This is the presentation used for the first session in the Pakistan Youth Forum's University Admissions Guidance Series that was hosted on Sunday, March 20 via Zoom. You can view the Zoom recording here: https://youtu.be/ExV5FBiCvsE Please note recording for Engineering/Aviation admissions is here: https://youtu.be/SusOzqaonag

1. Insiders’ Guide to University
Applications
Session 1 – March 20, 3-5pm GST

2. Ice Breaker
Please share by raising your hand to speak or write it in the chatbox:
1) Name
2) Grade
3) School
4) What are you looking forward to in this workshop? (i.e. what are you excited to
learn more about, what questions are you looking to get answered, etc.)

3. Topics we will discuss in today’s session
- Media (UAE)
- Accounting & Finance (UAE)
- Psychology (UAE)
- Computer science (vs Computer engineering) (UAE)
- Engineering/Aviation (UAE) – not in Session 1 Zoom
recording, see separate video in playlist
- Medicine (in Pakistan)
- Economics, Accounting, Finance and Business
(general and in Pakistan)
- Entrance Exams (EMSAT, SAT I and II, IELTS, TOEFL)

4. Introduction
time!
Ayesha
Adeel
Areeba
Bushra
Omer
Usman
Fatimah
Safa
Tahreem
1st year medical
student at Dow
Medical College,
Karachi
3rd Year Journalism
Student at Middlesex,
Dubai
BA in Economics
and Chinese
from Williams
College, USA,
Class of 2017
3rd Year Business
Student at LUMS
First Year
Computer
Science at AUS
ACCA Student at
PWC’s Academy
Final Year Psychology -
Canadian University
Dubai
Final Year Psychology -
Canadian University
Dubai
Second year student
studying BSc Honors
Economics at LUMS
University

5. What questions are we going to address
today?
● Why did you select the countries you applied to?
● How did you decide your major?
● How did you select the universities you applied to?
● What are the resources that you can use to apply?
● What exams did you prep for? How did you prep?
● What kinds of scholarship and tuition assistance is available?
● What was the hardest part of the application process?
● What was the outcome?
● What final decision did you make and why?

6. Key Vocabulary
1. Prerequisites – Safa
2. Antirequisites – Adeel
3. Entrance examinations – Safa
4. Scholarships vs. financial aid – Bushra
5. Tuition fees + other fees – Bushra
6. Credit hours – Adeel
7. Visas/i-20 – Adeel
8. Common Application vs. UCAS – Bushra
9. Semester – Bushra
10. GPA – Usman

7. Applying to
universities in the
UAE

8. Media
Areeba

9. Applying to universities
What To Look For
What do
your grades
look like?
Attend
college fairs
and explore
the course
options
When do you
want join
University?
After O-levels?
A-levels?
What is
YOUR
passion?

10. Choosing a non-traditional degree
Choosing to study media
● What are you passionate about?
● Media in the UAE offers so many options
● Print, video, radio, podcasting
● Look into the course: Who is teaching it? How much on the field experience can
you get? Does it align with your strengths?
● Look into what kind of work you want to do in the future and
choose your field accordingly; what is your career path?

11. Career Paths
With a degree in media you can be::
● Content marketer
● Copywriter
● Corporate communications
specialist
● Editor
● Public relations specialist
● Reporter
● Social media specialist
● Anchor
● Podcaster
● Radio Host
You have a media degree, now what?
Study options in media:
● Public Relations
● Film
● Advertising
● Digital Media
● Podcasting/Radio
● Journalism:
➢ Sports Journalism
➢ Fashion Journalism
➢ Food Journalism
➢ Conflict Reporting

12. Applying to universities in the UAE
Sandwich Programme (At Middlesex)
● A four-year sandwich course combines an undergraduate degree with a year-
long placement in a professional setting
● Build professional connections
● Use course skills during your placement
● Get a better degree
● Find a graduate job
● Expand your horizons
● Earn money during your degree

13. Applying to universities in the UAE
Scholarships:
● Don’t hesitate to ask!
● Check the university websites to see their scholarship programmes
● If your grades have been good through high school (and even after joining
university), go ahead and ask them for a scholarship you think you deserve.
● At MDX, we are offered anywhere between 15-35% scholarship (based on
grades)
● Keep up with your grades and maintain your scholarship!

14. Resources
Middlesex University Dubai:
Application Page:
https://shortest.link/3s6a
Sandwich Courses:
https://www.mdx.ac.uk/study-with-
us/ways-to-study/sandwich-courses

15. Accounting and
Finance
Fatimah

16. ACCA
Oxford Brookes BSc or
Others…
Normal
ACCA FIA
PWC’s Academy, Kaplan Genesis,
Skyline university, etc.

17. University of Birmingham Dubai

18. Bachelors in accounting and finance
Middlesex University Dubai:
International
Foundations
Program
BA Honours
Accounting & Finance

19. Bachelors in accounting and finance
Heriot-Watt AUS

20. Resources
ACCA global:
Home | ACCA Global
ACCA qualifications:
ACCA accountancy qualifications
ACCA student application?
https://www.accaglobal.com/acca-registration-
intro.html
University of Birmingham:
WIthout foundation:
BSc Accounting and Finance (Dubai)
With foundation:
Accounting and Finance BSc with Integrated
Foundation Year - University of Birmingham Dubai -
University of Birmingham Dubai
Middlesex University Dubai:
IFP:
International Foundation Programme | Middlesex University
Dubai
BA Honours Accounting and Finance:
BA Honours Accounting and Finance | Middlesex University
Dubai
Heriot-Watt:
MA Honours Accountancy and Finance:
MA (Hons) Accountancy and Finance - Heriot-Watt University
Dubai
Foundation program:
Advanced Degree Entry (Foundation) Programme in
Management + Year 1: Management - Heriot-Watt University
Dubai

21. Resources
AUS:
Majors and Minors:
https://www.aus.edu/programs/majors-Minors
Bachelors of science in business administration:
https://www.aus.edu/sba/brochures

22. Psychology
Safa
Tahreem

23. Applying to universities in the UAE
Studying human
behavior is never not
helpful
Why choose psychology?
1
2
● Versatile field
● Endless job
opportunities
3 Increasing
demand for
mental health
professionals
4
Psychology >
Psychiatry
Fun fact: The first ever pedal bin was created by a
psychologist. You’re welcome :)

24. Applying to universities in the UAE
If you have the following characteristics, then psychology is the perfect
fit for you:
● Interest in human behavior and mental processes
● Open-mindedness
● Critical thinking skills
● Problem solving
● Effective communication skills
● Writing skills
● Research and analytical skills
● Lack of fear of mathematics
Why choose psychology?

25. Applying to universities in the UAE
Which universities are potential options?
1 2 3
4 5
6

26. Applying to universities in the UAE
Safe Universities
● Always apply to a few safe universities
● You should certain that you will be admitted via
● Consult various rankings and make a note of tuition
● prices, as you don’t want to end up admitted to safety schools that are
out of your budget.) Next up, check for tuition requirements.
● You want to be sure that you exceed the average GPA, standardized test
scores, and other metrics of current attendees at all safety colleges
you’re applying to. Finally, take some time to think about location and
culture. Often, students select safety schools that are close to home.

27. Applying to universities in the UAE
1. Finish 12 years of schooling: No preference for a certain
curriculum (e.g. GCSE, CBSE, IB)
2. Obtain equivalency certificate from Ministry of Education
3. Ensure that you’ve studied a minimum of 6 subjects from the
following areas:
❖ Mathematics (e.g. Statistics, Calculus)
❖ Sciences (e.g. General Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
❖ Languages (e.g. English Literature, English Language)
❖ Social Sciences & Humanities or Arts
1. Minimum high school score of 70%
2. English proficiency test: IELTS, TOEFL, or EMSAT. If these tests are
not accessible for you, some universities allow you to appear for
English Placement tests.
“What do I need to study psychology?”

28. Applying to universities in the UAE
❏ Check for Ministry of Education (MoE) accreditation.
❏ Stalk your university’s social media pages. (No, seriously.)
❏ Compare and contrast the fee structures.
❏ Check for scholarships discounts and options.
❏ Check transfer options and feasibility.
❏ Check transport methods and university accommodations.
❏ Check university rankings - specific to your major.
Bonus Tips For University-Scouting

29. Resources
● Click here to see a list of universities
in the UAE that offer psychology.
● Click here to see the various career
paths and specializations to choose
from after studying an
undergraduate in psychology.
● If you have the time and interest to
study an introductory psychology
course (to better grasp of what to
expect till the end of your degree),
here’s a free recommended course.
● Click here to see a general guide on how
to become a psychologist.
● Click here to see what specializations in
psychology are in demand (as of
February 2022).
● Click here to see the job market and
salary data of psychologists.

30. Computer Science
Usman

31. Applying to universities in the UAE
Computer Science is NOT ONLY Programming/Software Engineering
Software Engineering: The study of practical skills required to create and maintain software systems
Computer Science: The study of Computation Theory and understanding the functions of algorithms, coding (programming)
machine learning, databases, and IT
Computer Science
#include <stdio.h>
int main() {
// printf() displays the string inside quotation
printf("Hello, World!");
return 0;
}

32. Applying to universities in the UAE
Computer Engineering: The study of Hardware+Software problem solving and design
Computer Science or Computer Engineering?
CS CE

33. Applying to universities in the UAE
Computer Science Fields

34. Applying to universities in the UAE
Computer Science Universities

35. Applying to universities in the UAE
AUS - American University of Sharjah
5 IGCSE/O Levels- Average Grade B Excluding Arabic + Islamic
2 AS/A Levels - Average Grade B
Year 10, 11, 12 Final Report Cards, attested by local educational government body (SPEA/KHDA)
Graduation Certificate/Document proving completion of secondary school
Certificate of Equivalency issued by Ministry of Education
IGCSE/O level + AS/A Level transcripts attested by local educational government body (SPEA/KHDA)
Pakistani Boards: Minimum average of 60% in the Senior Secondary School Certificate (12th Standard), or 60% or
more in the best two years.
Computer Science Universities

36. Resources
NYUAD Requirements-
https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/admissions/undergraduate/a
pply/entry-requirements.html
AUS Requirements-
https://www.aus.edu/admissions/bachelors-
degrees/application-requirements
AUS Undergraduate Catalogue-
https://www.aus.edu/academics/services-and-
resources/aus-catalogs
UOBD Requirements-
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/dubai/study/courses/un
dergraduate/computer-science-
bsc.aspx#EntryRequirementsTab
Personal Contact for questions
usmannfaisal@gmail.com

37. Engineering/Aviation
Rida

38. Electrical and Electronic Engineering
How and why I chose Electrical and Electronic Engineering as my major:
● Loved science/problem solving
● Biology did not have options/scope in the UAE
● Versatile curriculum for future opportunities.
Why Heriot Watt?
● UK system - more lecture based - less assignments - focus more on finals
● Opportunity to move between international campuses
● Curriculum matched between Edinburgh and Dubai
● KHDA/Royal Charter Approved (WES equivalency easily done)
● Degree Entry Program/Foundation Year
Open Day - March 26th 2022 - 3PM - 6PM

39. Ways To Get Into Aviation
1. Aviation Universities
● Specific for Aeronautical Engineering/Pilot/Design Engineer
● Offer On The Job Training (Logbook Experience)
● Not guaranteed placement once graduated.
2. Engineering Degree
● Support Services
● Technician - GCAA Licence Theoretical Exam + OJT

40. Questions To Ask Universities
● What scholarships/financial assistance am I eligible for?
● Does the university actively seek out internship opportunities for its students? If
so what are they?
● Can you give me contact details of a recent graduate/final year student that I can
speak to regarding their experience at the University?
● Do you offer elective courses?
● Do any of the fresh graduates get job placements/interviews through the
university?
● What extracurricular activities do you offer?
● What is an average class size?

41. Career Roadmap
Internships
1. Al Serkal
2. Teaching
Assistant
3. Emirates
Airline OJT
1. Production Planner
2. Airworthiness
Audits
3. Material Planner
Aviation
1. Demand Planner
Automotive
DATA ANALYTICS!

42. Key Takeaways/Tips
● Pick what you’re interested in if you’re not absolutely sure what you want to
do.
● Input is proportional to the output
● Shop around/you should be the one vetting your options.
● Don’t let low grades deter you. Seek out standardised tests/foundation
programs.
● Try everything you can in order to find something you truly love.
● For universities in the UAE there is always a discount/scholarship/financial
aid option available.
● Part time jobs for students - GITEX/Exhibitions/Events/Cafes/Tutoring
● Stay organised/track everything.
● Ask as many questions as you have to.
● Always build a good relationship with your professors.

43. Resources
Reach out to me:
ridaa_shahid@hotmail.com
● HW Dubai -
https://www.hw.ac.uk/dubai/
● Emirates Aviation University -
https://www.eau.ac.ae/en
● EASA Licensing -
https://www.easa.europa.eu/faq/2106
7
● Internships - https://oliv.com/ae-en/
● Part Time Jobs -
https://ae.indeed.com/Students-Part-
Time-jobs-in-
Dubai?vjk=d581dbf330a074bb

44. Applying to
universities in
Pakistan

45. Medicine
Ayesha

46. Medicine
● There are about 114 medical colleges in Pakistan with roughly 16500 seats every
year. Can you guess how many people apply to these medical colleges all over
Pakistan?
● Keeping the competition in mind it’s important that we make informed decisions on
where we want to apply, keeping in mind the following factors-
○ Public or private?
○ Academics - who are the faculty?
○ Fees structure?
○ International Accreditation / National ranking?
○ Hospital associated with the college?
○ Facilities in university- extracurriculars etc?
○ Prestige of the university?

47. Medicine
Overseas vs Pakistani Students-
● According to PMC regulations Pakistani nationals residing outside
Pakistan are to be eligible to apply to universities on open merit
basis.
● In Sindh government universities the criteria for overseas students
is if the candidates have completed the last two years of education
outside Pakistan.
● Overseas Pakistanis are required to give the MDCAT, prove their
overseas status by submitting their parent’s employment contract,
apply online through portals and courier their documents.
● Fees structures- comparison of public vs private, while Dow
Medical College has annual fees of around 80,000 - 90,000 Rs. for
local and 17,000$ for overseas Pakistanis and Foreign Nationals.
● These regulations change every year so follow them on twitter and
keep up with their notices!!

48. Medicine
Steps to apply to a medical college in Pakistan-
1. Register and give the MDCAT
2. Get documents ready-
equalisation of documents,
domiciles, father’s
employment certificates etc.
3. Submit documents and
grades
4. Give the university test/
interview
5. Wait for the merit list!

49. Medicine
Requirements-
● Academic-
Most private universities require at least 70% in FSC or minimum Bs in A levels.
Each private university forms their own aggregate depending on interview marks, MDCAT score etc.
Private universities- merit list is based upon aggregate marks ( 10% O levels or Matric, 40% A levels or Inter marks
and 50% MDCAT score)
● Extracurriculars-
Public universities do not care for extracurriculars or any other activities - there is no interview.
Private universities- keep volunteering opportunities, job placements in clinics in mind specifically but most universities just
look for things that make each candidate unique.

50. Medicine
NMDCAT- What is it and how to prepare?
It is a national test that all students wishing to apply to medical and dental colleges must give and attain
at least 65% to pass. *
1. Check out the MDCAT syllabus on the PMC website.
2. Identify gaps in your previous knowledge as an A levels student or FSC student.
3. Use inter books from Punjab Board and Federal Board to fill in gaps in your knowledge
4. Make sure to practice questions (available on the PMC website or tuition academies) as you go
along!!
Resources to help you get competitive scores-
● Medangle
● academies *
● Inter books
● STEPS/ KIPS practice books

51. Resources
https://www.pmc.gov.pk

52. Economics,
Accounting and
Finance, Business
Adeel & Omer

53. Economics, Accounting and Finance, Business
Do Grades Matter?
Firstly, let’s look at the factors considered by universities:
● Grades in college prep courses
● Admission test scores
● Strength of curriculum
● Grades in all courses

54. Economics, Accounting and Finance, Business
Where did I see myself in 10 years?
● “Anything except engineering”
● How to think about the future?

55. Economics, Accounting and Finance, Business
How is my major different?
● What is my major?
● Long list of career options
● Interest in subject matters

56. Economics, Accounting and Finance, Business
What’s next?
● Vast field with several options to choose from
● Familiarize yourself with the different types of business
degrees

57. Economics, Accounting and Finance, Business
LUMS Application
● Average SAT Score: 1350
● Average O’Level Grades: 8A’s
● Several Programmes to
choose from

58. Economics, Accounting and Finance, Business
Scholarships and Financial Aid
● Need Based Tuition Fee Waiver &
Loan
● Merit Scholarship
● International Students
Scholarship

59. Resources

60. Entrance Exams

61. EMSAT
What is it?
National system of standardized computer based tests, based on the UAE’s national standards.
How to register?
Use your Emirates ID to register.
Activate your account.
Schedule your tests.

62. EMSAT
Compulsory subjects:
Maths
Physics
Arabic
English
Optional subjects:
Biology
Chemistry

63. SAT I (General Admissions Test)
● Who needs this?
● What is a good score?
● How many times should I take it?
● Where should I register?
● How do I prepare?

64. SAT IIs (Subject Tests)
When are these required?
● They are not required for universities in Pakistan anymore ( they were up until
last year).
● They are however required for some universities in the UAE such as RAK
Medical & Health Science University
● Three SAT subject tests are given for medicine- Biology , Chemistry and
Physics.
● Biology- 60 general biology questions and 20 E or M questions
● Chemistry- 85 questions, recalling and applying concepts
● Physics- 75 questions
● Beware of testing patterns and negative markings.

65. IELTS
IELTS: The International English Testing System is designed to help you work, study or migrate to a country where English is the native language
How to prepare:
● Check University requirements; what kind of test to they require?
● IELTS Academic
● PREPARE FOR IT
● Use the IELTS book guides
● Find online exam paper examples
● Attempt timed test examples
● READ. WRITE. LISTEN. SPEAK.
● Book for a chance to re-do

66. IELTS
Testing options:
● IELTS on paper – Academic and General Training
● IELTS on computer – Academic and General Training
● IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (Academic and General Training)
● IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration on computer(Academic and General Training)
● IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1)
Costs typically between AED 800-1,300

67. TOEFL
Test of English as a Foreign Language
Accepted by more than 11,500 universities and other institutions in over 160 countries, including
Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, the U.K., and across Europe and Asia.
3 testing options:
● the traditional TOEFL iBT test in a test center
● the TOEFL iBT Home Edition
● the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition

68. TOEFL
Internet test (TOEFL iBT)
● A reading section of between 60-100 minutes which involves reading 3-5 passages,
containing 12-14 question in each
● A listening section of between 60-90 minutes which involves 6-9 passages, containing 5-6
questions in each
● A speaking section which lasts 20 minutes and involves 6 spoken tasks
● A writing section which last 50 minutes and involves 2 tasks which need completion
Some schools will waive the need for you to take a TOEFL test if you have:
● Scored in a certain percentile on the English, reading, and writing sections of the ACT or SAT
● Taken a TOEFL sometime in the past two years
● Earned a diploma or degree from an English-speaking country

69. Resources
SAT Resources:
https://www.collegeboard.org/
EMSAT:
https://emsat.moe.gov.ae/emsat/EmSAT_About.
aspx
SAT II
https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/sat-
subject-tests-student-guide.pdf
More about TOEFL:
https://studylink.com/articles/what-is-toefl/
https://www.prepscholar.com/toefl/blog/what-
is-toefl/
TOEFL testing centers in UAE:
https://www.amideast.org/uae/take-a-
test/register-for-a-test/toefl-itp-tests/toefl-
itp%C2%AE-test

70. Resources
IELTS Exam:
Website:
https://www.britishcouncil.ae/en/exam/i
elts/book-
test?gclid=CjwKCAjwoduRBhA4EiwACL5R
PxqKkMaeyJbF8WQVVBpO1L9yIDdZvVT-
dSY4S3UPi9s9pCvitFnvVhoClg4QAvD_Bw
E&gclsrc=aw.ds
Preparation:
shorturl.at/kENVY
shorturl.at/pBDU5

71. QnA