The UAE Ministry of Education and the International Baccalaureate Organization have confirmed cancellation of the May 2026 in-person written examinations for IB Diploma and Certificate students in the Emirates, citing continuing regional conflict and related safety concerns. The IB has told schools it will apply an alternative assessment model — based on teacher-assessed work, internal assessments, non-exam assessment components and statistical moderation — to award final grades in place of the canceled papers.
For students across Jordan and the Middle East who planned to use 2026 IB results for university entry, the immediate task is documentation and communication. Universities typically accept IB grades as standard entry credentials, but admissions offices will expect clear evidence of awarded grades or predicted outcomes. The IB usually issues final results in early July; students should monitor official IB and school coordinator updates for precise release dates and for any changes to the timetable.
Practical steps for affected students:
- Contact your school IB coordinator immediately to request: teacher-predicted grades, copies of internal assessment marks (IAs), Extended Essay and TOK completion records, and documentation of any non-exam assessments.
- Inform universities and scholarship bodies where you have applications — provide predicted grades and the school’s statement about how final grades will be determined.
- If you plan to apply to Jordanian public universities, contact the Ministry of Higher Education (معادلة الشهادات) early to confirm how IB equivalency will be processed in 2026; allow extra time for paperwork.
Students should also consider contingency plans: the IB normally offers a November session and/or resits in future cycles; confirm with your school if sitting exams in November 2026 or May 2027 is an option. If you have visa, scholarship or conditional offer deadlines tied to exam dates, contact the issuing institutions now — many universities are already offering flexibility, but some deadlines (acceptances, housing, scholarship confirmations) are fixed.
Shatnawi for College Admissions and Academic Consultations can help Jordanian and regional students collect the right documentation, communicate with universities and prepare contingency applications or appeals. For help understanding equivalency in Jordan, updating applications, or planning a retake strategy, reach out early. For immediate guidance contact Shatnawi via WhatsApp at +962791888699 or visit shatnawiedu.com.