Khalifa University

Selective, subject-specific entry: UAE General Secondary (Advanced/Elite stream) needs ≥80% in Mathematics and one science; the General stream ≥90%; American/CBSE/other curricula ≥80% in Grade-12 Mathematics and one science; British needs Grade C in five IGCSE/GCSE or three AS/A-Level subjects (incl. Mathematics + one science); IB needs the full diploma with ≥24 points and min 4 per subject. Programme-specific science requirements apply (Engineering: Maths + Physics). All applicants sit the Khalifa University Admission Test (KUAT) and a recorded video interview; SAT Math ≥700 or AP scores strengthen an application.

Mandatory English proficiency test: IELTS Academic 6.0 OR TOEFL iBT 79. Khalifa University publishes no other accepted English test at undergraduate level.

Shortlisted applicants must sit the Khalifa University Admission Test (KUAT): Mathematics and Physics papers, each 90 minutes and 40 multiple-choice questions, with an equation sheet provided for Physics. Applicants with outstanding academic performance may be exempted. Preferable tests that strengthen an application: Math SAT 700, or a score of 3 in AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Physics C Mechanics, AP Physics C Electricity and Magnetism, AP Chemistry or AP Biology; no other AP subject is considered. Applicants must have graduated from high school within the last two years, and a Ministry of Education equivalency certificate is required for UAE private schools and international systems. A seat holding deposit secures a place, first-come first-served. Admission is competitive and meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee an offer.

A bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline with a CGPA of at least 3.00/4.00, two reference letters, a statement of purpose (500–1,000 words) and an admission interview. UAE Ministry of Education equivalency is required for non-UAE degrees.

TOEFL iBT 91 or IELTS Academic 6.5 overall. Both must be taken at a test centre; the TOEFL iBT Home Edition is not accepted. Exemption: a graduate of an English-medium institution who can evidence IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 79 at the time of admission to their completed bachelor's or master's programme.

The GRE is not a blanket master's requirement. Some programmes are restricted (e.g. MSc Nuclear Engineering to UAE and sponsored Saudi nationals; MA International and Civil Security to UAE nationals).

Regular PhD entry requires a master's degree with a CGPA of at least 3.25/4.00 (and a bachelor's CGPA ≥3.00). Direct-entry PhD (from a bachelor's) requires a CGPA ≥3.50/4.00 and a GRE quantitative score ≥150. All applicants submit two reference letters, a statement of purpose, a research statement (500–1,000 words), a CV and complete an interview.

TOEFL iBT 91 or IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, taken at a test centre; Home Editions are not accepted. The GRE must likewise be taken at a test centre, and applicants must attempt all three sections. Exemption: a graduate of an English-medium institution who can evidence IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 79 at the time of admission to their completed prior degree.

PhD scholarships are competitive and merit-based: awards may carry a full or partial tuition waiver and a monthly stipend, whose amount Khalifa University does not publish, with an Abu Dhabi pension for UAE nationals. Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee an award.