UOWD admission seekers face rejection for failing to demonstrate English language proficiency

These tests include IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

Meeting the English language criteria by passing one of these tests is one of the admission eligibility criteria laid down by the Ministry of Education and Scientific Research for all accredited universities in the UAE.

The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) has advised students seeking admission in the university to attend IELTS or TOEFL preparatory classes well ahead of the tests. UOWD is one of three authorized IELTS centers in the UAE.

'It is imperative that students start preparing for the IELTS and TOEFL exams well before applying for admission,'

said Sandra Lee, Registrar and Manager Admissions, UOWD.

Lee said, 'It is unfortunate to see so many good students being turned away because they failed their IELTS or TOEFL exams.'

'At UOWD, we received a record number of applications for the autumn intake, but shockingly nearly half are facing rejection because they did not meet the IELTS or TOEFL criteria. A little planning on the part of students could have helped them in getting admission to the University of their choice. IELTS exams at UOWD are often booked out up to two months in advance,' Lee added.

Students denied admission for failing to demonstrate their English language proficiency may re-appear for IELTS or TOEFL exams, time permitting. They also have the option of joining the Spring intake after clearing the IELTS or TOEFL exams.

'The message is clear: students should not take the tests lightly as they are running the risk of being denied admission to a university of their choice for failing to meet the admission eligibility criteria,' said Lee.

UOWD, incidentally, received a record number of applications from international students this year, an indicator of the UAE's emergence as a popular destination for international students pursuing higher education.