**What happened and why it matters**
Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel have cancelled in-person exam sittings in the United Arab Emirates for the 2026 exam series, and both boards have announced that results will be issued under alternative grading arrangements. Regional outlets including Khaleej Times and The Times of India report that affected students in UAE schools will receive grades based on the new rules set by the exam boards and/or local centres rather than sitting the scheduled papers.
**Impact on students in Jordan and the Middle East**
Although the cancellations apply directly to exams in the UAE, the ripple effects reach students across the Middle East. Many Jordanian and regional applicants depend on A-levels, Cambridge International AS/A, and IGCSE results for university offers, equivalency certificates, and scholarship eligibility. Universities and ministries that evaluate overseas qualifications may require additional documentation or verification when grades are awarded through alternative assessment methods.
**Practical steps students should take now**
1) Contact your school’s exam officer immediately to get a written statement describing how grades will be determined and what evidence (mock tests, coursework, teacher assessments) will be retained. 2) Inform any universities you have conditional offers with — ask whether they will accept centre-assessed or algorithmic grades and whether you need to submit supplementary evidence. 3) Consider registering for the autumn/winter or next available exam series in a different centre or country if you need the right to sit a paper in person; check board websites now for registration windows. 4) If you rely on your grades for Jordanian equivalency, contact the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research or your school’s attestation office about documentation requirements.
**Appeals, resits and alternative qualifications**
Exam boards usually provide an appeals route and a centre review process; timelines and grounds for appeal vary by board and centre, so obtain that guidance in writing from your school. If you need a fixed, nationally tested score for university deadlines, consider alternative evidence such as SAT/ACT, IB, or English tests (IELTS/TOEFL) — and confirm with target universities which alternatives they will accept.
Shatnawi for College Admissions and Academic Consultations can help students review centre statements, prepare appeal materials, and coordinate with universities and the Jordanian equivalency authorities. Our advisers can also help plan contingencies such as resits or alternate admissions pathways.
For immediate guidance, contact Shatnawi via WhatsApp at +962791888699 or visit shatnawiedu.com for one-on-one support on appeals, documentation and admissions timelines.