Undergraduate Admissions

* (Physics, Biology, or Chemistry) depending on the program you are applying to. More details can be found in the Program Requirements table in the next section:

Additional Requirements:

*Only the AP subjects listed above will be considered and may be accepted. Any other AP tests or subjects not listed will not be considered for Admissions.

KU Admission Tests:

• Shortlisted applicants will be required to take KU Admission Tests.
• Applicants with outstanding academic performance may be eligible for an exemption from KU’s internal Admission tests.

Khalifa University Admission Test (KUAT)

Overview

The Khalifa University Admission Test (KUAT) is designed to assess students’ knowledge and readiness in core subjects required for university-level studies. Below are the subjects, their respective topics, formula sheets, and sample questions that applicants should prepare for.

Subjects & Topics

• Mathematics

  Purpose

  The mathematics component of the Khalifa University Admission Test (KUAT) assesses students’ readiness for university-level mathematics courses. The test evaluates problem-solving skills, conceptual understanding, analytical reasoning, and computational accuracy.

  Strong performance on the test is required for admission consideration. However, taking the test does not exempt students from any mathematics courses required by their chosen academic program.

  Test Overview

  Item	Description
  Duration	90 minutes
  Number of Questions	40 questions
  Format	Computer-based
  Question Type	Multiple choice (4 options, one correct answer)
  Calculator Policy	Non-graphing calculator permitted
  Content Distribution	Algebra (30%), Precalculus (60%), Geometry (10%)

  Main Topics Covered

  • Algebra
    • Algebraic Expressions, Linear Equations, and Inequalities
    • Polynomials and Quadratic Functions
    • Exponents, Radicals, and Rational Expressions
  • Pre-Calculus
    • Rational and Radical Functions
    • Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
    • Functions and Their Graphs
    • Trigonometry
  • Calculus
    • Limits and Their Properties
    • Differentiation
    • Integration
  • Math Equation Sheet ( For review only – not provided during the test)
  • Sample Questions 
• Physics

  The Physics test evaluates students’ understanding of fundamental principles in Mechanics, Waves & Optics, and Electricity & Magnetism.

  Main Topics Covered

  • Mechanics
    • Translational Motion – 1D & 2D motion, Newton’s laws, energy, momentum, and collisions
    • Rotational Motion – Torque, moment of inertia, angular energy, and momentum conservation
    • Fluids Mechanics – Fluid statics, dynamics, and applications of Bernoulli’s principle
  • Waves & Optics
    • Oscillations and Waves – Mechanical and electromagnetic waves
    • Wave Nature of Light – Interference, diffraction, and polarization
    • Geometric Optics & Optical Systems – Reflection, refraction, mirrors, lenses, and optical instruments
  • Electricity & Magnetism
    • Static Electricity – Electric charge, electrostatic force, electric field, flux, and potential
    • Current Electricity – Electric current, DC and AC circuits, capacitance, and dielectrics
    • Magnetism – Magnetic fields, forces, flux, and electromagnetism
    • Electromagnetic Induction – Induction laws, transformers, generators, and inductors
  • Physics Equation Sheet (provided during the test)
  • Sample Questions 
• Chemistry

  The Chemistry test evaluates foundational principles across different branches of chemistry, including inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry.

  Main Topics Covered

  • Chemical Foundation
    • Measurements
    • Scientific Method
  • Inorganic Chemistry
    • Acids and Bases
    • Atomic Structure
    • Chemical Bonding
    • Matter
    • Stoichiometry
    • The Periodic Table
  • Physical Chemistry
    • Chemical Equilibrium
    • Chemical Kinetics
    • Electrochemistry
    • Gases
    • Solutions
    • Thermodynamics
  • Organic Chemistry
    • Aromatic Hydrocarbons
    • Hydrocarbon Derivatives
    • Introduction to Organic Chemistry
    • Saturated and Unsaturated Hydrocarbons
  • Analytical Chemistry
    • Chemical Hazards
    • Criteria of Purity
    • Instrumental Techniques
    • Qualitative Analysis
  • Chemistry Equation Sheet (provided during the test)
  • Sample Questions 

Important Notes

• The test will be computer-based and conducted on campus.
• The test consists of multiple-choice questions.
• The test duration for each subject is 90 minutes.
• A non-graphical calculator is permitted.

Khalifa University may award advanced standing credit for certain academic work completed prior to enrollment at the University.  This includes sufficiently high scores on some national/international secondary school examinations such as the College Board Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Advance “A” Level GCE (General Certificate of Education).  This may make it possible for a student to complete the Bachelor’s degree in less than the normal duration or take other courses.

Advanced Standing Credit may only be granted after the student has been fully admitted as a freshman to Khalifa University.  All students who would like to be considered for advanced standing credit must complete the Advanced Standing Credit Evaluation form at the Office of Admissions and provide either the original score certificate or an official copy from the appropriate examining agency.  Each student will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.   All students must submit their request for advanced standing credit evaluations within the first semester of their freshman year at Khalifa University.  Credits earned through “Advanced Standing” are considered “transfer credits” (non-residence credits) for degree requirement purposes. 

For more information regarding “Advanced Standing Credit and Credit by Examination Policies and Procedures,” please visit: https://www.ku.ac.ae/advanced-standing-credit-and-credit-by-examination-policies-and-procedures/. 

COLLEGE BOARD ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)

Khalifa University grants credit for a score of  5 on certain College Board Advanced Placement (AP) exams. The University does not grant credit for secondary school courses teaching AP curricula, or partial credit for lower scores. If the AP exam is taken more than once, the higher score will be counted.

All official AP scores should be sent directly to KU registration department by using our college code 7860.

Details of credit for various exams appear below:

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

Khalifa University grants credit for a score of 6 or higher on certain Higher Level (HL) International Baccalaureate (IB) exams. The University does not grant credit for secondary school courses teaching IB curricula, or partial credit for lower scores. If the IB exam is taken more than once, the higher score will be counted.

Details of credit for various exams appear below:

ADVANCE “A” LEVEL GCE (GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION).

Khalifa University grants credit for a grade of A on certain A-level exams. The University does not grant partial credit for lower grades. If the A-level exam is taken more than once, the higher grade will be counted.

Details of credit for various exams appear below:

*Examination Policies and Procedures

The following documents are required as part of the undergraduate admissions process:

• An attested copy of High School certificate.
  • All High school students should submit a copy of their grade 12 first term certificate if the final certificate is not yet issued.
  • For IB, CBSE, or any other curriculum, if the Grade 12 first term certificates have not yet been issued, a letter from the school confirming predicted grades is required.
  • British System high school students should submit certificates of their O level, AS and A levels. If final certificates have not yet been issued, a letter from the school confirming predicted grades is required.
  • All High school students should submit a copy of their final certificates of grade 10 and grade 11.
• TOEFL or IELTS certificates
• Passport
  • For UAE Nationals: front page and unified number page
  • For UAE Residents: Copy of passport name page and visa permit page
  • For International students outside the UAE: Copy of passport name page
• Passport size photograph
• For UAE Nationals and UAE Residents: Emirates ID (Front and Back)
• For UAE Nationals Only: A complete copy of Khulasat Al Qaid (UAE National Family Book) or the new updated Family Data

IMPORTANT NOTES: Please provide the school’s grading scale equivalency where required. All foreign and private school certificates must be equated and attested by the Ministry of Education in UAE. Applications with missing documents will not be accepted.

All students aree required to submit a video recording as part of the application documents, replacing the traditional in-person interview. The video recording will be carefully reviewed by the Khalifa University admissions committee. During this assessment, students will be evaluated based on:

• Proficiency in English communication
• Familiarity with the relevant profession
• Commitment to pursue a professional degree program
• Reasons for choosing Khalifa University
• Evaluation of potential leadership capabilities.

The video recording, serving as an integral part of the application, ensures a comprehensive evaluation of each candidate’s suitability for admission.