English Language Requirements for Gulf Universities

Why English requirements exist

Many universities in the Gulf, including international branch campuses and a large number of programmes at public and private universities, teach in English. To make sure students can follow lectures, read texts, and write assignments, these universities ask English-taught applicants to prove their English proficiency.

If you plan to study a programme delivered in English, expect an English-language requirement as part of admission. The specifics, however, are decided by each university.

Tests universities commonly accept

The most widely accepted English tests are IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT. In the UAE, the EmSAT English component (the Emirates Standardized Test run by the UAE Ministry of Education) is also accepted by some universities for admission or placement, and some universities accept other recognised tests too.

• IELTS Academic — widely accepted
• TOEFL iBT — widely accepted
• EmSAT (English) — accepted by some UAE universities (UAE Ministry of Education)
• Other recognised English tests — accepted by some universities

Minimum scores vary — do not rely on a single number

There is no single English score that gets you into "the Gulf." Each university sets its own minimum, and it can differ by programme and by level (undergraduate vs postgraduate). More competitive programmes often expect higher scores.

Because these minimums are set each year and differ across institutions, we do not publish specific cutoffs. Always check the exact required score on the official admissions page of the university and programme you are targeting, and confirm which test versions and dates they accept.

When a test might be waived

Some universities waive the English-test requirement for applicants whose previous education was conducted fully in English, or who hold certain qualifications. The conditions for a waiver — and whether one is offered at all — vary by university.

Do not assume you qualify for a waiver. If you think you might, contact the admissions office and confirm the policy in writing before skipping the test, and have a test booking as a backup in case it is required.

Plan your test early

English tests must be booked in advance, and results take time to arrive and be sent to universities. Book early enough that your score reaches the university before its deadline, and confirm the university's required score and accepted test before you sit it so you aim for the right target.

Meeting the minimum English score does not by itself guarantee admission — it is one requirement among several, alongside your academics and any other criteria the university sets.