Step-by-Step Guide to Admission Requirements at American University in Dubai

The below information is required while
completing the university application :

Academic Credentials

Applicants must submit official, attested transcripts and high school diploma (Grade 10–12). Scores vary based on program and academic stream:

General (non-CS/Design):

Elite: ≥ 70%

Advanced/Scientific: ≥?75%

General/Literary: ≥?80%

Tech/Vocational: ≥?80%

Computer Science & Design:

Elite: ≥ 75%

Advanced/Scientific: ≥?80%

General/Literary: ≥?85%

Tech/Vocational: ≥?85%

English Language Proficiency

Required scores include:

IELTS Academic: ≥?6.5

TOEFL iBT: ≥?79

TOEFL ITP: ≥?550

EmSAT English: ≥?1550

Those slightly below may be placed in Developmental English courses.

Mathematics & Science Proficiency

Program-specific benchmarks:

Engineering, Biology: SAT Math ≥?590

BBA, Architecture, Visual Arts: SAT Math ≥?560

Placement tests (Math, Physics, or Science) may be required if benchmarks are not met. Conditional admission for Engineering allows up to two terms to complete foundational coursework.

Architecture Portfolio Requirement

Aspiring Architecture students must submit:

Three personal artworks (with brief descriptions)

Photos of three buildings (with justification for each)

Conditional admission may apply if prerequisites are unmet.

Additional Requirements

Document attestation and equivalency (especially for international applicants)

Completion of the online application with processing fee (AED 420) and a reservation deposit (AED 5,000)

Personal identification materials, health form, and military service documentation for UAE applicants

Standardized Test Averages (Supplementary Data)

Optional SAT or ACT scores may be submitted; successful candidates typically show:

SAT: 1,050–1,350

ACT: 20–28

GPA: 3.2–3.8 (on a 4.0 scale)

Personal essays, leadership, and extracurriculars are weighed holistically.