test? Here are some tips that you will find useful. Keep these tips in mind while you prepare for the exam.
- Start early preparation at least 1-2 months before the exam.
- Download the official Test Specification PDF for each EmSAT subject. You can get this from the Ministry of Education’s EmSAT portal. Based on this, create your study plan.
- Use the official sample papers and practise under timed conditions.
- After taking mock tests, you will understand your weaknesses. Dedicate the time necessary and work upon them.
- Learning time management is essential for clearing the test. Hence, for the maths and science exam, learn how to use the on-screen calculator. Learn to quickly locate and practise formulas in the reference library rather than memorising them all.
The EmSAT test is a mandatory test for admission into undergraduate programmes in public universities in the UAE. The private universities also accept the test scores (even if it is not mandatory). The exam is a collection of subject tests that are standalone exams. You can choose the test you want to take based on the course you want to study. Each university sets the required score for a specific subject test, and if you meet the score, you have a high chance of admission. Universities like Abu Dhabi University and Canadian University Dubai accept the test results.
FAQs
The exam is meant for students who want to enrol in an undergraduate program in the UAE. This is not one exam but a collection of subject-specific tests. Depending on the course you want to enrol in, you have to choose the subject and score well. The scores are considered part of your overall application score.
Whether the score is good or not depends on the subject test. For English, achieving a score of 1600 is considered excellent. On the other hand, for mathematics, it is considered that you meet the standard requirements.
It is part of the EmSAT tests. The English Acheive Test is a nationalised English language proficiency test. Instead of IELTS/TOEFL, you can take this test. The exam is valid in the UAE for university admissions. You need to clear this to study in any English-taught programme in the UAE.
The exam results are valid for 18 months from the date of the result. After 18 months, your results are considered no longer valid. You might have to retake the test for another admission cycle.
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