UAE limits student track switches to first two weeks of school year

The UAE Ministry of Education has set new rules governing how students can move between academic tracks for the 2026-27 academic year. Students may switch from one educational track to another only at the start of the school year and after meeting all approved requirements. Transfers will no longer be permitted after the first two weeks of the academic year.

Students in Grade 8 on the general track may move into Grade 9 on the advanced track, while Grade 9 general-track students may transfer into Grade 10 advanced, provided they achieved at least 80 per cent in English, mathematics and science at the end of the previous academic year.

Grade 10 students in the general track cannot transfer into Grade 11 advanced, while Grade 11 general-track students are not eligible to move into Grade 12 advanced because they have not completed the scientific subject requirements needed for those grades.

Students who successfully complete a year on the advanced track may choose to move to the general track by submitting the required voluntary transfer form. Students who fail while enrolled in the advanced track will normally be transferred to the general track, though they may apply to repeat the year in the advanced track under specific conditions.

Schools have been instructed to provide individual academic guidance and support to students considering a transfer.