The UAE announced on 29 April 2026 that scheduled in-person International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations for 2026 will not go ahead in the country and that an alternative grading process will be used to award diplomas. The move follows regional disruptions cited by authorities and mirrors actions by other providers in parts of the Middle East — including cancellations announced for Pearson, OxfordAQA and Cambridge assessments in some locations.
This change matters immediately for IB candidates applying to universities this year. Many offers from overseas and regional universities remain conditional on exam results; an alternative grading process means final grades will be determined by a combination of school-based assessments, internal assessments already submitted to the IB, and moderation by the IB organization. Students should request formal confirmation from their school and from the IB that explains how grades will be calculated and when certified results will be released.
Practical steps for affected students, especially those in Jordan and neighbouring countries:
- Within 48–72 hours: ask your school for an official written statement on the cancelling decision and on which internal assessments and marks will be forwarded to the IB.
- Within 1–2 weeks: contact every university where you hold an offer (local and international) to confirm whether conditional offers will be upheld, whether alternative evidence is acceptable, or whether you need to consider deferral/appeal routes.
- Keep copies of coursework, teacher predicted grades, and any correspondence from exam boards. If you are applying to Jordanian universities, start the equivalency process with the Ministry of Higher Education and the admissions office of your target institution — Shatnawi Education can assist with these contacts and documentation.
For students who planned to sit other UK-style or international exams in the region, statements from exam boards suggest cancellations in pockets across the Middle East; check directly with Pearson, OxfordAQA, and Cambridge Assessment for the latest local centre status. Universities may request additional evidence (portfolios, recorded assessments, interviews) or offer conditional acceptances based on predicted or awarded grades — prepare to provide whatever documentation you can and to request written decisions from admissions offices.
Appeals and next steps: the IB and other boards typically publish an appeals procedure; if you believe an awarded grade does not reflect your evidence, raise the issue through your school as soon as results are released. Meanwhile, consider practical contingencies: applying to a broader set of universities, preparing for entrance tests still running (SAT, ACT, language tests) and discussing deferral or gap-year options with your chosen institutions.
Shatnawi for College Admissions and Academic Consultations can help Jordanian and regional students interpret awarded grades, manage equivalency paperwork for the Tawjihi system, and communicate with university admissions offices. For immediate guidance or to begin appeals and documentation, contact Shatnawi via WhatsApp (+962791888699) or visit shatnawiedu.com.