UAE Makes Health Check Mandatory for Grade 12 Students Seeking University Admission

Abu Dhabi: Grade 12 students across the UAE must now undergo a mandatory medical fitness examination to secure university admissions—both within the country and abroad.

The University Medical Fitness Examination service enables students applying to UAE universities or international scholarship programmes to obtain a medical fitness certificate after completing a comprehensive health check-up. This includes a risk assessment and various laboratory investigations.

Fast-Track Results Available

For those opting for the express service, test results are delivered within 24 hours. Standard service users typically receive results within 48 hours.

Service Available at 41 Centers Across Six Emirates

The Emirates Health Services (EHS) has rolled out this service at 41 primary healthcare centres across six emirates—Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. The service supports students enrolling in local universities and those applying for international scholarships.

The breakdown of available centers is as follows:

• Dubai – 3 centres
• Sharjah – 15 centres
• Ajman – 4 centres
• Umm Al Quwain – 4 centres
• Ras Al Khaimah – 7 centres
• Fujairah – 8 centres

Ensuring Student Health and Safety

Medical fitness examinations are a requirement for university admission, especially for first-time applicants. These evaluations ensure that students are in good health and do not suffer from medical conditions that could hinder academic performance or endanger others. They also help detect infectious diseases early and identify those who may need special medical care or academic support.

How to Apply for the Service

Students can apply for the University Medical Fitness Examination through the EHS website (www.ehs.gov.ae) or the EHS mobile app, using their UAE Pass (digital ID linked to their Emirates ID).

Application Steps:

1. Log in with UAE Pass.
2. Fill in and submit your medical history digitally (paper forms are not accepted).
3. Pay the service fee of AED 250 through the app or website.
4. Book the earliest available appointment.
5. Visit the assigned healthcare centre for the required tests.

Once the laboratory tests and health risk assessments are completed, the medical fitness certificate will be issued electronically within three working days via the EHS platform.

Expatriate Use for Residency Purposes

The service also caters to expatriates applying for or renewing UAE residence permits. A medical fitness certificate, confirming the absence of infectious diseases, is a prerequisite for visa approval.

What Does the Medical Fitness Test for Residency Include?

Standard medical fitness screenings for UAE visa purposes involve testing for:

• Hepatitis B and C
• HIV/AIDS
• Leprosy
• Syphilis
• Tuberculosis

Tests include a physical examination (if required) and blood samples for lab analysis.

Diseases That Disqualify UAE Residency Applicants

As per the Ministry of Health’s guidelines, individuals diagnosed with certain infectious diseases are ineligible for UAE residency. These include:

• HIV/AIDS
• Hepatitis B and C
• Tuberculosis

Applicants found to have any of these conditions are denied a medical fitness certificate and are subject to repatriation procedures.