Admission Requirements

GSD

Although admission to graduate programs is open to both genders of all nationalities, admission to credit-bearing graduate programs is limited and competitive. Applicants meeting the minimum admission requirement are not guaranteed admission.

When a graduate program limits the number of students it can accept in a particular semester, the university reserves the right to admit applicants ranked according to their CGPA and/or English test score.

The admissions process will be conducted in a manner that upholds the ethical standards of Zayed University that include professionalism, respect, integrity, fairness, inclusion, and tolerance; and will ensure that no student applying to the University will be discriminated against.

Application Deadlines and Early Applications

Students may apply to study at any time throughout the year. However, early applications will facilitate College review and evaluation and allow the Admissions Office to process applications more effectively.

All UAE national and international applicants are automatically considered for Zayed University’s graduate scholarships at the point of admission. However, students who wish to be considered for the university's scholarships are strongly encouraged to submit an early application as scholarship funds are awarded based on merit and on the date of admission.

Applications will not be processed unless applicants have completed and submitted online in PDF format the following by the published application deadline for the semester:

  • Application for graduate program admission;

  • Relevant supporting documents; and,

  • A receipt of payment of the non-refundable application fee of AED 420.

Incomplete applications or applications received after the posted application deadlines on the website will not be considered for admission to the selected graduate program and financial support offered by Zayed University. Application deadlines are subject to change without notice.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Admission to Zayed University graduate programs is subject to minimum academic and English language standards. Individual graduate programs may have higher admission standards or other requirements including baccalaureate GPA, English language, work experience, pre-program courses, and baccalaureate degree restrictions for specific programs.

Academic Requirement (Graduate programs offered in Arabic and English)

Applicants must have an earned baccalaureate degree in a discipline considered appropriate to the graduate program from an accredited university recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 (or 2.5 for conditional admission) or higher on a 4.0-point scale or equivalent.

Proficiency in English Language (Graduate programs offered in Arabic)

  • A TOEFL score of 133 CBT, 45 iBT, OR

  • An IELTS (Academic) overall band score of not less than 4.5, OR

  • 950 on the EmSAT English examination, OR

  • Evidence that the applicant is a native speaker of English who has completed his/her undergraduate education in an English medium institution in a country where English is the official language.

Proficiency in English Language (Graduate programs offered in English)

  • A TOEFL score of 213 CBT, 79 iBT (or 197 CBT, 71 iBT for conditional admission), OR

  • An IELTS (Academic) overall band score of not less than 6.0 (or 5.5 for conditional admission), OR

  • 1400 on the EmSAT English examination (or 1250 for conditional admission), OR

  • Evidence that the applicant is a native speaker of English who has completed his/her undergraduate education in an English medium institution in a country where English is the official language.

Work Experience

Applicants should consult the web page of each individual graduate program for further information regarding work experience requirements.

Pre-Program Courses

Applicants may be required to complete pre-program courses to demonstrate competency as directed by specific program requirements. However, the total number of credits of the preparatory courses must not exceed twelve (12) credit hours.

Pre-Admission Interview

An applicant who has submitted a complete application online, met all the admission standards appropriate to the graduate program, and has paid the applicable, non-refundable application fee may be invited to meet with college graduate program faculty, face-to-face or virtually, to confirm program details and match to the candidates experience as well as career and academic aspirations.

Applicants should consult the web page of each individual graduate program for further information regarding admission interviews.

Please click here for admission interview tips and sample discussion points.