Admission Criteria

Admission Requirements for Academic Year 2026-2027

Admission Requirements (Master/Diploma) program

1. Academic Qualifications

• A recognized bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field (health sciences, public health, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, allied health, health administration, informatics, data science / computer science, social sciences with health focus).
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 - scale or equivalent.
• Exemption from Cumulative GPA requirement may be granted for Master & PhD holders
• For non-GPA grading systems, please obtain a course-by-course evaluation from an Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) or http://www.ece.org or World Education Services (WES) https://www.wes.org/
• For degrees obtained outside the UAE, please obtain ECE – http://www.ece.org or WES https://www.wes.org/

All prospective applicants seeking admission must undergo the process of obtaining recognition for their educational degrees through the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR). The Recognition procedure varies depending on whether the degree was earned within or outside the UAE. Details regarding the Recognition requirements for certificates obtained within or outside the UAE can be accessed through the MOHESR Website:

For Degrees from inside UAE: https://www.mohesr.gov.ae/en/EServices/ServiceCard/pages/AttestationReggraduate.aspx

For Degrees from outside UAE: https://www.mohesr.gov.ae/en/EServices/ServiceCard/pages/UniversiyCertificateEquilization.aspx

Conditional Admission: GPA 2.50 - 2.99 on a scale of 4

An applicant holding a recognized bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of 2.50 to of 2.99 on a 4.0 scale, or its established equivalent, may be granted conditional admission to the master program. During the conditional admission period, the applicant must fulfill the following requirements to maintain enrollment in the program; failure to do so may result in withdrawal from the program.

a. May register for a maximum of eight (8) credit hours during the first semester of study.

b. Must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the first semester. If this GPA is not attained, the university reserves the right to withdraw the student from the program.

Conditional Admission: GPA 2.0 -2.49 on a scale of 4

Applicants with an undergraduate cumulative GPA below 2.50 up to 2.0 can be admitted conditionally, if relevant professional experience is deemed sufficient to elevate their GPA to be equivalent to 2.5 or higher.  Admitted applicants must satisfy both of the following requirements during the conditional admission period; failure to do so will result in withdrawal from the program:

a. May register for a maximum of eight (8) credit hours during the first semester of study.

b. Must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the first semester. If this GPA is not attained, the university reserves the right to withdraw the student from the program.

2. Professional Experience          

• Preferably ≥ 2 years relevant work experience (health sector, NGO, government, digital health, analytics, emergency response).

3. English Language Proficiency

• IELTS score of 6.0 or above, or
• TOEFL iBT score of 79 or above

• Exemption from English proficiency requirement may be granted if prior education was in English, a letter for Language of Instruction is required.  Additionally, all Master & PhD holders are not required to submit English proficiency.

4. Letter of intent (LOI):

• A written statement (500–750 words) outlining the applicants:
  • Motivation for pursuing the MG&DPHL program.
    • Explain your interest in the program and your motivation to pursue advanced training in global and digital public health leadership.
    • You should reflect on your desire to contribute to health system improvement, policy development, or digital transformation in healthcare.
• Career goals in Public health practice, Health program management, Policy development or implementation, and Digital health or healthcare innovation.

5. Letters of Recommendation

Applicants are required to submit one (or two, if preferred) confidential letter(s) of recommendation from an academic or professional supervisor who is familiar with the applicant’s work and potential.
The letter should specifically address the applicant’s:

• Academic and Analytical Capability
• Professional Experience and Commitment
• Leadership Potential
• Suitability for the Program ability to benefit from and contribute to a multidisciplinary, practice-oriented learning environment

6. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• A current CV detailing academic background, work experience, professional activities, & achievements.

7. Interview

1. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to attend a structured personal or virtual interview to further assess their suitability for the MSc in Global & Digital Public Health Leadership (GDPHL).
2. The interview aims to evaluate the applicant’s readiness for graduate-level study and their potential to contribute to and benefit from a program focused on health systems leadership, policy, and digital transformation.
3. During the interview, candidates will be assessed on the following:
4. Communication and Interpersonal Skills
5. Motivation and Commitment
6. Leadership Potential and Professional Insight
7. Alignment with Program Objectives

Additional Information
Program Duration	Master Degree: 3 semesters  Diploma: 1 year Credit-Bearing Micro-Credentials 7 weeks
Program open for	Male and female
Mode of Study	It adopts a flexible hybrid delivery model, combining online learning with evening sessions, alongside the option for in-person attendance on weekends.
Number of Credit Hours - Credit-Bearing Micro-Credentials Certificate	5
Number of Credit Hours - Post Graduate Diploma of Global and Digital Public Health Leadership	20
Number of Credit Hours - Master of Global and Digital Public Health Leadership	30