It follows the cancellation or postponement of many school-leaving exams; uncertainty around some university admission tests; closure of school and university campuses; and grounding of international flights.

Universities, exam boards and schools are coordinating to find solutions to these extraordinary challenges in education, which includes a complete move to online teaching and learning for an indefinite period.

Applying from home

Dr David A Schmidt, President, American University in Dubai (AUD), said: “More than ever, AUD is committed to applying a holistic approach to reviewing an applicant’s file based on their personal circumstances, ambition and experiences. We empathise with the struggle of high school students – and educators – to last semester’s unforeseen challenges, and have updated the current admissions application process to ensure that students wishing to join AUD, can do so from their homes, with minimal basic documentation, until the current situation abates.”

Individual basis

He continued: “Additionally, and in line with the best practices of many top international universities, AUD now assesses applicants on an individual basis, considering previous in and out of class achievements. At AUD, we educate the whole-person and it is the whole-person we consider when a student applies.”