Lebanese University Faculty of Engineering Entrance Examination

More study resources

About this exam

The Lebanese University Faculty of Engineering entrance examination is the competitive admissions filter for candidates seeking a place in the Faculty of Engineering at the Lebanese University, the country's only public university. It is aimed at strong secondary-school graduates, typically holders of the Lebanese Baccalaureate in mathematics or experimental sciences, who want to enter engineering studies in the public system rather than a private university. Because places are limited and demand is high, the exam is used to rank candidates rather than merely to certify a minimum level.

The paper tests breadth rather than narrow specialisation. Expect mathematics spanning algebra, functions, geometry, trigonometry and calculus, alongside physics covering mechanics, kinematics, electricity, magnetism and waves, and chemistry covering general, inorganic, organic and stoichiometric material. Questions are set in the language and conventions of the Lebanese secondary curriculum, so fluency with standard technical vocabulary in French or English, depending on the paper, matters as much as the content itself.

Preparation should be systematic: rebuild fundamentals from the official syllabus, work through past-paper-style problems under timed conditions, and diagnose errors by topic rather than by paper. Weakness in one area is rarely fatal; uneven preparation across all three subjects usually is. Candidates should confirm the current syllabus, timetable and administrative requirements directly with the Lebanese University, which publishes the authoritative details each cycle.

What you'll study

Common questions

About Lebanese University Faculty of Engineering Entrance Examination preparation

What is the format of the exam?

It combines multiple-choice items with written problems in mathematics, physics and chemistry. Written problems carry substantial weight because they reveal method and reasoning, not just a final answer. The Lebanese University publishes the current structure, subject weighting and any changes to the paper each admissions cycle, so check its official announcements before you plan revision.

How difficult is it in practice?

It is competitive rather than merely pass-or-fail. Most candidates have solid school grades, so the exam separates them through multi-step problems, careful algebra and time pressure. The difficulty lies less in obscure content than in applying familiar concepts accurately and quickly. Practising under timed conditions is the single most effective way to calibrate your level.

Can I retake the exam if I fail?

Retake rules are set by the university and can change between cycles, so do not rely on second-hand accounts. The Lebanese University publishes eligibility conditions for repeat candidates, including any limits on attempts, in its official admissions documentation. Confirm your position with the faculty's admissions office before assuming a retake is available.

How much time do I get, and how should I use it?

The official body publishes the current duration each cycle; confirm it there rather than relying on older accounts. In general, divide time by marks, not by question order. Answer the problems you can complete cleanly first, leave difficult written problems for a second pass, and reserve a few minutes to check units, signs and arithmetic.

In what order should I study the subjects?

Start with mathematics, because algebraic fluency and calculus underpin physics problems. Then build physics around mechanics and kinematics before electricity and waves, which reuse the same mathematical tools. Treat chemistry as a separate track with its own daily slot, since stoichiometry and organic functional groups reward regular short practice more than long cramming sessions.

What are the most common ways candidates lose marks?

Typical losses come from rushed algebra, dropped signs, wrong units, and incomplete written solutions that jump to an answer without justification. In chemistry, unbalanced equations and unclear significant figures cost marks. In physics, misreading a diagram or ignoring a stated condition is frequent. Marking your own practice papers strictly exposes these habits early enough to fix them.

Do I need special textbooks or courses?

No single commercial product is required. The official syllabus is the definitive scope, and Lebanese secondary-school textbooks cover the content. Past-paper-style practice and careful correction of your own errors matter more than collecting materials. If you take a preparatory course, use it to structure revision and get feedback on written work, not as a substitute for independent problem solving.

Where do I find dates, fees and application requirements?

All of these are set and published by the Lebanese University each cycle, including registration deadlines, fees, required documents and the exam timetable. Because these details change, this page does not state them. Consult the university's official website and the Faculty of Engineering's admissions notices, and verify anything you hear informally against those sources.

How should I prepare in the final month?

Shift from learning to performing. Take full timed papers weekly, then spend at least as long correcting them topic by topic. Keep a short error log of recurring mistakes and review it before each new paper. Maintain one brief daily drill in chemistry and one in algebra to keep recall sharp, and protect sleep in the final week.