Do I need to write IELTS given my five-year gap, and when should I plan to take it in UAE for a Master's/Bachelor's?
No, a five year gap does not exempt you from IELTS, and any previous score has already expired since scores stay valid two years only. UAE Bachelor's programs typically want IELTS 5.0 to 6.0, Master's programs want 6.0 to 6.5. Test February to April for Fall, or August for Spring.
Your five year gap will not waive IELTS for UAE universities, and since scores expire after two years, any test you took previously no longer counts. What actually matters now is booking a fresh test early enough to hit your target score before your application deadline.
Score Targets And Test Timing
| Intake Season | Typical Application Deadline | Recommended Test Window |
|---|---|---|
| Fall semester (starts August or September) | April to July | February to April, leaving room for a retake |
| Spring semester (starts January) | October to November | August to September |
Score Requirements And Exceptions
- Bachelor's programs typically want an overall IELTS Academic score of 5.0 to 6.0
- Master's programs typically want 6.0 to 6.5
- A prior degree taught entirely in English at an English-medium institution may earn you a waiver at some universities
- EmSAT can sometimes replace IELTS, but mainly for UAE nationals or those who finished high school inside the UAE
My Advice
Book your IELTS Academic test two to four months before your target university's deadline, since your five year gap may mean you need extra practice time for academic writing and reading. Test at official IELTS centres across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, and remember computer-delivered results usually arrive within three to five days.
Do you even need IELTS for UAE?
Which test, what band, or whether you can skip it. Sorted in one free session.
More IELTS questions
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- What are the chances of getting a conditional offer letter requiring IELTS even if I have a good 12th standard score?
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- Is it possible to get an IELTS exemption if my transcript states that my medium of instruction was English?
- Will you help with the IELTS application process and provide guidance on the required documents and deposits?
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