Minimum School Grades for Gulf Universities: Percentage and GPA Thresholds by Program

There is no single Gulf-wide grade cut-off

Across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait, universities set their own minimum school grades for entry. These can be expressed as an overall percentage from your school certificate, as a GPA band, or as a mix of an overall average plus specific subject minimums.

The right number for you depends on the university, the country and — crucially — the programme. Competitive majors such as medicine, engineering and some sciences usually carry higher thresholds than general programmes. Because these figures are set per institution and revised periodically, this guide explains how they work rather than stating any cut-off. Confirm the current numbers on each programme's official page.

Overall average versus subject-specific minimums

Many programmes look first at your overall school average — your aggregate percentage or GPA — to decide whether you clear the general bar. On top of that, science, engineering and health programmes commonly add subject-specific minimums, expecting strong results in the subjects the degree builds on.

For an engineering track, that often means a strong mathematics and physics result; for medicine and health sciences, strong biology and chemistry. Meeting the overall average alone may not be enough if a required subject falls below the programme's minimum, so read both parts of the rule.

• Overall average (percentage or GPA) clears the general bar
• Subject minimums apply on top for STEM, medicine and engineering
• Maths/physics matter most for engineering tracks
• Biology/chemistry matter most for medicine and health tracks

Why thresholds differ across the six GCC countries

Each country's universities operate independently, and even within one country a public and a private institution may set different bars. National universities often have their own grade standards, while international and American-style universities may combine school grades with a standardized test such as the SAT, ACT or EmSAT.

This means the same applicant can face different thresholds at different universities for the same subject area. Comparing programmes on their official admissions pages — not on rumour or old data — is the only reliable way to know where you stand.

How to plan around the thresholds

Start by shortlisting programmes and reading each one's official entry requirements. Note both the overall average and any subject minimums, and check whether a standardized or placement test is also required.

If your grades sit near a threshold, look at whether the university offers alternative pathways such as foundation or preparatory programmes — but confirm these officially. Never assume a cut-off carries from one year or one university to another.

• Shortlist programmes and read official entry requirements
• Record both overall average and subject minimums
• Check whether a standardized/placement test is also needed
• Ask officially about foundation/preparatory pathways if near the bar