The UAE has cancelled May 2026 International Baccalaureate (IB) exams and extended remote learning amid ongoing regional conflict, prompting urgent guidance from the IB and local schools. Students across the Middle East should check predicted-grade arrangements, university deadlines and alternative exam routes.
- The United Arab Emirates has announced the cancellation of May 2026 International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations for students in the country and extended remote learning as the regional conflict continues. The move follows similar decisions by schools in the region and public statements from the IB reassuring students and offering support measures. This disruption affects Diploma Programme (DP) candidates preparing final exams and internal assessments.
- For students in Jordan and elsewhere in the Middle East, the immediate priorities are clear: contact your school IB coordinator, secure written confirmation of any changes to internal assessment (IA) submission and Extended Essay timelines, and request official predicted grades or school-estimated results as soon as they are available. The IB has in past disruptions provided mechanisms such as school-predicted grades, special consideration and contingencies; students should monitor official IBO communications and school notices closely.
- University applications may be affected. Applicants to UK, US and other systems should notify their chosen institutions about the exam cancellation and submit any available predicted grades or teacher references. Deadlines differ by system (for example, UCAS main deadlines and US early/regular deadlines); applicants seeking deferrals, conditional-offer adjustments or gap-year options must contact admissions offices now to request extensions or alternative evidence of achievement.
- Practical immediate steps: keep copies of all school and IB communications, save drafts/versions of coursework and Extended Essays in multiple locations, confirm whether your school will register you for the November IB session (where available) or for any alternative assessment windows, and ask about arrangements for internally assessed work that has not been submitted. If you are relying on May 2026 results for scholarship or visa timelines, notify scholarship bodies and consulates promptly to seek deadline adjustments.
- Shatnawi for College Admissions and Academic Consultations can help Jordanian students interpret IB statements, liaise with UK/US admissions offices, and prepare contingency plans such as applying with predicted grades or exploring alternative qualifications (A-levels, SAT, AP) where appropriate. We can also advise on documentation for extensions and coordinate with schools on required evidence.
- Stay informed via your school IB coordinator and official IBO channels, and act quickly: request written predicted grades, confirm whether your school will attempt to register for a later session, and communicate with universities about changed circumstances. For personalised guidance contact Shatnawi for College Admissions and Academic Consultations via WhatsApp +962791888699 or visit shatnawiedu.com.
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