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Application and Selection Process

Important Dates

  • Application deadline — February 3, 2025
  • Interview announcements — announced through email — March 13, 2025
  • Virtual interviews on Zoom – April 14-18
  • In-person interviews at NYUAD — April 14-19, 2025
  • Accepted students notified via email — Early June
  • Summer Academy classes for the Class of 2026 — July 7-August 8, 2025

How it Works

Step 1: Nomination

Summer Academy solicits nominations from high school principals and counselors across the United Arab Emirates on behalf of their students. School representatives are invited to identify and nominate their most outstanding students who are completing Year 10.* Interested school representatives and students should email nyuad.summeracademy@nyu.edu for more information.

Nomination Criteria

  • Hold an Emirati passport or be a child of an Emirati mother;
  • Study in a UAE high school;
  • Be enrolled in Year 10 (or equivalent) at the time of nomination*;
  • Demonstrate strong communication skills in English, including reading and writing skills;
  • 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.

Step 2: Compile and Submit Application

School representatives (typically principals and counselors) will receive details on the application process and nomination link by mid-November. Students interested in being nominated are encouraged to work with their school representative to learn more. Once nominated, students can submit their application through the Summer Academy application system by the February deadline.

Step 3: Selection Days

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 and program chaperones;
  • Diagnostic writing and math exercises;
  • Students must be available to participate in person.

Step 4: Enrollment of New Class

Students and their schools will be notified of their admissions decision in May-June. Once students are accepted and have agreed to participate, they, along with their parents/guardians, participate in a mandatory orientation meeting and are sent a packet of required enrollment forms to fill out.