Education authorities in the United Arab Emirates have cancelled International Baccalaureate (IB) final examinations for this session and moved to an alternative grading model, citing disruptions caused by regional security developments. Major exam boards affecting Middle East candidates — including Pearson, Cambridge/CAIE and OxfordAQA — have also announced cancellations or adjustments for some testing centres in the region. Schools in the UAE have extended remote learning while authorities work with exam providers to finalise grading and qualification arrangements.
For students in Jordan and the wider Middle East, the immediate consequence is uncertainty over certified scores used for university admission and scholarship decisions. Many universities accept school-predicted or centre-assessed grades when external exams are cancelled; in other cases institutions may offer conditional admissions pending finalised board decisions. Students applying to competitive programs should contact their admissions offices promptly to confirm whether predicted/alternative grades will be accepted, what documentation is required, and any new submission deadlines.
Practical steps for affected students: first, ask your school to issue formal predicted grades and a centre statement that explains cancelled exams and evidence used (internal assessments, coursework, mock results). Second, gather and back up all internal assessment (IA) work, coursework, projects, and mock exam scripts — universities may request digital copies. Third, contact universities now to request extensions, confirm offer conditions, or discuss deferral options if you prefer to sit examinations later. Finally, monitor exam-board and Ministry of Education updates for published timelines, appeals windows, and how certificates will be issued.
Students planning applications to the UK, US, Canada, EU or Jordanian institutions should be especially proactive. UK universities typically publish guidance for alternative awarding arrangements and may use contextual data alongside predicted grades; US institutions consider a broader dossier including transcripts and recommendation letters. Jordanian students applying domestically or overseas should confirm whether scholarship or government application deadlines will be adjusted — do not assume automatic deadline extensions. If you expect to retake exams, check registration windows now: some centres are already scheduling autumn or special sittings for disrupted cohorts.
Shatnawi For College Admissions And Academic Consultations can help students interpret alternative grade statements, prepare documentation for university admissions offices, and model scenarios (accepting current offers, deferral, or retake planning). Our team can also assist with contacting overseas universities and advising on scholarship implications. For immediate guidance, contact Shatnawi via WhatsApp +962791888699 or visit shatnawiedu.com.
Stay alert to official announcements from the IB and other exam boards, your school, and the universities you applied to. Time is short: request your predicted grades and centre statements now, confirm submission windows with admissions teams, and keep copies of all academic work and communications.