ADMISSIONS FAQs

Who issues the degree diploma?
Masdar Institute issues the Master’s Degree. The degree is not a joint degree with MIT. 
 
I have a BA in Business Administration. Can I apply?
Eligible applicants to Masdar Institute graduate programs must have an undergraduate degree in Engineering, IT or a Science-related field to apply for any of our MSc programs.  We do not run any Business programs at all.

I have a higher education diploma. Can I apply?
Only Engineering, IT or Science Bachelor Degree graduates are eligible to apply. We also do not accept the Higher National Diploma.

My CGPA is below 3.0. Can I still apply?
Masdar Institute admission requirement is a minimum of CGPA of 3.0 on a 4 point scale. If your CGPA is borderline but you have an excellent GRE score plus other strong reasons, your application will still be reviewed.  
 
My CGPA wasn’t graded on a 4 point scale at my undergraduate university. Can I still apply?
It is not possible to translate the many varied grading systems into a standardized CGPA. If your university does not use the CGPA system, submit the online application along with your undergraduate degree transcript. The admissions office will evaluate and advise you accordingly. This is also why the GRE is very important as it gives an indicator of the value of your undergraduate grades.

I went to an American/UK/Australian University for my BSc. Do I still have to take the TOEFL/IELTS?
Native English speakers do not need to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score. Essentially, if you went to grade school and high school, and did your undergraduate studies in the USA, UK or Australia (or other English-speaking countries) it is likely we can exempt you from TOEFL/IELTS. However, students from Africa or the Indian subcontinent and elsewhere will still be required to submit the TOEFL even though their education may have been completely in English.

What is the GRE and where can I take this test?
The GRE is the Graduate Record Examination and you are only required to take the general test. If you are in the MENA region, please visit the AMIDEAST website for information on this test.   You can also check out www.ets.org to find out more about the GRE and the nearest test center to your location.

Links for GRE preparation:
www.amideast.org/testing/uae/services_information_students_professionals/gre_general 
www.princetonreview.com 
www.kaptest.com/gre  

What is the institutional ETS code for GRE and TOEFL?
The ETS assigned institutional GRE code for the Masdar Institute is 3870. Only the GRE general test is required.

Must I have my TOEFL and/or GRE score before I apply?
For our Masters Program we will accept your application if you have yet to take the TOEFL and GRE but we will not be able to make a final decision until we have these scores. However, we will do a preliminary evaluation of your academic credentials and might be able to advise you on your application status. If you apply online, key in a future date as to when you think you are likely to take the TOEFL and GRE. We recommend that you do your TOEFL (international) and GRE (general) as soon as possible and provide us with these scores.   

What should I write in my statement of objectives’?
Please use the following guidelines for preparing your statement of objectives. The statement is very important so we encourage you to write it carefully and thoughtfully. We seek a statement of one to two pages (approximately 400 to 1000 words) explaining the reasons for wanting to do graduate work at the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.

The statement should describe:

• How you think about the world and your professional objectives
• The issues or problems you want to address during your studies at the Masdar Institute and the setting in which you eventually see yourself working professionally 
• How your previous studies and work experience (if any) relates to what you propose to do at the Masdar Institute 
• Why you are applying to the Masdar Institute and the specific program 
• Other matters you think are important for us to know  

Will I need a car?
No. Masdar Institute will provide you with transportation from your residence to campus, downtown Abu Dhabi (shopping) and any healthcare needs.