Policy Number: 301

Title: Admissions Policy
Last Revised Date: 5th March  2023

Policy Version:Vol. 3

 

1. Introduction

 

This Admissions Policy outlines the principles and processes by which our university selects and admits applicants to our programs. We aim to recruit students who demonstrate the potential to benefit from and contribute to our academic community.

 

Eton University is committed to excellence in academic standards.  Core to the University’s philosophy is that all students with the capacity to succeed in vocational and higher study should have the opportunity to do so, regardless of social or educational disadvantage.  We embrace the importance of having a diverse and representative student population. 

   

The University’s Admissions Policy reflects these aims. Student selection is based on a holistic review of each applicant's academic achievements, intellectual potential, personal characteristics, extracurricular activities they have undertaken, and work experience (for mature learners). 

 

Selection processes are applied fairly and openly, and recognize that formal qualifications are not the only measure of the capacity to succeed.  

 

2.  Definitions 

Post graduate courses: vocational and higher education qualifications at RQF levels 7-8. 

​

Undergraduate courses: vocational and higher education qualifications at RQF levels 3-6. 

​

Learning outcomes: the set of knowledge, skills, and the application of the knowledge and skills a person has acquired and is able to demonstrate as a result of learning. 

​

Credit Transfer: the procedure of granting credit to a student for educational experiences or courses undertaken at another institution

 

Formal learning: is the learning that takes place through a structured course of learning that leads to the full or partial achievement of an official qualification. 

​

Informal learning: is learning gained through relevant work/life experience, self-tuition and social, family, hobby or leisure activities and experiences. It is different from formal or non-formal learning, because it is not organized or structured in terms of objectives, time or learning support.  

 

Non-formal learning: is learning that takes place through a structured course of learning but does not lead to an official qualification, for example work-based courses and non-accredited professional development courses.

 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): recognition of uncertified (non-formal or informal) learning 

 

3. Scope 

 

This policy applies to all applicants for admission to Eton University’s programs, including vocational courses. 

  

4. Principles  

 

Selection and admission to courses at the University are based on processes that value fairness and transparency, merits and student’s capacity to successfully complete higher education study. Eton University believes in the principle of equal opportunity and encouraging diverse access, which is also reflected in the fact that we strive to recognize non-formal and informal learning, and that we are taking into account possible educational/social advantages. 

 

5. General Entry Requirements

 

Below listed requirements refer to the minimum standards or qualifications that an individual must meet in order to be considered for admission to a university. These requirements may vary depending on the program of study. It is important to note that these requirements may differ between programs, so it is always advisable to check the specific requirements listed in the Eligibility section of the program. 

 

Note:Applicants applying to study programs in the English language, must submit all documentation in English. Foreign certificates and transcripts need to be officially translated.

 

Applicants applying to study programs in Arabic language can submit all documentation either in English or Arabic, except for the personal statement, which should be written in Arabic language. 

 

5.1 General entry requirements for vocational courses 

Applicants to all vocational courses must meet any course-specific entry requirements specified in the course Eligibility section, which can be found on the website and in program overview or a brochure.  

 

Applicants to vocational courses will need to provide: 

• their passport/National ID copy

• proof of residence address

• copies of previous educational qualifications, certifications and official transcripts

• one recent photograph

• filled application form

• latest CV (encouraged, if applicable)

• personal statement

 

 

5.2 General entry requirements for undergraduate courses  

To be eligible for admission, undergraduate applicants must satisfy the minimum entry requirements and any course requirements or prerequisites.Undergraduate entry requirements are program-specific but they generally include:
 

• their passport/National ID copy

• proof of residence address

•  formal academic qualifications at the secondary or vocational level, including official transcripts

• one recent photograph

• filled application form

• personal statement

 

5.3 General entry requirements for postgraduate courses  

Entry to a postgraduate course is based on a demonstrated capacity to undertake postgraduate studies in the proposed field. Entry requirements are course specific and may include formal qualifications at the RQF Level 6 for Master’s degree, RQF Level 7 for Doctorate, a combination of formal qualifications and relevant professional experience, or extensive high-level relevant professional experience. All applications for postgraduate courses are assessed on an individual basis.  

 

Applicants to postgraduate courses will also need to provide: 

• their passport/National ID copy

• proof of residence address

• formal academic qualifications and certifications at RQF Level 6(Bachelor’s degree) or Level 7 (Master’s degree), including official transcripts

• one recent photograph

• filled application form

• latest CV (encouraged, if applicable)

• personal statement

 

6. Personal Statement

 

Personal statement is a vital part of the university admission process, and it can play a significant role in determining whether or not the applicant will be accepted into the university.

​

The personal statement required by Eton University is a written essay that gives the admissions personnel an insight into applicant’s academic achievements, personal experiences, interests (including hobbies), and goals. It is an applicant's chance to showcase his/her personality, intellectual potential, passion, and motivation for wanting to pursue a particular course of study at the university. 

The personal statement allows the admissions personnel to evaluate student’s suitability for the course of study chosen by assessing their communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and ability to articulate thoughts and ideas in writing.

Personal statement only needs to be submitted once; when a student is applying to study at Eton University for the first time. Those students who are progressing from:

​

1. vocational to top-up program

2. from Bachelor’s to Master’s

3. from Master’s to Doctorate

​

are not expected to write and submit their personal statements again. Please visit the website for more guidance on how to write a good personal statement.  

 

7. General selection criteria:

 

The following criteria are considered:

1. Academic record: We evaluate applicants' academic performance in high school/college/university, their grades, the rigor of their coursework, and any relevant test scores 

2. Intellectual potential: We assess applicants' potential to succeed in our programs by reviewing their essays, letters of recommendation, and any other relevant materials that demonstrate their critical thinking, analytical skills, creativity, and intellectual curiosity.

3. Personal characteristics: We consider applicants' personal qualities, such as their motivation, resilience, leadership potential, and social awareness. We also take into account any challenges or barriers that applicants have faced in their lives and how they have overcome them.

4. Extracurricular activities, if applicable: We value applicants' involvement in extracurricular activities that demonstrate their interests, passions, and talents. These activities may include sports, music, volunteering, research, or any other meaningful pursuits.

5. Previous work experience, if applicable: We review applicants’ CVs and take into consideration their work experience

 

8. Equivalence  

 

The University undertakes to assess all applicants through a fair process. However, It is entirely at the discretion of the University to make decisions about equivalence of qualifications and other eligibility criteria.  

 

9. Credit Transfer

 

The transferability of credits is subject to Eton University Credit Transfer policies and requires the submission of certain supporting evidence proving that the student has achieved learning outcomes of the course through formal learning. 

​

10. Recognition of Prior Learning 

 

RPL relates to a knowledge that is not certified, and its formal recognition. Such knowledge is normally obtained through activities such as: employment, voluntary work, adult training courses, in-job training, or a family business. 

Learners who have previously obtained the knowledge stated in the learning outcomes, will not be required to repeat the learning. However, they are required to submit a reliable, valid and sufficient portfolio of evidence, which will be reviewed and assessed by academics. 

The University strongly encourages applicants for RPL to submit the portfolio containing the following documents:

• a CV

• references and letters of recommendation, if applicable

• a commentary identifying prior achievement against individual learning outcomes and assessment criteria 

• full evidence against each assessment criterion claimed 

 

11. English language proficiency  

 

Applicants who are not citizens of English-speaking countries (such as the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand) and whose previous studies were not taught in English, must prove their English language proficiency either by submitting English language certificate (such as TOEFL, IELTS) or by taking the Placement test.

 

12. Application process  

 

Prospective students must follow the University’s application process and apply through the website. The fee of $100 is applicable to each application submission. Late enrolments to the on-going quarter may be subject to additional $50 fee which is added to the first instalment. Instructions on the application process can be found on the University’s website. During the application process, the University ensures potential applicants are provided with full and comprehensive course and fees information to make informed decisions. The information provided includes: 

• Course information; eligibility, subjects, course duration, policies and procedures 

• Fees information; the estimated maximum course price, payment options, withdrawal information. 

 

Admissions personnel act on behalf of the academic team with delegated authority to assess applicants against the stated entry criteria, provided that the applications meet all the required entry criteria. If an applicant does not meet all the entry criteria, or he/she is applying for Credit Transfer/RPL, they will be referred to the relevant Program Director/College Dean (or delegate) for assessment. Decisions in relation to admissions will be based on a documented assessment of the applicant’s overall ability to undertake the course and achieve the course learning outcomes. If the applicant is successful, the University will issue the Enrollment Agreement. This agreement outlines information about the course in which the applicant is to be enrolled,  fees, terms and conditions, and other details. 
 

13. Complaints and Appeals  

 

 

If an applicant’s admission to the University or to their preferred course has been rejected, they can lodge a request to have the decision reviewed by lodging a formal complaint in accordance with the Student Appeal and Complaint Policy.