The UAE has cancelled the May 2026 International Baccalaureate (IB) exam session, citing ongoing regional conflict and security concerns, and the IB has announced an alternative grading system and student support measures. Multiple outlets reporting on the development say schools in the Emirates will not administer the written exams scheduled for this series and will instead work with the IB on teacher-assessed grades and other measures to award diplomas.
For students across Jordan and the Middle East this change has immediate consequences. Universities worldwide — from UK and US institutions to regional and Jordanian universities — accept IB results as a primary credential for offers. An alternative grading route typically relies on school-provided predicted/teacher-assessed grades, internal assessment records, and historical performance data that the IB moderates. The IB has also issued reassurance and support resources for affected candidates.
Practical steps students should take now: contact your school’s IB Coordinator immediately to request a written statement of the school’s proposed approach, a copy of your predicted/teacher-assessed grades, and a record of internal assessments (IAs) and mock exam results. If you hold conditional offers, contact your university admissions office (UCAS for UK applicants, Common App/individual portals for US applicants, or the admissions office of Jordanian universities) to confirm whether your current offer stands and what additional documentation they require. Many universities expect final certification by summer (results upload in July–August for northern-hemisphere intake), so clarify deadlines for final transcripts and any documentation needed for enrolment.
Consider contingency options: register for alternative assessments (SAT/ACT, subject tests where relevant), prepare for a possible resit session if offered (the IB sometimes schedules alternate or November sessions for some subjects), and strengthen the rest of your application — personal statement, recommendation letters, portfolios where applicable. Keep digital and hard copies of all school records and communications; these are often needed for appeals or to validate teacher-assessed grades.
Shatnawi for College Admissions and Academic Consultations can help students in Jordan and the region communicate with schools and universities, prepare documentation for alternative grading, and evaluate contingency plans such as standardized tests or deferral options. If you are unsure how this affects your offers or need support preparing appeals or clarifying deadlines, reach out for tailored guidance.
For immediate help, contact Shatnawi Education via WhatsApp at +962791888699 or visit shatnawiedu.com for consultations and step-by-step support.