**What happened**
Education authorities in the UAE have cancelled the May 2026 International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme examinations for schools in the country and the IB Organization has announced that it will use an alternative grading approach for affected candidates. Reports from regional and international outlets cite extended remote learning and regional security developments as the immediate reasons cited by local authorities; the IB has issued reassurances and guidance to students and schools.
**How this affects students in Jordan and the wider Middle East**
Although the cancellation is specific to the UAE, the repercussions extend to many students across the Gulf and neighbouring countries who use IB results for university applications. Universities traditionally rely on final IB scores, but following cancellations the IB’s alternative grading will likely be based on a combination of internal assessments, teacher-predicted grades, coursework and historical school data. Students applying to universities in the UK, US, Europe or locally in Jordan may need to present predicted/alternative grades, additional coursework evidence, or direct confirmation from their school coordinators.
**Practical steps students should take now**
1. Contact your school’s IB coordinator immediately to request a formal statement of your status, your predicted grades, and copies of internal assessment marks and coursework. These documents are the primary evidence universities will consider.
2. Reach out to each university’s admissions office to confirm how they will treat alternative IB grades for offers, scholarships and conditional admissions; keep written records of any admissions advice.
3. Prepare supplementary evidence: portfolios, project reports, teacher references, and mock exam results. If you are applying through UCAS, Common App or national portals, upload or be ready to submit these documents on request.
4. Consider contingency plans such as requesting admission deferral, applying to additional institutions, or enhancing standardized-test evidence (SAT/ACT) where accepted.
**Deadlines and timing to watch**
Universities set differing deadlines and policies. Students should: verify UCAS deadlines (note that some programmes such as Oxbridge or medicine have earlier cut-offs), check Common App and specific university portals for their exact dates, and monitor announcements from the IB about the timetable for issuing alternative grades and official results. Also check Jordanian university application dates via the Ministry of Higher Education and the universities’ own portals. Expect further IB communications in the coming days and weeks; act quickly to secure documentation and to inform universities of your situation.
**How Shatnawi can help**
Shatnawi for College Admissions and Academic Consultations can assist students in collecting and organizing predicted grades and internal assessment records, drafting explanatory notes for admissions offices, and advising on whether to seek deferral or supplementary applications. If you need help contacting universities, preparing supporting portfolios, or revising application strategy for the 2026 cycle, our team in Amman provides targeted support.
For guidance or to arrange a consultation, contact Shatnawi on WhatsApp +962791888699 or visit shatnawiedu.com for details and appointments.