Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
University of Dubai IELTS by programme
From UD's how to apply page, its FAQ, the BSc Economics and Politics page and the MSc Data Science page.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other routes |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's (general) | 5.0 | TOEFL or EmSAT equivalent |
| BBA, BSc Engineering, BSc IT | 5.0 | High-school English 80%+, or UD English Proficiency Test |
| BSc Economics and Politics (University of London pathway) | 5.5 (again for Year 2) | TOEFL or EmSAT equivalent |
| Bachelor of Law | 6.5 | Not stated |
| Master's (general) | 6.0 | Letter confirming English medium of instruction |
| MSc Data Science, regular | 6.0 | TOEFL iBT 79, PBT 550; EmSAT 1400 |
| MSc Data Science, conditional | 5.5 | TOEFL iBT 71, PBT 530; EmSAT 1250 |
Tests UD accepts
The FAQ says an English test is compulsory for every programme and names Academic IELTS, TOEFL (iBT, PBT or CBT) and EmSAT, with the score depending on the programme. PTE and Duolingo are not mentioned on the pages we read.
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Conditional admission and how to check
MSc Data Science has a conditional admission level at IELTS 5.5 or EmSAT 1250. For the Economics and Politics dual-degree pathway, you need IELTS 5.5 to enrol and again to progress to Year 2.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your University of Dubai programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where the University of Dubai 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 the University of Dubai need?+
IELTS Academic 5.0 for most bachelor's programmes and 6.0 for master's. Law needs 6.5.
Can I use a medium of instruction letter for a UD master's?+
The how to apply page accepts IELTS 6.0 or a letter confirming English as the medium of instruction for graduate study.
Does the University of Dubai accept EmSAT?+
Yes. MSc Data Science, for example, asks for EmSAT 1400, or 1250 for conditional admission.
Is there a UD English test?+
Yes. The UD English Proficiency Test is an alternative for the BBA, BSc Engineering and BSc IT.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for the UAE
- Abu Dhabi University IELTS requirement
- American University in Dubai IELTS requirement
- IELTS band score calculator
- 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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