Undergraduate Admissions

Students working in a lab
 

Undergraduate Admissions

RIT Dubai is currently accepting applications for the upcoming intake and we welcome all interested students to apply.

Admission to RIT Dubai is selective, our admission process is personal. We are interested in learning about your interests, abilities, and goals in order to provide the best information and guidance we can as you select the college and program that is right for you. Factors considered in our admission decisions include, but are not limited to, past high school/college performance (particularly in required academic subjects), admission test scores, the competitiveness of high school or previous college, and the academic program selected. Recommendations from those familiar with your academic performance and an interview with an admissions counselor may also be influential.

Onto something amazing!

 

Application Timeline

RIT Dubai is currently accepting applications for Spring (January) and Fall (September). We welcome all interested students to apply as soon as they can because we have limited seats for scholarships.

Students are encouraged to apply early, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Once your application is complete, the Admissions Committee will meet to review your complete application and notify you of the admission decision in a timely manner.

Our admission process is a personal one, and we will work with you to assist with the application procedure and notify you personally of the decision and your options.

The Admissions Committee reviews each application based upon the specific preparation and experiences of each individual student. Students will be considered for admission based on high school performance, appropriateness of courses for the academic major, demonstrated motivation and success, and English language ability.

Application Deadline

Fall Semester

Early Admission Phase:
Until January 15

Regular Admission Phase:
Until May 31

Application deadline:
August 22

Application received after the deadline will be reviewed based on space availability

Spring Semester

Early admission phase:
Until October 31

Regular admission phase:
Until December 31

Application deadline:
January 8

Application received after the deadline will be reviewed based on space availability

Placement Exams

All incoming freshman students are required to take placement exams at the beginning of the semester. These exams are essential in determining the appropriate course level for each student within the program. Students who have completed A Level, IB Higher Level, or Advanced Placement (AP) courses through College Board may be exempt from certain placement exams based on their final grades in relevant subjects.

For additional information regarding the test credit equivalencies for Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge Advanced Level Examination (A Level), and International Baccalaureate (IB), please click on the following links:

  • All Engineering students are required to take Math and Physics placement tests.
  • All Business, Computing and Psychology students are required to take Math placement test.
  • Cybersecurity students have the option to take the physics placement test only if they are interested in taking physics related subjects.
  • New Media Design students have the option to take a math placement test if they want to enroll in Math electives.

Placement in appropriate Math and Physics courses will be determined according to the table provided below. We strongly recommend that you strive to perform well in the EMSAT or RIT placement tests. Achieving higher scores in these tests may enable you to bypass certain courses. Starting the semester with foundational courses could potentially impact your graduation timeline, so making the most of these placement tests is essential for your academic journey.

EMSAT Math Math Placement Test SAT 1 Math Math Course Programs
600-875 0-25% <580 MATH 90 Algebra All Programs
900-1075 26-45% 580-650 MATH 101 College Algebra All Programs
1100-1475 46-69% 660-760 MATH 111 Precalculus Engineering and Cybersecurity
1100-1475 46-69% 660+ MATH 161 Applied Calculus / STAT 145 Intro Statistics 1 Business, CIT and Psychology
1500+ 70-100% 770-800 MATH 181 Calculus I Engineering and Cybersecurity

 

EMSAT Physics Physics Placement Test Physics Course Programs
800+ 0-12 ACSC 80 Core Physics Concepts Engineering Programs and Cybersecurity (optional)
900+ 13+ PHYS 200 Physics 1
(Prerequisite: C- in MATH181 Calc I, Co-requisite: MATH 182 Calc II)|
Mechanical Engineers: MECH 102
Engineering Mechanics Lab (Co-requisite: MATH 181 Calc I)		 Engineering Programs and Cybersecurity (optional)

Placement Test Samples

  • Click here for the Physics placement test sample.
  • Math placement test sample will be available online once you create your Math placement test account. We encourage all students to take advantage of this sample test to become familiar with the tools and resources available, including the online calculator and ruler. Upon completing the practice test, you will gain access to online learning materials and exercises. We strongly recommend that you complete all these exercises as they will play a significant role in preparing you for the second placement test. Your performance in the second test will be used to determine your placement at RIT Dubai. You can access the instructions for the math placement test and complete the practice test by clicking here.

Click here to schedule your placement test

Required Documents

A scanned copy of your passport

High school transcripts predicted marks of your final year are acceptable for a conditional decision until you submit your final marks

Emirates ID (UAE Residents)

English language test (IELTS, TOEFL, or EmSAT) - if available

Personal statement

Admission Requirements

Each of our degree programs has specific admission requirements designed to ensure that applicants possess the necessary qualifications and background for success. Undergraduate applicants must submit a high school transcript, meet a minimum grade requirement, and provide standardized test scores. Some programs may also require students to appear in the placement tests. Please refer to the specific requirements for your chosen program to ensure a complete, hassle-free, and successful application.

  • Must cover Math preferably pre-calculus at high school.
  • Must cover sciences: physics and preferably chemistry at high school.
  • Students who fail to meet Math/physics competency requirements will be asked to do foundation courses within the first semester.
  • Engineering students must appear for Math and physics placement tests prior to course registration.

Note: achieving the minimum requirements doesn’t guarantee direct admission to the program. Your scores in RIT placement tests will be taken into consideration. 

Curriculum

Required Scores

Math Competency Requirement

Physics Competency Requirement

UAE

Elite 75%
Advanced 80%
General 90%

Note: Math and physics should be above 70%

EMSAT Math 800, or
Minimum 80% in Math (Advanced/Elite), or
Minimum 85% in Math (General), or
Minimum 40% in Math placement test

EMSAT Physics 800, or
Minimum 80% in Physics (Advanced/Elite), or
Minimum 85% in Physics (General), or
Minimum 10/25 in Physics placement test

American/SABIS/
Canadian (*SAT is not required for Canadian curriculum) 

Minimum 80%
*SAT 1 Math of 450 or EMSAT-Math of 500 (MOE Equivalency Requirement)

Note: Math and physics should be above 70%

Physics in Grade 11 or 12 (full credit)

EMSAT Math 800, or SAT 1 Math 555, or AP College Board Calculus of 3, or minimum 40% in Math Placement Test

 EMSAT Physics 800, or AP College Board Physics of 3, or minimum 10/25 Physics placement test

British

Minimum 5 IGCSE (3 B’s and  2 C’s) and 2 As, or
1 A level (D grade)
Math& Physics minimum grade C, or
above in IGCSE and D, or
above in AS/A Level
Completion of Grade 12/ Year 13
Minimum average 80%

EMSAT Math 800, or 
Grade B in Math (O Level), or
Grade C in Math (AS Level), or
Grade D in Math (A Level), or
Math placement test (40%)

EMSAT Physics 800, or 
Grade B in Physics (O Level), or
Grade C in Physics (AS Level), or
Grade D in Physics (A Level), or
Physics placement test (10/25)

French

Minimum 12 out of 20 (B average)
Math and Physics minimum grade is 12/20

EMSAT Math 800, or
Score 12 in Math HS, or
Minimum 40% in Math placement test

 EMSAT Physics 800, or 
Score 12 in Physics, or 
Physics placement test (10/25)

Pakistan/India

Minimum score 65%
Math and physics minimum grade is 51% (C1)

EMSAT Math 800, or 
Minimum 65% in HS Math, or
Minimum 40% in Math placement test

 EMSAT Physics 800, or 
Minimum 65% in HS Physics, or 
Minimum 10/25 in Physics placement test

International Baccalaureate

Minimum 28 points
Math and Physics scores 4 or above

EMSAT Math 800, or 
Minimum 4 in IB HL/SL Math, or 
Minimum 40% in Math placement test

 EMSAT Physics 800, or 
Minimum 4 in IB HL/SL Physics, or 
Minimum 10/25 in Physics placement test

Click here for a printable PDF

  • Must cover math and one science at secondary high school.
  • Preferred sciences are Physics or Chemistry. 
  • Students who fail to meet Math/Science competency requirements will be asked to do foundation courses within the first semester.
  • Computing students must appear for Math and Physics placement tests prior to course registration.

Note: achieving the minimum requirements doesn’t guarantee direct admission to the program. Your scores in RIT placement tests will be taken into consideration. 

Curriculum

Required Score

Math Competency Requirement

Physics Competency Requirement

UAE

Elite 70%
Advanced 70%
General 75% 

EMSAT Math 700, or
Minimum 75% in HS Math, or
Minimum 35% in Math placement test

EMSAT Science 700, or
Minimum 75% in HS Science, or
Minimum 9/25 in Physics placement test

American/SABIS/
Canadian (*SAT is not required for Canadian Curriculum)

Minimum 70%
*SAT 1 Math of 450, or
EMSAT-Math of 500 (MOE Equivalency Requirement) 

EMSAT Math 700, or
SAT 1 Math 520, or
AP College Board Calculus of 3, or
Minimum 35% in Math placement test

EMSAT Science 700, or
AP College Board Science of 3, or
Minimum 9/25 Physics placement test

British

Minimum 5 IGCSE (C or above) and 2 As, or
1 A level (D grade)
Completion of Grade 12/ Year 13
Minimum average 70%

EMSAT Math 700, or
Grade C in Math (O Level) or
Grade D in Math (AS/A Level), or
Minimum 35% Math placement test

EMSAT Science 700, or
Grade C in Science (O Level), or
Grade D in Science (AS/A Level), or
Minimum 9/25 in Physics placement test

French

Minimum 10 out of 20 (C average)

EMSAT Math 700, or
Score 10 in HS Math, or
Minimum 35% in Math placement test

EMSAT Science 700, or
Score 10 in HS Science, or
Physics placement test (9/25)

Pakistan/India

Minimum score 60%

EMSAT Math 700, or
Minimum 65% in HS Math, or
Minimum 35% in Math placement test

EMSAT Science 700, or
Minimum 65% in HS Science, or
Minimum 9/25 in Physics placement test

International Baccalaureate

Minimum 24 points

EMSAT Math 700, or 
Minimum 4 in IB HL/SL Math, or 
Minimum 35% in Math placement test

EMSAT Science 700, or 
Minimum 4 in IB HL/SL Science, or 
Minimum 9/25 in Physics placement test 

Click here for a printable PDF

  • Must cover math at secondary high school.
  • Students who fail to meet Math competency requirement will be asked to do foundation courses within the first semester.
  • Business students must appear for Math placement test prior to course registration.

Note: achieving the minimum requirements doesn’t guarantee direct admission to the program. Your score in Math placement test will be taken into consideration.

Curriculum

Required Score

Math Competency Requirement

UAE

Elite: 70%
Advanced: 70%
General: 75%

EMSAT Math 600, or
Minimum 75% in HS Math, or
Minimum 30% in Math placement test

American/SABIS/
Canadian (*SAT is not required for Canadian Curriculum)

Minimum 70%  
*SAT 1 Math of 450, or
EMSAT-Math of 500 (MOE Equivalency Requirement)

EMSAT Math 600, or
SAT 1 Math 485, or
AP College Board Calculus of 3, or
Minimum 30% in Math placement test

British

Minimum 5 IGCSE (C or above) and 2 As, or
1 A level (D grade)
Completion of Grade 12/ Year 13
Minimum average 70%

EMSAT Math 600, or 
Grade C in Math (O Level), or
Grade D in Math (AS/A Level), or
Minimum 30% Math placement test

French

Minimum 10 out of 20 (C average)

EMSAT Math 600, or
Score 10 in HS Math, or
Minimum 30% in Math placement test

Pakistan/India

Minimum score 60%

EMSAT Math 600, or
Minimum 60% in HS Math, or
Minimum 30% in Math placement test

International Baccalaureate

Minimum 24 points

EMSAT Math 600, or
Minimum 4 in IB HL/SL Math, or
Minimum 30% in Math Placement Test

Click here for a printable PDF

  • Psychology students must appear for Math placement test prior to course registration.

Note: achieving the minimum requirements doesn’t guarantee direct admission to the program. Your score in Math placement test will be taken into consideration.

Curriculum

Required Score

UAE

Elite 70%
Advanced 70%
General 75%

American/SABIS/
Canadian (*SAT is not required for Canadian Curriculum)

Minimum 70%  
*SAT 1 Math of 450, or
EMSAT-Math of 500 (MOE Equivalency Requirement) 

British

Minimum 5 IGCSE (C or above) and 2 As, or
1 A level (D grade)
Completion of Grade 12/ Year 13
Minimum average 70%

French

Minimum 10 out of 20 (C average) 

Pakistan/India

Minimum score 60%

International Baccalaureate

Minimum 24 points

Click here for a printable PDF

  • New Media Design students have the option to take a math placement test if they want to enroll in Math electives.

Curriculum

Required Score

UAE

Elite 70%
Advanced 70%
General 75%

American/SABIS/
Canadian (*SAT is not required for Canadian Curriculum)

Minimum 70%  
*SAT 1 Math of 450, or
EMSAT-Math of 500 (MOE Equivalency Requirement) 

British

Minimum 5 IGCSE (C or above) and 2 As, or
1 A level (D grade)
Completion of Grade 12/ Year 13
Minimum average 70%

French

Minimum 10 out of 20 (C average) 

Pakistan/India

Minimum score 60%

International Baccalaureate

Minimum 24 points

Click here for a printable PDF

English Language Requirement

The bachelor's degree programs offered at RIT Dubai are rigorous and require a solid academic foundation. The programs will be taught in English, and applicants will be required to have basic competency in the English language.

Test Type

Full Admission

Conditional Admission

Academic IELTS

Overall 6.5 and above

Overall 5.0-6.0

TOEFL ITP

550 and above

500-547

TOEFL IBT

79 and above

61-78

EmSAT - English

1550 and above

1100-1525
  • IELTS Indicator Test, Duolingo English Test, IELTS General Training, PTE Academic Test, and Home-Based TOEFL exams are not acceptable for UG Applications.
  • TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years, while EMSAT scores are valid for 18 months.

You will be placed in the following English courses based on your English test score

Test Type

ELCA 062
0 Credits, 4 Hours

UWRT 100
3 Credit Hours

UWRT 150
3 Credit Hours

Academic IELTS

5.0 - 5.5

6.0 - 6.5

7.0+

TOEFL ITP

500 - 547

550 - 583

587+

TOEFL IBT

61 - 78

79 - 93

94+

EmSAT - English

1100 - 1375

1400 - 1650

1675+

RIT Course

NA

C in ELCA 062

C- on UWRT 100

Frequently Asked Questions

You need to sign the intent to enroll form and then reserve your seat by paying the enrollment deposit fee. 

After you get accepted at RIT, you will be receiving the scholarship form via email along with the admission letter. Please fill the scholarship form and share it back with your admission counselor.

Once you get enrolled, you will be receiving the placement test registration link via email. You can do the test online or on-campus depending on the availability of the exam. We advise you to clear the placement test at the earliest possible. 

Yes, you will be able to join and you will be placed in the relevant course subject to your score. 

Before course registration, you need to make sure that you have met the requirements mentioned in your admission letter. 

Once your documents get attested, please visit the Ministry of Education website and apply online. 

The equivalency certificate is an official document that gets issued by the UAE Ministry of Education. It’s required for international curriculums such as American, Cambridge, IB, CBSE board etc. 

Yes, you do need to attest your high school transcripts from the following: 

  • School located inside Dubai: KHDA 
  • School located inside Abu Dhabi: ADEK 
  • School located inside Sharjah: SPEA

If you have graduated from a different city, please visit the Ministry of Education website.

Please refer to the attestation process sheet shared by the admissions department.

International students are given one semester to apply and submit their equivalency certificate to the admissions department. 

You will be able to meet your advisor and have your classes registered.

  • Ellen Yang (ewycad@rit.edu)
    • BS Mechanical Engineering
    • BFA New Media Design
  • Natasha Paterson (nlpcad@rit.edu)
    • BS Electrical Engineering
    • BS Psychology
  • Hashem Saleh (hxscad1@rit.edu)
    • BS Business - Marketing (A-E)
    • BS Business - Finance
  • Nataliia Gromyk (ng1cad@rit.edu)
    • BS Business - Management
    • BS Business - Marketing (F-Z)
  • Mohannad Samman (mascad@rit.edu)
    • BS Cybersecurity (S-Z)
    • BS Computing and Information Technologies (A-L)
  • Sudha Bhatia (sxbcad@rit.edu)
    • BS Cybersecurity (A-R)
  • Karishmma Jethwani (kxjcad1@rit.edu)
    • BS Computing and Information Technologies (M-Z)
    • BS Industrial Engineering

No worries, connect with Mahmoud Wadi from Admissions.

Please register for the EmSAT test at the earliest. 

Please inform your admission counselor, we will be able to provide you with other equivalent tests/options. 

Please inform your admission counselor, and think of resetting the subject/s that you have failed.

Changing major is allowed once during the admission stage. Please contact your Admission Counselor to check your eligibility for other programs. 

Yes, please contact your academic advisor to check your eligibility. 

Learn more on the Student Accommodations page.

Yes, we do offer transportation to different cities in the Emirates. Learn more about Parking and Transportation.

Please contact your Academic Advisor.

If you have submitted all visa requirements, it will take 2-4 working weeks depending on the Immigration Office processing time which RIT Dubai has no control over. You will receive another email once your Entry Visa is ready along with information on the next steps. Mr. Muhammad Tahir mxtcad1@rit.edu will be the relevant person to contact for updates.

Yes, all students should have medical insurance. Please click here to find all the relevant information.

 

We do have special needs students on campus. Please submit the SNA form online for review. Once it’s reviewed, we will inform you about the decision.

Please contact the IT department at dubaiservicedesk@rit.edu.

Website last updated: December 5, 2024