Choose your English test based on what your institution accepts, not its advertised difficulty. For Arabic, decide whether everyday conversation or formal reading and writing matters most before comparing courses.
Check your university’s English requirements first
Do not treat a score advertised by one institution as a UAE-wide minimum. The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research’s admissions framework makes institutions responsible for setting undergraduate admission standards, with guidance on English proficiency and previous schooling.
Before paying for a test, ask admissions to confirm:
- The accepted test and exact version for your programme and intake.
- The overall score and any minimum scores for individual skills.
- Whether your previous English-medium education qualifies you for an exemption, and what evidence is needed.
- Whether they accept your chosen delivery format, combined scores or a partial retake.
- How recent results must be, how to send them and when they must arrive.
Use our guide to English requirements for UAE universities alongside your programme’s current admissions page. While comparing degree routes in the UAE, also check university and programme accreditation.
Choose between IELTS, TOEFL and PTE
These are different tests, not interchangeable booking options:
- IELTS Academic is designed for higher education and professional registration. General Training serves different purposes, including below-degree study and some migration routes; do not substitute it without explicit acceptance.
- TOEFL iBT assesses academic English across reading, listening, speaking and writing. Since 21 January 2026, reports use a 1–6 scale and temporarily include a comparable overall 0–120 score. Ask admissions to clarify older published requirements rather than converting scores yourself.
- PTE Academic assesses the four language skills on a computer at a test centre. Confirm acceptance for your specific programme before booking.
Our IELTS, TOEFL and PTE comparison helps you compare the options. For IELTS-specific planning, start with test types, booking and preparation in the UAE.
Check the provider’s official booking service for current fees, available dates, delivery options, identification rules and cancellation terms. Practise with current official materials, and allow time in your application schedule for score delivery and a possible retake.
Keep admission and visa requirements separate
The UAE Government’s student-residence guidance lists a university or institute certificate specifying the study duration, alongside general residence requirements. It does not list a universal IELTS requirement. Any English condition for admission is separate; confirm your case with the sponsoring institution.
Read the UAE student visa guide for the wider process. If you are testing in the UAE for an overseas visa, check the destination’s exact route before paying. IELTS for UKVI relates to UK immigration requirements, not UAE residence.
Choose Arabic for your intended use
Modern Standard Arabic supports formal communication, reading and writing across the Arabic-speaking world. Emirati Arabic is a spoken dialect suited to conversations with Emiratis. Choose where to start based on whom you want to speak with and what you want to read.
Our guide to learning Arabic in the UAE as an expat explains how to plan your learning.
Before enrolling:
- Ask which variety of Arabic the course teaches; “conversational Arabic” is not specific enough.
- Request a placement assessment, syllabus and clear learning outcomes.
- Check speaking practice, correction, class size and whether Arabic script is included.
- Get the total price, materials charges, timetable and refund terms in writing.
- In Dubai, look up the provider in the KHDA training directory. Elsewhere, ask which authority licenses it and verify directly.
Choose a timetable you can maintain, especially if you are studying while working full-time. Ask for a sample lesson before committing to a long course.