The UAE has cancelled the May/June 2026 International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations and moved to an alternative grading system, citing continued regional conflict and safety concerns. The IB organisation and local authorities have indicated that students will receive teacher-assessed and centrally moderated grades rather than sitting paper exams. Similar exam disruptions have also been reported for other awarding bodies in parts of the Middle East.
For students in Jordan and the surrounding region, the immediate impact is on university admissions and equivalency procedures. Many universities—especially in the UK, US and continental Europe—accept IB predicted or final grades, but they often expect official documentation. Jordanian applicants who plan to seek Ministry of Higher Education equivalency for IB diplomas should prepare for potential timing changes: start gathering internal school records, coursework marks, and teacher predictions now so you can submit equivalency paperwork without delay.
What students should do now: contact your school IB coordinator immediately to request formal written predicted grades, breakdowns of coursework marks, and any school statements explaining the cancellation. Ask your coordinator for official documentation within 7–14 days; many university admissions offices will accept written confirmation of alternative grading if provided promptly. Notify the universities where you have offers or applications—UK (UCAS), US (Common App/college admissions), EU, and regional universities—so admissions teams can advise on conditional offers or adjustments.
Deadlines to watch: while the IB typically issues results in July for May sessions, timelines for this alternative grading may shift—monitor the official IB website and your school’s communications. If you have pending applications, check each institution’s final decision deadlines and any instructions for submitting alternative evidence. For Jordanian students, contacting the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research or your chosen university’s admissions office early will help avoid last‑minute issues with equivalency or enrolment.
Students who need help interpreting new grade reports, converting IB scores for Jordanian equivalency, or adjusting university application materials can consult independent advisers. Shatnawi for College Admissions and Academic Consultations can assist with verifying documentation, preparing equivalency files, and communicating with admissions offices. We can also help international applicants request deferrals or submit appeals if offered grades differ from expectations.
As the situation develops, keep copies of all communications, digital and printed grade statements, and any official notices from your school or the IB. For personalised guidance, contact Shatnawi via WhatsApp at +962791888699 or visit shatnawiedu.com for support with applications, equivalency, and next steps.