The Ministry of Education has announced a change in university admission criteria in the UAE universities, Zayed University and Higher Colleges of Technology, starting from the academic year 2019-2020, as a result of the implementation of the decision to cancel the foundation year. Acceptance rates for students.
Undersecretary of Academic Affairs for Higher Education, Dr. Mohammed Al-Mualla, confirmed that the next academic year will witness the abolition of the foundation year and change the university admission rates in the federal higher education institutions, noting that all citizens of high school graduates will have a seat in one of the federal universities In the UAE, whether at the UAE University, Zayed University, or the Higher Colleges of Technology.
"Changing the admission criteria and canceling the foundation year will not affect the chances of completing the national students' education," he told Emirates Today. "Each student will be provided with a seat for each citizen. However, some students may join the diploma program at the Higher Colleges of Technology. He has a chance to complete a bachelor's degree ».
Al-Mualla added: "The foundation year was found as a result of the inability of the outputs of public education to qualify high school graduates to enroll directly in higher education. There was a budget allocated to universities for the foundation year. After the general education was developed and its outputs met the requirements of higher education, It is decided to cancel the Foundation Year, so that the budget will be used in public education.
For his part, the Director of the University of the United Arab Emirates, Dr. Mohammed Al-Baili, the change in admission standards at the University of the UAE starting next year, noting that the University of the UAE is always seeking to develop the conditions of admission, to improve the level of inputs and attract the best students, Is one of the leading universities in higher education at the level of the state and the Arab world, and also in Asia, so it is important to raise the admission rates and conditions.
Al-Bayli said: "We will start the next academic year to apply the new admission requirements in line with the state's directions to cancel the Foundation Year, so we will have two classes of students: the first category of students directly admitted to the university, who receive 80% in secondary school a minimum, English next year will have an admission rate of 1250 in the EMSAT test, which is equivalent to 5.5 in the IELTS », indicating that the last year's admission rate was 75%, and the required English language was 1100, which is 5 in the IELTS.
He added: "The second category is conditional admission. We have introduced the conditional admission category for students with English language classes between 1100 and 1250 in the IMSAT test, or 5.5 to IELTS. These students will be subject to intensive English language, mathematics and Arabic language programs. Their achievement of this program and upgrading to the level of direct admission will join the university ».
Al-Bayli continued: «The duration of the educational program for students of conditional admission will be one semester, and will study the program with the university study through various educational models, including online study, and hybrid education, and at the same time will be students enrolled in the university, but their admission conditional, To qualify for them after completing the requirements of admission requirements at the university ».
Different educational paths
The Director of the Higher Colleges of Technology Colleges, Dr. Abdul Latif Al Shamsi, revealed that the colleges will provide, from the next academic year 2019/2020, different paths covering the various student groups from academically distinguished to practical and professional to those with a desire. Develop their skills and acquire specialized professional certificates, as well as those who work in jobs and wish to change their opportunities to keep pace with the future and the requirements of the labor market, stressing that all these tracks have the support of the colleges on the level of training and career.
He stressed that the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) in the framework of its realization of the principle of "Education for All" confirms that every Emirati and Emirati has the opportunity to study in the faculties of technology according to his abilities. He pointed out that HCT has entered a new stage in a qualitative shift in education that transcends its role as an educational institution that prepares students for future careers As a productive and thought-provoking institution, entrepreneurs and companies supporting the national economy are emerging.
• 80% new admission minimum for UAE students.