Universities in the UAE that consider or require the SAT. Here is the full list.
From NYU Abu Dhabi to the American University of Sharjah, a growing number of UAE universities weigh SAT scores in admission decisions, some require it outright, others treat it as strong supporting evidence alongside your school grades. Here is exactly which UAE universities use the SAT, what score range is competitive, and where it can replace or strengthen other requirements.
📰 As featured in Khaleej TimesOne SAT score, options across the UAE and beyond
If your child is already preparing for the SAT for US applications, the same score works for a growing set of UAE universities too.
Skip a second entrance exam
Several UAE universities let a strong SAT score stand in for or strengthen a EmSAT result, so the same prep covers more ground.
Keeps every option open
A competitive SAT score works for UAE universities, US applications, and SAT-accepting universities in India, all from one exam.
Real scholarship weight
At several UAE universities, a strong SAT score directly supports merit scholarship consideration, not just the admission decision itself.
Universities in the UAE using SAT scores
Grouped by how central the SAT is to admission, from required or strongly weighted, to optional but reviewed favorably.
| University | Location | SAT Role | Competitive Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine (MBRU) | Dubai | Required | Alongside EmSAT Biology 1100+, EmSAT English 1250+ |
| United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) | Al Ain | Required for eligible applicants | 1300 minimum reported |
| Khalifa University | Abu Dhabi | Considered, especially for engineering & science | SAT Math 700+ may support the application, per official admissions FAQ |
| New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) | Abu Dhabi | Holistic review, no published minimum | Admitted students typically 1450 to 1550 |
| University | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| American University of Sharjah (AUS) | Sharjah | SAT Math 450+ is the official mandatory minimum for applicants from American High School or SABIS curricula. For merit scholarship consideration, AUS's own scholarship criteria reference SAT composite scores of 1200 to 1400 depending on the scholarship tier. Independent admissions data estimates the middle 50% range for general admitted students at roughly 1050 to 1250. |
| American University in Dubai (AUD) | Dubai | SAT-optional, but scores are considered favorably as part of the review. |
| Zayed University | Dubai & Abu Dhabi | SAT-optional, but scores are considered favorably as part of the review. |
Two different tests, easy to mix up
UAE students often hear both names in the same conversation. They are not interchangeable.
SAT is the internationally recognized College Board exam, accepted by universities worldwide, including US universities, several UAE universities, and SAT-accepting universities in India. EmSAT is a UAE-specific standardized test set by the Ministry of Education, required mainly for UAE public universities and by UAE nationals and residents applying to programmes like medicine. Some UAE universities, such as MBRU, ask for both. A strong SAT score does not automatically replace an EmSAT requirement, always confirm what a specific programme asks for before assuming one covers the other.
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Book a Free DemoFrequently asked questions
Do UAE universities actually accept SAT scores?
Yes, a growing number do. Some, like MBRU and UAEU, factor it directly into admission decisions. Others, like AUS, AUD, and Zayed University, treat it as strong supporting evidence, even when it is not strictly required.
What SAT score do I need for NYU Abu Dhabi?
NYUAD does not publish a hard minimum since admission is fully holistic, but admitted students typically score between 1450 and 1550.
Is the SAT the same as EmSAT?
No. The SAT is an internationally recognized exam, while EmSAT is a UAE-specific test required mainly for public universities and specific programmes like medicine. Some universities ask for both.
Can a strong SAT score help with scholarships at UAE universities?
Yes, at several universities a competitive SAT score directly supports merit scholarship consideration, not just the admission decision itself.
Does the same SAT score work for both UAE and US university applications?
Yes, it is the same Digital SAT. One strong score can support UAE university applications, US applications, and SAT-accepting universities in India at the same time.
How do I send my SAT score to a UAE university?
Score sending through College Board is free for your first four sends. You select the university's code when registering or after receiving your results.
Your SAT score can open doors right here in the UAE
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