Grade 12 students across the UAE are now required to undergo medical fitness tests to secure admission to universities locally and abroad. Offered by Emirates Health Services, the streamlined service ensures students are healthy and ready for academic life, with certificates issued within 24–48 hours across 41 centres in six emirates.
As the academic year draws to a close, Grade 12 students across the UAE are preparing for a crucial step in their university admission process — obtaining the mandatory University Medical Fitness Certificate. This essential requirement applies to those enrolling in universities within the UAE and abroad, including students entering through international scholarship programmes.
The Emirates Health Services (EHS) has activated the University Medical Fitness Examination service to support graduating students. The health assessment confirms that students are medically fit to participate in academic activities and is a prerequisite for enrolment in many higher education institutions.
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The medical fitness evaluation involves a thorough health check-up that includes a risk assessment and a series of laboratory tests. These tests are designed not only to evaluate students’ general health but also to identify any communicable diseases or underlying health conditions that might impact their ability to study in a campus setting.
The initiative plays a vital role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases within university environments and ensures that students who may need special medical support or accommodations are identified early. This aligns with the UAE’s broader goal of promoting student wellness, academic readiness, and institutional safety.
EHS clarified that this service is available to both scholarship recipients and self-funded students, and applies to first-time enrollees at universities.
To ensure convenience and accessibility, the medical fitness examination is now available at 41 authorised primary healthcare centres across six emirates. The distribution of centres is as follows:
This network allows students from across the country to access the service without long wait times or extensive travel.
Students can choose between two service options based on urgency:
In both cases, the medical fitness certificate is delivered electronically via the student’s personal EHS account within a maximum of three working days. The certificate serves as official proof of fitness and is required by both UAE-based universities and international academic institutions.
EHS has streamlined the process through its digital platforms, ensuring quick and paperless access. Here’s how students can apply:
EHS noted that no paper forms or walk-in submissions are accepted at the centres, and applicants must use the UAE Pass linked to a valid Emirates ID to access the service.
According to Emirates Health Services, these health checks are more than just formalities. They are an essential part of a broader strategy to ensure health and safety across higher education institutions.
Medical fitness evaluations help universities anticipate and accommodate students with chronic conditions or special healthcare needs. More importantly, they help identify and prevent infectious disease outbreaks that could disrupt academic life and compromise campus safety.
The initiative also supports national goals in public health policy, ensuring that incoming university students are not only academically prepared but also physically capable of thriving in demanding academic environments.
While primarily aimed at university applicants, the Medical Fitness Certificate service also caters to expatriates in the UAE who are applying for or renewing residency visas.
For UAE visa applicants, the standard medical fitness test includes:
As per UAE law, individuals diagnosed with certain communicable diseases are ineligible to obtain a medical fitness certificate and may be denied residency. The UAE prioritises public health, and such measures are intended to safeguard the population.
EHS encourages all students and families to complete the fitness evaluation early, ensuring they have the required documentation in time for university admissions.
The medical fitness certificate not only confirms a student’s health status but also reflects the UAE’s commitment to academic excellence, public health, and youth empowerment. By making the process accessible, efficient, and reliable, the UAE continues to support its students’ journey toward higher education with confidence and care.
For more details or to begin the application, students are advised to visit the EHS website or download the EHS smart app.
