Exams to Study in Dubai 2026

Dubai is fast becoming a global education hub, with over 40 universities, most of which are international branch campuses, including the University of Birmingham, Middlesex University, University of Wollongong, and Heriot-Watt University. And, with Dubai’s ambitious 10-year economic plan known as E33 mission, the city aims to double the number of international students choosing Dubai as their study destination.

Now this leads to the question of Entrance Exams in Dubai. Since these universities follow international standards, Indian students need to meet certain mandatory test requirements.

These could include language proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, the SAT or ACT for undergraduate programmes at universities following the American curriculum, or the GMAT and GRE for MBA courses and masters courses. On top of that, many universities also conduct their own specific entrance exams.

On this page, we’ll break down all the key tests you need to know about to Study in Dubai, making your preparation journey a little easier.

What Exams Are Required to Study in Dubai?

Entrance Exams in Dubai can be categorised into language proficiency tests, subject-specific tests, and country-specific entrance tests. Several other international universities, such as BITS Pilani, SP Jain School of Management, Manipal Institute of Technology, and the University of Applied Sciences Europe, also conduct their own specific tests depending on the level and type of programme.

Here is a list of general Entrance Exams to Study in Dubai: 

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• PTE (Pearson Test of English)
• GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
• GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
• SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)
• ACT (American College Testing)

Language Proficiency Tests to Study in Dubai

English language proficiency tests are a mandatory part of the study-in-Dubai journey, as they prove that students applying from non-native English speaking countries like India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Vietnam hold necessary language skills to study in English.

These tests are a mandatory eligibility requirement in Dubai because the academic curriculum is taught in English. Furthermore, as Dubai is home to branch campuses of universities from the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada, demonstrating academic proficiency in English is a standard requirement for all international students.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognised language proficiency test designed to assess the English skills of students who wish to study in Dubai. The test evaluates applicants in four areas: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. It is widely accepted by universities in Dubai and is often required for admission to most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

The TOEFL is another globally recognised English language test that is accepted by 13,000 universities in 200 countries.  The test is designed to measure your English skills fairly with consistent scoring, inclusive content, and trusted standards that are recognised globally. TOEFL is divided into four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, providing a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate’s English language proficiency for top universities in the world. 
 

Pearson English Test (PTE)

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is an English language proficiency test widely recognised by universities in Dubai for admission purposes. It assesses Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening skills, with an emphasis on practical, real-world English usage. The PTE is a computer-based test that offers rapid results and flexible test dates.

Undergraduate Programmes Entrance Tests in Dubai

Dubai is home to multiple branch campuses of international universities, and those following the American curriculum generally adhere to similar eligibility requirements for international students as in the USA. And, thus for admissions into undergraduate programmes at universities following the US system, entrance exams like the SAT and ACT are often required or highly recommended for international applicants. While some institutions may make these scores optional, a strong performance on the SAT or ACT is typically necessary to secure admission into top-tier programmes or to compensate for other academic factors.

SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)

The SAT is a standardised test organised by the College Board and is commonly used for college admissions in the United States but by several colleges in Dubai. The SAT assesses students' maths critical reading and writing, therefore equally important for university entrance scores.

ACT (American College Testing)

The American College Testing or ACT is another standardised test that many Dubai institutions consider for undergraduate admission. This examination is designed to assess the student’s capability in English, mathematics, reading and science thinking and provide a composite estimate of academic performance.

General Master's Entrance Tests

While Dubai does not enforce standard, mandatory entrance exams for all university admissions, specific subject and programme-based entrance requirements are often requested of international students. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) are commonly required by Dubai universities for admission to many Master of Science (MS) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programmes. The scores from these tests not only showcase the right aptitude for the programme but also demonstrate an applicant's academic seriousness, giving them a significant edge over other candidates.

Here are the details of GRE and GMAT exams to study in Dubai: 

GRE (Graduate Record Exam)

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardised test widely accepted by universities in Dubai for postgraduate programmes. It evaluates candidates in Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative reasoning. The GRE is essential for students who wish to pursue their Master’s or PhD, as most universities in Dubai consider these scores during the admissions process.
Individuals wishing to register for the GRE must do so through the official website of the Educational Testing Service (ETS). After registration, candidates can select a suitable test date and venue. 
 

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is an important exam for candidates looking to enter MBA programmes in Dubai. The GMAT evaluates a candidate's analytical writing, integrated thinking, mathematical reasoning, and verbal reasoning abilities, offering a holistic assessment of their preparation for graduate-level business courses.

Students can sign up for the GMAT by making an account on the official Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) website. 
 

International students planning to study in Dubai should be aware of the entrance exams that will help them choose the right university and programme. The dates and registration process for these exams depend on the intake timelines at Dubai universities. Therefore, getting professional help from AECC experts can help you find the right test, organise your preparation plan, and apply to the affordable universities in Dubai based on your scores.