University admission seekers urged to prepare for English language proficiency tests in advance

Passing either IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) 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), one of three authorized IELTS centers in the UAE, saw a 46% increase in students applying for IELTS tests in 2008. On an average, some 5,000 students appear for the IELTS tests and another 1,500 do the TOEFL tests annually at UOWD alone, according to Sandra Lee, Registrar and Manager Admissions, UOWD.

Lee says:

"It is common to see a sizable number of applicants to our undergraduate and postgraduate programs failing the IELTS or TOEFL tests. We advise prospective students to apply for preparatory IELTS classes well before submitting the admission applications. These tests have a validity of two years, so the sooner students clear them, the better it is for them, because they can then concentrate on their studies immediately on admission."

UOWD offers various levels of IELTS for students, depending on their level of English language proficiency. Each course lasts for six weeks, and can be taken on a part-time or full-time basis with students attending class for 9 or 20 hours per week. An IELTS overall score of 5.5 is required for undergraduate programs and 6.0 - 6.5 for PG programs. Students are also required to meet the individual band scores in the IELTS exam for the program they have applied for.

"At UOWD, we have received a record number of applications for the autumn intake, but shockingly several of them are facing rejection because they do 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 usually booked out up to two months in advance," said Lee.

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," said Lee.