Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
ADU IELTS by college
From the Undergraduate Catalog 2026-27 pages for general admissions, Arts, Education and Social Sciences, Business, Engineering and Law, and the Postgraduate Catalog 2026-27.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Business (BBA) | 5 | TOEFL iBT 61, ITP 500 |
| Engineering | 5 | TOEFL iBT 61, ITP 500 |
| Health Sciences | 5 | TOEFL ITP 500 |
| BA Mass Communication, BA Digital Media and Strategic Communication | 5 | TOEFL iBT 61, ITP 500 |
| Other Arts, Education and Social Sciences degrees; Law | 4 | TOEFL iBT 40, ITP 400 |
| Postgraduate (e.g. MBA, Master of Project Management) | 6.0 | TOEFL iBT 79, ITP 550, EmSAT English 1400 |
High-school English grades and exemptions
For undergraduates, a high-school English grade can stand in for a test: 80% on the advanced track or 90% on the general track for Engineering and Business, and 70% for Arts, Education, Social Sciences and Law. The catalogue says students who studied a curriculum outside the UAE Ministry of Education system do not need to prove English if that curriculum was taught in English.
The Postgraduate Handbook says TOEFL and IELTS must be taken no more than two years before admission, and EmSAT within 18 months. If ADU doubts a certificate, it may ask you to sit TOEFL ITP on campus.
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Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill, so you know how far you are from the requirement before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
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Intensive English and conditional admission
Undergraduates who do not meet the English requirement take ADU's Intensive English Levels. The catalogue also notes that universities may admit students conditionally if they complete preparatory or remedial courses.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Abu Dhabi University programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Abu Dhabi University publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.
Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.
If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS does Abu Dhabi University need?+
IELTS 5 for business, engineering and health sciences, 4 for most arts and law degrees, and 6.0 for postgraduate programmes.
What IELTS do I need for an MBA at ADU?+
IELTS Academic 6.0, TOEFL iBT 79, TOEFL ITP 550 or EmSAT English 1400.
Can my school English grade replace IELTS at ADU?+
For undergraduates, yes: 80% or 90% for engineering and business depending on track, and 70% for arts and law.
How old can my IELTS be?+
No more than two years before admission. EmSAT must be within 18 months.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for the UAE
- University of Dubai IELTS requirement
- Khalifa University IELTS requirement
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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