The International Baccalaureate (IB) has confirmed cancellation of the May 2026 in-person Diploma Programme examinations in the United Arab Emirates and announced an alternative grading and certification process for affected candidates. Authorities cite extended remote learning and security concerns in the region as reasons for the decision. The IB said it will provide guidance, models for teacher input and mechanisms for awarding final marks to ensure students can progress to higher education.
For students across the Middle East — including many in Jordan who study at IB schools in the UAE or at international schools locally — this development changes the immediate plan for submitting final results to universities. Separately, UK regulator Ofqual has publicly stated it will not validate teacher-assessed grades for some Middle East centres, a move that could affect recognition of teacher-predicted or centre-assessed marks by UK institutions or for UK-regulated qualifications taken overseas.
What students should do now: first, contact your school’s IB coordinator immediately to get a clear timeline for the IB’s alternative grading process and to request formal documentation of any internal assessments, coursework or predicted grades. Second, notify universities where you have offers or pending applications — admissions offices can advise whether they will accept the IB’s alternative grades, internal school records, or require additional proof. Third, request copies of your Candidate Record Form (or any IB-issued provisional results) and keep originals of coursework, TOK and extended essay supervisors’ reports — these documents are often the basis of alternative award decisions.
Students applying to the UK, US, Canada or elsewhere should also check specific admissions deadlines and contingency policies. If you expect conditional offers, inform your admission teams now and ask whether they will accept school-certified grades, predicted grades, or deferred entry. For UK applicants, contact UCAS-represented choices and individual universities; for US applicants, contact undergraduate admissions and financial aid offices. Keep deadlines and communication in writing (email) and retain receipts and timestamps for any submitted documents.
Shatnawi for College Admissions and Academic Consultations can help Jordanian students through the steps above — from drafting emails to universities to assembling evidence packages for admissions officers. We can also advise on whether to request gap-year deferral, submit additional materials (sat/act/portfolio), or pursue alternate pathways in case a specific awarding body’s position affects recognition. Our team monitors updates from the IB, Ofqual and major universities to provide tailored guidance.
If you need immediate support, gather your school contact details and recent assessment records, then reach out for a consultation. For quick guidance contact Shatnawi on WhatsApp at +962791888699 or visit shatnawiedu.com.