UAE Ministry of Education sets new academic track transfer rules

The UAE Ministry of Education has introduced new regulations for students wishing to switch between academic tracks, effective for the 2026-27 academic year. Eligibility for these transfers will be determined by grade level, academic performance, and specific science subject requirements.

To move from a general track to an advanced track, students in Grade 8 or Grade 9 must have achieved at least 80 per cent in English, mathematics, and science during the previous academic year. However, the rules become more restrictive in higher grades; Grade 10 students on the general track are ineligible to transfer to the Grade 11 advanced track, and Grade 11 students cannot move to Grade 12 advanced due to scientific subject requirements.

All transfer procedures must be finalized within the first two weeks of the new school year. Conversely, students on the advanced track may voluntarily move to the general track by submitting a required form. Students who fail while enrolled in the advanced track will typically be transferred to the general track, though they may apply to repeat the year in the advanced track under specific conditions.