The UAE Ministry of Education has introduced new school transfer rules for the 2026-27 academic year, with transfers to be completed within the first two weeks of school and new academic conditions for some students.
ABU DHABI: The UAE school transfer rules will change from the start of the 2026-27 academic year, with the Ministry of Education introducing new steps to help students join the right academic stream and settle into school more smoothly.
Under the new rules, students who wish to transfer to another academic stream must complete the process within the first two weeks of the new school year. The ministry said this will help avoid disruptions to learning and ensure students are placed in the stream that best matches their abilities.
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Before approving a transfer, schools will check the student’s academic performance. Parents and students will also receive guidance, and all transfers must receive official approval. Schools will continue to monitor students after the transfer to make sure they are coping well in their new classes.
Students in the advanced stream can still choose to move to the general stream at certain grade levels.
However, students in Grades 8 and 9 who want to move from the general stream to the advanced stream must have scored at least 80 per cent in English, Mathematics and Science in the previous school year.
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The ministry also said that students in the applied stream cannot move to the general stream. Students in Grades 10 and 11 studying in the general stream will also not be allowed to transfer to the advanced stream because of the higher academic requirements.
The UAE school transfer rules also ask schools to discuss transfer decisions with students, parents and teachers before making a final decision. The ministry said working together and providing the right support will help students succeed in their new learning path.
The new rules are part of the UAE’s efforts to improve the quality of education and help every student study in the stream that best suits their skills and performance.
Zoya Siddiqui is a Staff Writer at TheBrewNews.com, where she covers stories on the environment, history, culture, and emerging trends. Holding a degree in Creative Writing, she combines a passion for storytelling with a keen eye for detail, bringing fresh perspectives to every piece she writes. With a deep appreciation for wildlife and the natural world, Zoya enjoys exploring stories that inform, inspire, and spark meaningful conversations.
