UAE is a growing education hub, with three universities in the top 500 universities of the world per QS World Universities Ranking 2022. Popular among international students, B-schools in UAE offer cheaper alternatives to an MBA abroad. Costing anywhere from 35,000 AED to 90,000 AED with lucrative returns, the MBA programs at UAE business colleges are considered worthwhile.

MBA Admissions are often accepted for two major terms: fall and spring. Upcoming spring sessions close applications for MBA admissions in December (for most universities). International applicants with GMAT scores must be prepared to send in their applications by time. Applications are often analyzed on a holistic basis, where documents like professional LORs, SOP, and your interviews contribute the maximum to your chances.

Check out Universities in Middle East accepting GMAT

How to go about MBA admissions in UAE?

While official websites have made it pretty easy for students to understand the required documentation for admissions to MBA programs in UAE, one might still need help when it comes down to acquiring this documentation. One must start culminating the documents at the correct time in order to make it to the universities deadlines.

The following table will help you understand this time for spring intakes in UAE:

Note: You can choose to appear for GMAT exams much in advance since the scores are valid for five years.

Intakes for MBA Admission in UAE

Some universities in UAE offer admission to MBA courses across the year while others offer specific intakes. Listed below are some of the universities with their specific admission intake sessions.

MBA Admission in UAE Deadlines

Universities in UAE offer Fall and Spring intakes, during the months of September/October and January/April. The admission period for most MBA programs in UAE usually starts six months prior to the commencement of the program.

MBA Admissions in UAE for Spring Intake

The following table will help you understand admission deadlines for MBA across top universities in UAE:

Admission Requirements for MBA in UAE

An international applicant must provide the following documents for admission to MBA programmes in UAE :

• Four recent passport size photographs (colored, white background)
• Valid passport copy
• Copy of student visa
• Suitable professional proficiency equivalent to at least three years of mid- to upper-level supervisory experience
• Basic knowledge of accounting, finance, economics and statistics
• Attested original certificate of graduation
• Two years of work experience (not for all universities)
• Valid original certificate of IELTS/TOEFL/EMSAT with the minimum required score
  • IELTS- 6 to 6.5
  • TOEFL- 80 to 90
  • EMSAT-1250
• Written essay
• LoR- preferably professional
• Interviews

Some universities like the University of Dubai require the students to submit their mother’s passport copy during enrollment.

Planning to Study in the UAE? Learn More Student Visa for UAE.

When to take GMAT for MBA admission in UAE?

There are no specific dates or schedules to be followed for GMAT exams. The exam is conducted throughout the year, several times each month. A candidate can appear for the exam at any time throughout the week.

However, it must be noted that the test centers give out specific dates to be followed in a month and the student must get registered to book the available examination slot. They can choose their desired time and date for giving the exam according to their preference and targeted date of enrollment at their preferred university.

The minimum GMAT score required for an MBA in UAE is 650. However, some universities in UAE do not require the applicant to appear for GMAT exams, but they can always add value to your CV and keep you in the loop as a prospective candidate for other universities throughout the globe.

Eligibility Criteria for GMAT

• The candidate should be above 18 years of age.
• They should have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or board.
• The following documents should be submitted at the time of application:

Valid ID proofs such as passport, Aadhar card, driving license etc, Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.

Application for GMAT

• GMAT 2022 application form will be made available through online mode. No other mode will be entertained.
• The application form will be made available throughout the year.
• During the application process, candidates have to enter their name, email ID & password for the registration.
• Incomplete or incorrect details in the application form will lead to rejection so candidates must fill the form completely & carefully.
• Once all details are completely filled in, candidates are advised to re-check all the details entered in the form.

MBA Admissions in UAE Interviews

Interviews are usually the last round of applications for prospective candidates of an MBA program. The student needs to present their best self in an interview as it is the only round that offers you to showcase yourself personally to the admissions committee. The following table mentions the expected interview timeline for universities across UAE:

Mentioned below are some of the most common questions asked to an applicant across universities:

• Reasons for choosing MBA
• Long term and Short term goals post-graduation in MBA
• What makes them choose a particular university?
• Key strengths and weaknesses along with real-life examples
• Situation based questions / Solution-oriented questions to bring out the soft skills in a candidate
• Questions related to case studies and finance
• Interests and hobbies
• Questions that reflect how an individual can be an asset to their institution
• Lastly, if the candidate would like to ask any questions from the interviewer or share their feedback.

Tips and tricks to crack MBA admission interviews in UAE

• Prepare for the interview in advance to sound confident and aware.
• Do not sound boastful, be honest about your achievements and aspirations.
• Wear formal attire and look well-groomed.
• Ask questions to sound interested.
• Stay aware of your body language, it is normal to be nervous for interviews.
• Showcase your leadership skills and ability to work in a team.
• Stay calm and sound humble.

Check out MBA interview at the American School of Dubai.

MBA Admissions In UAE: Tips and Tricks

What may seem like a perfect application to you, might not be ideal for the admissions committee. Following are some tips and tricks to abide by for your admissions to UAE universities:

• Check and Re-check: Do not be careless with your application, re-check each document twice and make sure you have not left any gaps or questions in the forms. Proofread and edit your documents as much as you can over a period of days. One mistake can ruin your chance.
• Keep the SOPs precise and honest: All SOPs are written to make a point and showcase your best self. Even though the document requires you to brag about your personality and achievements; make sure to stay honest and humble.
• Curriculum vitae: Many people like to boast in their CVs, make sure that everything mentioned in your CV is valid and verifiable. Pick and choose your achievements, you do not need to mention all 40 certificates that you have earned since high school.
• Code of conduct for interview: Make a point to go through the entire guideline provided by your university for the interview round and stick to it. Wear formal attire and look well-groomed for the interview. Showcase your leadership skills and offer your professional insights to present yourself as a prospective candidate.
• Letter of Recommendation: Make sure that your recommendations are valid and verifiable. They should only be from an academic professional or a working professional at a high post, both these referees should have worked with you and must be available for personal verification.

MBA applications in UAE occur majorly on a rolling basis, the application process is similar throughout all the major universities. UAE is one of the most affordable places to pursue a degree in MBA from top universities in the world. A tip to the applicants is to make sure to leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee by being your authentic self and staying confident.