Graduate Admissions

• Subject to review and approval, the English test score requirement (TOEFL, IELTS or EmSAT) may be waived for an applicant who is:

  • A native English speaker who has completed his/her Bachelor’s/Master’s degree qualification in an English-medium institution, or
  • A graduate from an English-medium institution who can provide evidence of acquiring a minimum overall academic IELTS score of 6.0, or a minimum TOEFL score of 79 iBT (or equivalent), or a minimum EmSAT English score of 1400 at the time of admission to the completed Bachelor’s/Master’s degree program.

  All applicants must provide evidence of meeting the English language requirement by uploading the relevant document with their application, even if he/she may be eligible for an exemption.

The Statement of Purpose should clearly outline the applicant’s motivations for wishing to pursue graduate studies at Khalifa University of Science and Technology, as well as any prior achievements that will demonstrate promise for success in their degree. It is recommended that prospective students include the following information in their Statement of Purpose:

• An introduction about yourself, your interests and your motivations.
• The reasons for applying to your chosen graduate program at Khalifa University of Science and Technology.
• What you hope to gain during your studies and any specific issues you wish to address.
• Your professional aspirations and how you think this qualification will help you achieve them.
• How your previous studies and work experience, where applicable, relate to the program you have chosen.
• Other matters you consider important and relevant to your application.

The statement should focus on the contribution you would like to make to your chosen field of research. PhD applicants are advised to refer to the Khalifa University of Science and Technology Institutional Research Priorities before drafting their Research Statement.

It is recommended that the Research Statement addresses the following points:

• An explanation of your research interests and what you hope to achieve through your research.
• An outline of your experience in this field to date (study, research, project work, publications, etc.).
• An example of a research project you would like to be involved in (either one you would conduct, or one you have read about).

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a graduate-level admissions test that has two types: subject and general. A minimum quantitative score of 150 in the general GRE is required for admission to all programs, with the exception of Master of Engineering in Health, Safety and Environment Engineering and the Master of Arts in International and Civil Security, where a minimum threshold is not set. Applicants for all programs should attempt all three sections of the GRE. For more details about the GRE exam please visit: www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about

The following required documents should be scanned in a clear and legible form and be uploaded to the online application:

• Certified copy of Bachelor’s/Master’s degree certificate (as applicable) 
• Equivalency certificate issued by the UAE Ministry of Education for applicants that have graduated from institutions outside of the UAE. To apply for your Equivalency Certificate, visit the UAE Ministry of Education Equivalency Certificate page and start the process as soon as possible as it is a lengthy process.  
• Official school transcript showing the grading scale. 
• English language proficiency score certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or EmSAT).
  • Official TOEFL score reports can be sent directly by your institution to Khalifa University of Science and Technology using the institutional TOEFL code 0960.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score report. Official score reports can be sent directly to Khalifa University of Science and Technology using the institutional GRE code 0822.
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Statement of Purpose (500 to 1,000 words).
• Passport-style photograph on a white background. 
• Copy of valid passport. International applicants who reside in the UAE should also upload a clear copy of their valid UAE visa. 
• Copy of Family Book (Khulasat Al Qaid). This is required for UAE National applicants only. 
• Valid UAE national ID card (for national and international applicants currently residing in the UAE). 
• Statement of Purpose (500-1,000 words). 
• Research Statement (500 to 1,000 words). This is for PhD applicants only. 

Accepted applicants must submit all of their official documents before they register for classes. 

Please note the following:

• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• All documents received by the University are the property of Khalifa University of Science and Technology and will not be returned.
• Accepted applicants must submit all of their official documents before they register for their first semester classes at KU. Failure to submit all the required official documents in a timely manner will result in canceling your class registration. 

You may add or delete  references by emailing the Office of Admissions at pgadmission@ku.ac.ae. 

Two letters of recommendation from people who know your academic qualifications are required. 

Once you have submitted your application, an automatic email will be sent to your referees requesting them to send a recommendation letter. 

The schedule varies from one semester to the other. 

Student housing is available for registered full-time Khalifa University postgraduate students. A rental fee applies per semester and will be deducted from the monthly stipend. Please contact the Student Service Department via email pgr.life@ku.ac.ae for assistance.