Application Process

How it Works

Phase 1: Recruitment

The Summer Academy Team holds in-person and online sessions to share program goals, expectations, and outcomes with students, families, and school leadership.

• To schedule a recruitment session, please email nyuad.summeracademy@nyu.edu. 
• If you are a student who wishes to join our program, please reach out to your school leadership or connect with us via email.

Phase 2: Nomination

Summer Academy solicits nominations from high school leaders and counselors across the United Arab Emirates. School representatives are invited to identify and nominate their most outstanding students completing Grade 10 or Year 11. Because students cannot apply directly to the program, they must be nominated by their schools. If you are a student interested in applying, please reach out to your school counselor or connect them with us via email.

Eligibility Criteria

• Hold an Emirati passport or be a child of an Emirati mother;
• Study and be based in a UAE high school;
• Be enrolled in Grade 10 (or equivalent) at the time of nomination*;
• Demonstrate strong communication skills in English, including reading and writing skills;
• Not be enrolled in another program during the Summer Academy dates;
• Show motivation to succeed, potential for growth, and leadership ability; and
  
• Demonstrate an investment in personal growth and academic progress.

* For those students who will be completing a 13th year (for example, in British Schools), they are only eligible to be nominated in their 11th year.

Phase 3: Applications

Once nominations are submitted, students will receive an email link to access and complete their applications. The application consists of multiple components, including short-answer questions, an essay, a mandatory video submission, and contact details for three recommenders: an English teacher, a math teacher, and a counselor or teacher of their choice who knows them well. Students must submit their completed applications by the deadline: January 8, 2027.

Phase 4: Selection

Complete applications are reviewed by the program administration, and finalists are selected to participate in the Summer Academy's Selection Days, which include:

• Interviews with program faculty and staff
• Writing exercise
• Students must be available to participate in person.
  

Phase 5: Enrollment and Onboarding

Students and their schools will be notified of their admission decisions in early June. Once accepted students confirm their offer and agree to participate, they will be onboarded onto our program portal and receive information regarding housing and transportation.