Covid-19: Universities in UAE reshape admissions process for pupils who couldn't take exams


Kelly Clarke
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Universities in the UAE have overhauled their admissions process following the widespread cancellation of secondary school exams.

Campuses are now acquiring data on other predictors of academic success, such as mock grades, performance and extracurricular activities.

The cancellation of all Grade 12 CBSE, iGCSEs and A-Level exams in the UAE this summer means pupils will be graded by teachers, based on their coursework and school performance over the past three years.

In response, universities have assuaged pupils’ concerns about admissions, reassuring them their criteria has been adapted.

We understand it's much harder to apply to university now, with the future impact of the ongoing pandemic still uncertain

However, the pandemic disruption, albeit unwelcome for schools and students, has created an opportunity for universities to make their admissions processes more fair, rigorous and well-rounded.

At Heriot-Watt University in Dubai, Michael Lawson, regional director of student recruitment, said the recent “unprecedented times call for change”.

During the start of the year, the university announced it would make admissions based on school-assessed grades and predicted scores.

Cedwyn Fernandes, director at Middlesex University, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Cedwyn Fernandes, director at Middlesex University, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

“We believe these are a good indicator of student performance, based on which we are able to make an informed decision,” he said.

“In fact, we have already admitted several students through this process and will continue to do so. Student interviews will be conducted with our faculty where appropriate.

“We have also introduced alternative English language proficiency assessment tests like Pearson Versant and DuoLingo, where applicable.”

The university has also established a Covid-19 relief scholarships programme for students from India.

It will offer all students enrolling from their home country a reduced fee of Dh8,000 for the September 2021 intake.

Prabhjeet Singh, chief executive of Glinks International. Courtesy: Glinks International
Prabhjeet Singh, chief executive of Glinks International. Courtesy: Glinks International

Dr Vikas Batheja, co-founder and director of Capital University College, a business and design school in Sharjah, said it has been a particularly difficult year for high school pupils looking to enter university.

“There is so much uncertainty lurking around,” he said.

“Now, with the cancellation of CBSE Grade 12 board exams, pupils need our support more than ever.

“We are currently working on developing a new admissions route: Aspire, Apply, Admit and this new system will potentially ease the application process.

“We are hoping to offer admissions based on their provisional results and hand out offer letters. Along with this, we are streamlining a process where we will be conducting face-to-face or virtual meetings with parents and students to extend the support they require during such challenging times.”

Mr Batheja said hopeful pupils could also strengthen their application with “certifications and extracurricular activities relevant to the programme” they are applying for.

At Middlesex University in Dubai, the campus has adapted its entry requirements to take into account the cancellation of school exit exams. “If a student’s exams are postponed or cancelled, they can receive a conditional offer letter or complete their enrolment based on their predicted grades,” said Cedwyn Fernandes, director of Middlesex University Dubai.

“We can also consider more than their qualifications in case these results are not as expected.

“We understand it’s much harder to apply to university now, with the future impact of the ongoing pandemic still uncertain.”

Prabhjeet Singh, chief executive of Glinks International, an education consultancy that helps pupils find places abroad, said universities in many countries have taken similar steps.

“The majority of the universities [we are linked to] in Canada have decided to waive off the condition of submitting the final grades and provide an unconditional letter of acceptance to the students,” said Mr Singh.

"The offer of admission is not impacted by the cancellation of CBSE final exams, as the universities are going to use the predicted grades of grade 12 issued by the schools.

“We hope this recent announcement will ease concerns and help students start their university study journey, without any further interruption.”

5 in-demand university degrees post-Covid

The specs

Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8

Power: 640hp

Torque: 760nm

On sale: 2026

Price: Not announced yet

Pharaoh's curse

British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.

Results for Stage 2

Stage 2 Yas Island to Abu Dhabi, 184 km, Road race

Overall leader: Primoz Roglic SLO (Team Jumbo - Visma)

Stage winners: 1. Fernando Gaviria COL (UAE Team Emirates) 2. Elia Viviani ITA (Deceuninck - Quick-Step) 3. Caleb Ewan AUS (Lotto - Soudal)

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F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

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At a glance

Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.

 

Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year

 

Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month

 

Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30 

 

Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse

 

Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth

 

Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances

It’ll be summer in the city as car show tries to move with the times

If 2008 was the year that rocked Detroit, 2019 will be when Motor City gives its annual car extravaganza a revamp that aims to move with the times.

A major change is that this week's North American International Auto Show will be the last to be held in January, after which the event will switch to June.

The new date, organisers said, will allow exhibitors to move vehicles and activities outside the Cobo Center's halls and into other city venues, unencumbered by cold January weather, exemplified this week by snow and ice.

In a market in which trends can easily be outpaced beyond one event, the need to do so was probably exacerbated by the decision of Germany's big three carmakers – BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi – to skip the auto show this year.

The show has long allowed car enthusiasts to sit behind the wheel of the latest models at the start of the calendar year but a more fluid car market in an online world has made sales less seasonal.

Similarly, everyday technology seems to be catching up on those whose job it is to get behind microphones and try and tempt the visiting public into making a purchase.

Although sparkly announcers clasp iPads and outline the technical gadgetry hidden beneath bonnets, people's obsession with their own smartphones often appeared to offer a more tempting distraction.

“It's maddening,” said one such worker at Nissan's stand.

The absence of some pizzazz, as well as top marques, was also noted by patrons.

“It looks like there are a few less cars this year,” one annual attendee said of this year's exhibitors.

“I can't help but think it's easier to stay at home than to brave the snow and come here.”

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A State of Passion

Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi

Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah

Rating: 4/5

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League last-16, second leg:

Real Madrid 1 (Asensio 70'), Ajax 4 (Ziyech 7', Neres 18', Tadic 62', Schone 72')

Ajax win 5-3 on aggregate

Super Saturday race card

4pm: Mahab Al Shimaal Group 3 | US$350,000 | (Dirt) | 1,200m
4.35pm: Al Bastakiya Listed | $300,000 | (D) | 1,900m
5.10pm: Nad Al Sheba Turf Group 3 | $350,000 | (Turf) | 1,200m
5.45pm: Burj Nahaar Group 3 | $350,000 | (D) | 1,600m
6.20pm: Dubai City of Gold Group 2 | $300,000 | (T) | 2,410m
6.55pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 Group 1 | $600,000 | (D) | 2,000m
7.30pm: Jebel Hatta Group 1 | $400,000 | (T) | 1,800m

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