Is IELTS required to study in Dubai?

IELTS is an important English exam that can make or break your deal when you apply to study abroad. For that reason, if you are applying to study in Dubai, then you must be well-versed with the requirements of the IELTS exam. Read this article to learn "Is IELTS required to study in Dubai?". 

Dubai is growing at a steady rate, having international students from all over the globe. This is due to the country offering advanced educational infrastructure, a cosmopolitan nature, and being a global financial hub. But the question that troubles international students the most is the English language proficiency test. Several Dubai universities offer attractive courses, but demand a good IELTS score. Hence, students often search for ways to study in Dubai without IELTS. There are Dubai universities where the students can apply to courses without appearing for the IELTS exam, or having a good IELTS score. Options are available, and there are alternatives to IELTS to study in Dubai.

Also Read: Checklist for International Students Heading to the UAE

Why should I consider Dubai as a study abroad destination?

It is true that over the years, Dubai has become an attractive education destination for international students. With the availability of advanced educational facilities, experienced faculty, and a variety of courses, Dubai has a lot to offer to students. Here are some of the reasons for choosing to study in Dubai:

• Dubai has become a melting pot of different cultures from all over the globe. Being the centre point of business and innovation globally, varied industry professionals meet in Dubai. Studying here, you will submerge yourself into a dynamic environment, diversify your perspective, and build a global network.
• Universities in Dubai are globally renowned, providing a myriad of programs under a variety of disciplines. The academic level is high, it has a partnership with international universities, and provides a degree which is globally recognised.
• The state-of-the-art educational facilities are Dubai universities are at par with other top international universities. The classrooms provide advanced facilities which enrich the students’ learning. Dubai is committed to innovation, which helps students prepare for the problems of the contemporary world.
• Being the global financial hub and having a fast-developing business industry and economy, Dubai offers various internships and employment opportunities to students. Through this, the students will be able to gain practical experience and grow their professional network.

Also Read: Student Guide to Study in the UAE

Studying in Dubai without IELTS

To make the process of studying at a university, international students can study in Dubai without IELTS. IELTS is the most famous English language proficiency test, considered by most international universities. But several universities accept alternatives to IELTS to study in Dubai. And, some do not require one at all.

• Having studied in an English-medium school or a country with English as the main language, you can study in Dubai without IELTS. You just need to prove with documents showing the same.
• Several universities accept alternatives to IELTS to study in Dubai, such as the Pearson Test of English (PTE) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Now, for Indian students, the question ‘Is IELTS required to study in Dubai from India’ is clearly answered.
• Several Dubai universities have their English language proficiency examination for applicants who have not appeared for IELTS or other English language proficiency tests. These examinations are customised according to Dubai University’s needs, and can be given online or physically.

Also Read:

• Study in Dubai - Is it better than the USA or UK?
• Life in the UAE as an International Student

Ways to Study in a Dubai University without IELTS

Applying to Dubai universities varies from one to the other. Since you are attempting to study in Dubai without IELTS, you can go through these steps and fulfil your dream of studying in a globally renowned Dubai university.

• The first step is to research the available universities that accept alternatives to IELTS to study in Dubai. Some of the major areas to look for are faculty, courses, global ranking and reputation, campus, location, and accreditation.
• Now that you have selected the right universities, go through their admission process, requirements, and eligibility. Look into their English language proficiency examination criteria. Many universities have other forms of examinations to gauge your English skills.
• There are many common ways through which Dubai universities can judge your English language skills without IELTS. Such as through a certificate of English proficiency from your previous school or university, sitting for an interview, or showing documents which prove that you have studied in an English-medium environment.
• Keep all your documents, such as your passport, educational documents, SOPs, LORs, and English language proficiency proof. Complete your application by paying the application fee, and make sure you have not entered any wrong details anywhere in the application.
• As alternatives to IELTS to study in Dubai, the universities can require you to sit an interview or an assessment to examine your English language skills. Hence, keep yourself prepared, improve your speaking, writing, and listening skills.
• Regularly track your application, once receiving the offer letter for admission, prepare for the student visa, look for accommodation, and prepare for your arrival in Dubai.

Can the Pearson Test of English (PTE) be considered an alternative to IELTS to study in Dubai?

One of the most common alternatives to IELTS to study in Dubai is the Pearson Test of English (PTE).  For Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Dubai, several universities look for the PTE scores. There are several reasons why PTE is a good option if you have not appeared for IELTS. Here are the reasons:

• Within 48 hours, you will receive your results after taking your PTE examination. This is perfect for applicants who are applying to certain Dubai universities and have very little time at hand.
• Most global universities, including the ones in Dubai, accept PTE scores. This will widen your range of universities, letting you apply for several universities in Dubai and abroad, without sitting for IELTS or any other English language skill test.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used by the PTE scoring system, which removes any chance of bias or partiality. PTE judges your practical English skills, which is considered an accurate way to examine your language skills.

Several Dubai universities accept PTE scores, but the minimum score differs based on programs and universities.

Dubai Universities accepting alternatives to IELTS

The flexibility of studying in Dubai attracts students. Majorly, the alternatives to IELTS to study in Dubai are attractive. Let us look into the best Dubai universities without IELTS for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Dubai universities with Popular PG Programmes:  

Hence, this has been established that studying in Dubai without IELTS is possible, with flexibility in courses, universities, and alternatives. But, having all the required documents, preparing well for the alternative examinations, applying for a student visa, and communicating clearly with the universities are highly essential for a successful admission.

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