Dubai university to offer internationally recognised IELTS English language test

In collaboration with the British Council, Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus is the first in Academic City to offer the widely used test.

DUBAI // Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus has become the first in Academic City to offer the world’s most widely used English proficiency test.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) measures the language ability of people who want to study or work where English is used as the language of communication.

Heriot-Watt University in the emirate is now a registered testing centre for the qualification.

The university will also provide open group pre-sessional English courses for students wanting to improve their English skills before their exam.

“As a globally minded university, Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus entered into this partnership with the British Council with the goal of supporting not only our students to the best of our ability but also the community as a whole,” said professor Ammar Kaka, provost and vice-principal.

“Our hope is that this decision serves to open many doors for students moving forward.”

Gavin Anderson, UAE country director for the British Council, said IELTS will provide students with an internationally recognised qualification.

“This partnership represents our continued commitment of supporting the leading higher education institutions in the UAE, by providing qualifications that recognise their ability to communicate in English, which is becoming a valuable 21st century skill sought after by more and more international employers,” said Mr Anderson.

IELTS is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration, with 2.9 million tests taken in the past year alone.​