**What happened and why it matters**
Awarding bodies Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel have announced cancellation of certain scheduled exam sittings in the UAE for the upcoming examination series. Both organisations are publishing new grading arrangements and guidance for affected schools; local regulators and schools in Dubai and across the UAE have issued statements explaining operational next steps. While the disruption is centred in the UAE, students in Jordan and the wider Middle East who use Cambridge or Edexcel qualifications — or who hold conditional university offers linked to those results — will likely feel secondary effects.
**How grades will be decided and immediate student actions**
Schools have been told they may receive guidance to submit teacher/centre-assessed evidence or moderated internal marks in place of sitting papers. Affected students should: (1) check official emails from their school and the awarding body immediately; (2) request a written statement from the school outlining the evidence used to produce any alternative grade (coursework, mock exams, teacher assessment); and (3) confirm deadlines for enquiries about results or appeals — these are often short (typically days to a few weeks after publication) so prompt action is essential.
**Impact on university admissions and transfers**
Many universities accept alternative grading routes but make decisions case-by-case. Students in Jordan with conditional offers (local or international) should contact admissions offices now to explain the change and ask whether they can accept centre-assessed grades, deferred entry, or additional evidence (e.g., portfolio, interview). If you applied through UCAS or regional systems, verify whether offer conditions can be met via awarded grades or whether resits are required. Keep documentation: written confirmations from your school and the awarding body will help admissions and scholarship offices process exceptions.
**Resit and alternative pathways**
Awarding bodies commonly run alternative exam series later in the year (for example autumn/November series) but places and registration deadlines vary by centre. If you plan to resit, contact your school or exam centre now to confirm registration windows, fees and dates. Consider alternative qualifications — International Baccalaureate (if available), national Tawjihi arrangements, or foundation year programmes — as contingency routes for 2026 entry. Financial and visa implications for moving to a different intake should also be assessed early.
**How Shatnawi can help and practical next steps**
Shatnawi For College Admissions And Academic Consultations can assist students in documenting evidence for universities, liaising with admission offices, and planning resits or alternative routes. Practical steps today: save all school and awarding-body communications, ask your centre for a formal record of the grading method, contact your chosen universities about conditional offers, and register for any available resit series before your centre’s deadline.
For personalised guidance or help preparing documents for admissions and appeals, contact Shatnawi on WhatsApp +962791888699 or visit shatnawiedu.com. Act quickly — deadlines for enquiries, appeals or resit registration may be imminent. (Primary coverage: Khaleej Times.)