Quick Read
- Khalifa needs GRE only for its Direct PhD track.
- MBZUAI treats GRE as optional, not mandatory, for master’s.
- American University of Sharjah does not require GRE at all.
- NYU Abu Dhabi’s GRE requirement isn’t confirmed officially.
- Indian students pay Rs.22,000 per GRE General Test attempt.
- GMAT works as a GRE alternative at UAE business schools.
Do All UAE Universities Require GRE for Indian Students?
No. There is no single UAE GRE policy, and treating “GRE accepted universities in UAE” as one uniform list is exactly where most existing guides go wrong. Khalifa University only requires the GRE for one specific PhD track, not its Master’s programs, despite being widely listed as a “GRE compulsory” university. MBZUAI treats it as optional. American University of Sharjah doesn’t ask for it at all. Your actual answer depends on the specific program you’re targeting for the 2027-28 intake, not a blanket country-level claim.
This distinction matters more than it looks. A student who spends two months and Rs.22,000 preparing for and taking the GRE because “UAE universities need it” may be prepping for a requirement that doesn’t apply to their actual target program.
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Counselor insight: Students frequently assume every strong UAE university needs GRE because the top-ranked ones in engineering and AI do. American University of Sharjah, one of the most recognized private universities in the country, doesn't require it for its regular master's programs. Check the specific program page before you register for a test you may not need.
Also read: exams required to study in UAE for the full picture on GRE, GMAT, and English test policy across UAE institutions.
GRE Accepted Universities in UAE
| University | Program / Faculty | GRE Status | Minimum Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khalifa University | Master's programs (most disciplines) | Not required | Not applicable | No GRE listed anywhere in Khalifa's Master's admission requirements |
| Khalifa University | Direct PhD (Bachelor's applicants only, no Master's held) | Required | Quant 150 minimum | Regular PhD (applicants who already hold a Master's) does not require GRE |
| MBZUAI | M.Sc. programs (AI, CV, ML, NLP, Robotics) | Optional | Not applicable; "a plus" in evaluation | Fully funded; entry exam and SOP carry more weight |
| MBZUAI | PhD programs (bachelor's-only applicants) | Required | Assessed alongside academic record | Not required if you already hold a relevant Master's degree |
| American University of Sharjah | Regular Master's programs | Not required | Not applicable | GMAT (no minimum score) required for MBA applicants only |
| American University in the Emirates | MBA program | Required | Not separately published | Institution code 2291; conditional admission possible if GRE is pending |
| United Arab Emirates University | Master's programs | Not required | Not applicable | GRE requested (not scored against a minimum) for PhD applicants |
| NYU Abu Dhabi | MSc Economics | Not confirmed as mandatory | Not applicable | Official page lists transcripts, standardized test reports, no explicit GRE mandate found |
This list isn't exhaustive. It covers the universities where we could confirm current GRE status directly from the institution's own admissions page. GRE waivers and program-specific exceptions are common enough that a country-level answer will mislead you, so always check your exact program before assuming.
Also read: Duolingo accepted universities in UAE for the same university set viewed through the English-test lens.
Universities Where GRE Is Optional or Not Required at All
This portion is the section most existing GRE-UAE content skips entirely. Four UAE institutions treat GRE very differently from what a generic "GRE accepted in UAE" list would suggest.
Khalifa University doesn't list GRE anywhere in its Master's Degree Program admission requirements. GRE only enters the picture for Khalifa's Direct PhD track, reserved for Bachelor's-degree holders applying straight into a PhD without a Master's in hand, where a Quant 150 minimum applies. If you already hold a Master's and are applying to Khalifa's Regular PhD, or to any Khalifa Master's program, GRE isn't part of the requirement.
MBZUAI lists the GRE General Test as optional for its Master's programs. Submitting a strong score can be "a plus" in the evaluation, but applicants are screened primarily through an entry exam covering math, programming, and machine learning fundamentals, plus a Statement of Purpose. GRE only becomes something closer to required for PhD applicants who don't already hold a Master's degree.
American University of Sharjah doesn't list GRE anywhere in its general master's application requirements. The only standardized graduate test AUS asks for is the GMAT, and only for MBA applicants, with no minimum score required.
United Arab Emirates University doesn't require a GRE for its Master's programs at all. It's only "requested" (not scored against a published minimum) for PhD applicants, where it's one input among several in a holistic review.
Counselor insight: We've had students delay their UAE applications by a full semester because they were waiting on GRE prep for a university that never asked for it, Khalifa's Master's programs included. If your target is Khalifa, AUS, UAEU's Master's track, or an MBZUAI program, confirm the actual requirement before you block out two months for GRE study.
Also read: masters in USA without GRE if you're weighing GRE-free options beyond the UAE too.
Is NYU Abu Dhabi Really GRE-Required? Setting the Record Straight
NYU Abu Dhabi shows up on almost every "GRE accepted universities in UAE" list, usually for its MSc Economics program. Its current official admissions page, however, lists university transcripts, official score reports of standardized tests (framed around English proficiency), and letters of recommendation as the application requirements, without an explicit GRE mandate.
This doesn't mean GRE is irrelevant to your application. Selective, quantitative programs like this one often still value a strong score in a holistic review, even when it isn't formally listed as compulsory. What it does mean is that the confident "GRE required at NYU Abu Dhabi" claim repeated across aggregator sites isn't something we could verify against the university's own current page.
Counselor insight: When a requirement can't be confirmed on the university's own page, the safest move for a 2027-28 applicant is a direct email to admissions before committing months to GRE prep. One email is faster than a semester of unnecessary studying.
GRE vs GMAT for UAE Business Schools and MBA Programs
For MBA and business analytics programs in the UAE, GMAT is generally the more commonly requested test, not GRE.
- American University of Sharjah requires GMAT (or its own AUS MBA Admission Test) for MBA applicants, with no minimum score set.
- American University in the Emirates requires a valid GRE score specifically for its MBA program, using institution code 2291, with conditional admission possible for one semester if the score is still pending.
- Outside business schools, GRE mainly shows up through PhD-specific tracks at institutions like Khalifa University and MBZUAI, rather than at the Master's level.
If you already have a GMAT score from another application cycle, check your target UAE business program's current page before assuming you need a second test.
Also read: MBA in Dubai fees for Indian students for the cost side of this decision.
Documents and Score Requirements Checklist for GRE-Based UAE Applications
| Requirement | Detail | India-Specific Note |
|---|---|---|
| GRE score report | Sent electronically via ETS ScoreSelect | Use the university's institution code at registration (e.g., 2291 for AUE's MBA) |
| Score validity | GRE scores stay valid for 5 years from the test date | Plan around your Bachelor's graduation timeline, not just the application deadline |
| Degree equivalency | UAE Ministry of Education equivalency certificate for non-UAE degrees | Indian degree holders should start this process early; it can take several weeks |
| English proficiency proof | IELTS, TOEFL, or EmSAT, separate from GRE | GRE does not substitute for an English proficiency test at any UAE university covered here |
| Attested transcripts | Certified by the country of origin's education authority, foreign ministry, and the UAE Embassy | Indian applicants typically route this through their state HRD department and the UAE Embassy in India |
| Statement of Purpose | Typically 500-1,000 words for most master's programs | Should directly address why a GRE-required or GRE-optional program specifically suits your profile |
Counselor insight: The step Indian students most often underestimate isn't the GRE, it's document attestation. Getting transcripts certified through your state authority and then the UAE Embassy can take longer than the GRE itself. Start attestation the moment you decide to apply, not after your GRE score arrives.
Also read: GRE vs IELTS: difference and which is better if you're still deciding which tests your application actually needs.
Planning Calendar for a 2027-28 UAE Application
- August-October 2026: Confirm your target program's actual GRE status directly from its admissions page. Register for GRE if required or if you're using it to strengthen a borderline profile.
- November 2026-January 2027: Take the GRE during your final year's earlier semester, before exam load peaks. Scores are typically available within 8-10 days.
- December 2026-February 2027: Start degree equivalency and attestation for your transcripts; this step routinely takes longer than expected.
- January-April 2027: Submit applications as deadlines open; MBZUAI and Khalifa University both run competitive, rolling-style admission cycles for their funded programs.
- March-May 2027: Complete final semester exams in India; request your provisional certificate as soon as results are declared.
- May-July 2027: Receive admission decisions, confirm funding or scholarship status, and begin visa sponsorship steps through your admitting university.
- August 2027: Travel and enrollment for the 2027-28 academic year.
Should You Take the GRE for Your 2027-28 UAE Application?
- If you are a final-year engineering or computer science student targeting MBZUAI with a strong CGPA (3.2+ on a 4.0 scale) and a solid entry-exam foundation, you likely don't need to prioritize GRE prep. Put that time into the entry exam and a sharper Statement of Purpose instead, since the GRE is only "a plus" here, not a gate.
- If you are a final-year Bachelor's student with a strong CGPA (3.5+)... who wants to skip a Master's entirely and go straight into Khalifa University's Direct PhD track, GRE prep is non-negotiable. A Quant score comfortably above 150 strengthens a borderline GPA profile and directly supports Khalifa's fully funded scholarship track, which is highly competitive.
- If you are choosing between an MBA at American University of Sharjah or American University in the Emirates, check which test each actually wants before you prepare for the wrong one: AUS asks for a GMAT with no minimum score, while AUE specifically wants a GRE score under its own institution code. Don't assume the two business schools share a policy just because they're both in the UAE.
Does GRE Affect Scholarship Chances at GRE Accepted Universities in UAE?
Both MBZUAI and Khalifa University offer fully-funded scholarships covering tuition, a monthly stipend, housing or airfare support, and health insurance, which makes their applicant pools unusually competitive for STEM masters. At Khalifa, GRE only enters the scholarship picture through the Direct PhD track, where a Quant score meaningfully above the 150 minimum is one of several factors alongside Bachelor's CGPA and the admission interview; Khalifa's Master's-level scholarship applicants aren't evaluated on GRE at all, since it isn't part of the Master's admission requirement. At MBZUAI, where GRE is optional even for Master's applicants, a strong score can support a borderline profile, but the entry exam, SOP, and letters of recommendation carry more direct weight in the scholarship decision.
Also read: MBA salary in Dubai and GRE accepted universities in USA if you're comparing the UAE against other GRE-relevant destinations.
3 Takeaways on GRE Accepted Universities in UAE
- Check GRE requirements at the program level for your 2027-28 target, not the country level. Khalifa, MBZUAI, and AUS all handle GRE completely differently.
- Khalifa, MBZUAI, and American University of Sharjah don't mandate GRE for Master's programs
- The GRE status for NYU Abu Dhabi isn't confirmed on its current admissions page. Contact admissions directly rather than trusting a list that repeats an unverified claim.
Verified by: LeapScholar's UAE counseling team, with hands-on experience guiding Indian students through UAE admissions and visa sponsorship processes.
Have questions about GRE requirements for your target UAE university? Book a free session with a LeapScholar counselor.
Frequently Asked Questions About GRE Accepted Universities in UAE
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Which UAE universities require GRE scores for Indian students?
You'll find GRE requirements split sharply by university here. Khalifa University only asks for it on the Direct PhD track (Quant 150 minimum), not for its Master's programs. American University in the Emirates wants it too, but only for MBA applicants, under institution code 2291. If you're looking at MBZUAI or American University of Sharjah, don't assume a blanket rule applies either, since both treat GRE as optional or skip it entirely. Always check your specific program before you decide.
-
Is GRE compulsory for a master's in the UAE?
Honestly, it depends entirely on where you're applying, and Khalifa is actually a good example of why. Despite its reputation as a GRE-heavy university, Khalifa doesn't require it for any Master's program, only for its Direct PhD track. American University of Sharjah and United Arab Emirates University don't ask for it either in their regular Master's programs. There's no single UAE-wide answer here, so resist the urge to generalize from one university's policy to another's.
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What GRE score do I need for Khalifa University?
For Khalifa, GRE only matters if you're applying to the Direct PhD track, meaning straight from a Bachelor's without a Master's in hand. There, you need a minimum Quantitative Reasoning score of 150 on the general GRE, and you're expected to attempt all three sections, not just Quant. If you're applying to any Khalifa Master's program instead, you can skip the GRE altogether.
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Does MBZUAI require GRE for its master's programs?
Not exactly. MBZUAI lists the GRE General Test as optional for its Master's applicants, calling a strong score "a plus" in the evaluation rather than a must-have. What actually decides your admission here is the entry exam in math and programming, plus your Statement of Purpose and letters of recommendation, so focus your energy there first.
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Is GRE required at NYU Abu Dhabi?
Here's where things get murky. NYU Abu Dhabi shows up on nearly every "GRE required" list, especially for its MSc Economics program, but its current official admissions page doesn't actually list GRE among the required documents. If you're applying for 2027-28, don't take either claim at face value. Email NYU Abu Dhabi's Graduate Admissions office directly instead of trusting an aggregator's list.
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Can I use GMAT instead of GRE for UAE business schools?
Usually, yes, but it depends which school you're targeting. Most UAE business schools lean toward GMAT over GRE for MBA admissions. American University of Sharjah asks for GMAT (or its own admission test) with no minimum score attached, while American University in the Emirates specifically wants GRE for its MBA. Two schools, two different tests, so check exactly which one your target expects before you commit to prepping for either.
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Do I need GRE for American University of Sharjah?
Good news here: American University of Sharjah doesn't require GRE for its regular Master's programs at all. The only standardized test it lists is GMAT, and that's only for MBA applicants, with no minimum score attached either. So if you're eyeing a non-MBA Master's at AUS, skip the GRE prep entirely and put that time into your transcripts, CV, and reference letters instead.
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What if my GRE score is below a UAE university's cutoff?
Don't panic if this happens to you. A below-cutoff score doesn't automatically end your application. American University in the Emirates, for instance, allows conditional admission for one semester if your GRE score for its MBA program is still pending or borderline, so your file isn't necessarily closed. And if your deadline has room, a retake is realistic too, since the GRE only requires a 21-day gap between attempts.
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Does a strong GRE score improve scholarship chances at Khalifa or MBZUAI?
It can, but only in one specific case at Khalifa. GRE only factors into Khalifa's scholarship evaluation through the Direct PhD track, where a Quant score above 150 strengthens your application alongside Bachelor's CGPA and interview performance. Khalifa's Master's scholarship doesn't involve GRE at all. At MBZUAI, where GRE stays optional even for Master's, a strong score helps a borderline profile, though the entry exam and SOP still carry more weight in the final decision.
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