The United Arab Emirates has cancelled the May 2026 International Baccalaureate (IB) final exams for students in the country and the IB organization has moved to an alternative grading model with dedicated student support. Multiple outlets report the move is linked to regional security disruptions; the IB said it will provide guidance and a process for issuing results to affected candidates.
What this means for students: universities and admissions offices increasingly accept alternative IB outcomes but policies vary by country and institution. Students in Jordan and elsewhere in the Middle East who hold conditional offers should contact their chosen universities immediately to confirm whether those offers will remain conditional on the IB’s alternate results, whether provisional transcripts or predicted grades are acceptable, and whether deadlines for document submission will be extended.
Practical next steps: ask your school to produce an official predicted grade statement, internal assessment records, and any school-leaver transcripts; upload these documents to your university portals. If you are applying to UK universities, check UCAS and individual college advice pages for updates — many institutions have contingency procedures but require early communication. For US-bound students, contact admissions offices and the Common Application portal; some universities will accept alternate certification or school-based evidence temporarily.
Students should also consider test-based alternatives where relevant. For programmes that accept SAT, ACT, or national standardized tests, register early for the next available test dates and emergency sittings. Likewise, international students may need to secure English language scores (IELTS/TOEFL) or ask for temporary waivers where universities allow them.
Financial and credential implications: Jordanian students planning to use the IB for Ministry of Higher Education equivalency should notify the ministry and their prospective universities about the alternative grading method. Equivalency offices typically require certified school documentation and the IB transcript when released; keep copies and confirmations from your school and the IB. Shatnawi for College Admissions and Academic Consultations can help Jordanian students gather the required documentation, contact universities and equivalency offices, and plan alternatives such as gap-year options or additional testing.
Support and deadlines: monitor official IB communications (via IB.org and your school), and the websites of the universities where you have offers. Act now — contact universities within 48–72 hours if you hold conditional offers; request written confirmation of any extended deadlines. For personalized guidance on next steps, deadlines, or arranging alternative tests, students can contact Shatnawi Education in Amman. WhatsApp: +962791888699 or visit shatnawiedu.com for assistance.