Are any English language exams required for application to universities in Dubai or Malta?
Yes, most universities in Dubai and Malta require English proficiency exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE since English is the primary teaching language. Undergraduate programs typically need IELTS scores around 5.5 to 6.5, while postgraduate courses require 6.5 to 7.0, and exemptions exist if your prior education was in English.
Since English is the main language of instruction in both Dubai and Malta, you will generally need to prove your English proficiency before you can enroll. Whether you personally must sit an exam depends on your citizenship and your prior education background.
English Score Requirements By Destination
| Destination | Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | IELTS 5.5 to 6.5 | IELTS 6.5 to 7.0 |
| Malta | IELTS 6.0 with section minimums | IELTS 6.5 |
Exams Accepted And Possible Exemptions
You can generally submit IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Duolingo for Dubai, and IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English Qualifications for Malta. You could skip testing if you hold citizenship in a country where English is the main national language, or if your earlier schooling took place fully in English, though you will still need official proof of this.
My Advice
Check the exact score cutoff for your specific course, since competitive programs like medicine or law in Malta often ask for higher scores. If you think you qualify for an exemption, contact the admissions office directly to confirm what proof they will accept.
Low percentage, study gap or no work experience?
Find out which Malta universities you still qualify for.
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