SAT Vs EmSAT Vs IELTS: Which One Should UAE Students Choose?

 Confused between SAT vs EmSAT vs IELTS? Discover key differences, test formats, and which exam is best for UAE students based on academic goals and study abroad plans.

A comparison tailored to UAE education and college application needs.

The United Arab Emirates is renowned for its diverse culture and high-quality education. Currently, there are about 153 globally recognized universities and colleges in the UAE, attracting over 237,000 international students every year for higher studies.   

Most universities admit students to higher education through standardized tests such as the SAT, EmSAT, and IELTS. The Scores from these tests serve as the first step in the admission process, as it helps admission counselors to assess students’ skills, knowledge, and readiness for advanced studies. 

Before November 2024, the EmSAT Test scores in English, Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Arabic were used for admissions to the universities and colleges in the UAE as per the major students choose, but the Ministry of Education – UAE, cancelled the EmSAT exam and announced that there is no more requirement of the EmSAT Test scores for college applications. Since then, most of the universities started administering students either through the Digital SAT and IELTS/TOEFL tests scores or through entrance tests conducted by the universities themselves.

SAT Vs EmSAT Vs IELTS

As the EmSAT test scores are no more required, here are 8 key points to help UAE students determine whether the SAT or IELTS (or TOEFL) is best suited for their goals:

1. Purpose & Focus

• The SAT test is designed to assess readiness for university and colleges in the UAE and internationally, focusing on skills like critical thinking, evidence-based reading, writing, and reasoning math.
• IELTS Academic ( or TOEFL) is a language proficiency test that measures overall English proficiency (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) for academic and professional purposes.

2. Test Structure

• The SAT has two main sections – Reasoning Math and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing.
• IELTS test has four discrete modules – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking

3. Scoring Scales

• The SAT test score ranges between 400 –1600 in total (Individual section score ranges between 200 – 800 in English and Math each). Most of the universities in the UAE focus on the SAT Math test score of 550 and above out of 800 based on the major students choose.   
• IELTS test scores are rated on a scale of 1– 9; most universities in the UAE require a band score of 5.5 and above for applications.  

To get equivalency from the Ministry of Education – UAE, students must score 450 and above in math and 5.0 and above in IELTS academic.

4. Validity & Frequency

• The SAT exam is administered seven times in a year in the UAE. The tests are typically held in the months of March, May, June, August, October, November, and December. As per the College Board, the SAT test scores has no expiry; however, many universities and colleges may not accept scores that are more than 5 years old. 
• IELTS exams are available every day; the IELTS exam scores are valid for 2 years for the date of the test.

5. Recognition & Acceptance

• The SAT test scores are widely accepted by U.S., Canadian, UK, and universities in the UAE, like Khalifa University, RIT, Middlesex, and many more.
• IELTS test scores are accepted by almost every university in the UAE  and outside the UAE, as IELTS test scores are globally recognized by academic institutions, immigration bodies, and professional associations.

6. Costs

• The SAT exam costs around AED 407.7 (~$111) in the UAE
• IELTS exam costs typically between AED 1270 –1450 in the UAE, based on whether a student takes it on a computer or paper-based.

7. Preparation Challenges

• The SAT test requires a strong math foundation along with analytical and critical reading skills; the SAT test prep is available locally at properchoice.ae
• IELTS test requires balanced ability across four English language skills – Listening, Reading comprehension, writing, and speaking.

8. Which One to Take?

• If you are planning to study in the UAE, combining SAT and IELTS ( or TOEFL) offers flexibility along with strong grades or institution-specific tests.
• If you are planning to study abroad (USA), then the SAT is crucial.
• If seeking English-language universities in the UAE, UK, Canada, Australia, then IELTS is required.

Choosing the right exam (or combination) depends on where you’d like to study, your subject strengths, and the opportunities you aim to pursue. If you’d like help mapping this to specific universities or creating a prep plan, We are happy to assist! as we are a team of experienced and professional teachers with decades of experience in SAT preparation in Dubai. Proper Choice training also offers customized preparation in the SAT and IELTS in Dubai.