On 22 July 2026 UAE education authorities confirmed that in-person International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme exams scheduled for 2026 will not take place, and that the IB will apply an alternative grading system for affected candidates. The announcement, reported by regional outlets, comes with an extension of remote learning in several Emirates and was attributed by officials to heightened regional security concerns.
The immediate impact falls on graduating IB students preparing university applications. Universities — both inside the Middle East and abroad — typically require final IB scores or certified alternatives for enrolment and scholarships. Students in Jordan and neighbouring countries who planned to use 2026 IB results should contact their school IB coordinator immediately to obtain official documentation of predicted grades, internal assessment marks, and any formal statements from the school about cancelled exams.
Practical steps students should take now: 1) Ask your school for a written summary of assessed work (predicted grades, coursework, portfolios, mock exam results, and internal assessment records). 2) Contact each university or scholarship office where you have applied to report the change and request a deadline extension or to confirm if conditional offers can be honoured on school-based evidence. 3) Keep copies of all communications and screenshots from official IB or ministry announcements; these will be needed for appeals or equivalency procedures. 4) If you rely on IB results for Ministry of Higher Education equivalency in Jordan, contact the equivalency department to learn how they will accept alternative IB grades.
Students should also consider backup plans: register for alternative tests (SAT, ACT) if appropriate for your target universities, explore foundation or bridging programmes, and discuss deferral or gap-year options with admissions offices. If the IB offers a resit or assessment window later in the year, coordinate immediately with your school about eligibility and registration. Shatnawi for College Admissions and Academic Consultations can help Jordanian students by liaising with universities, preparing documentation for admissions or appeals, and advising on alternative pathways and timeline adjustments.
For personalised guidance on how this decision affects your offers, scholarship eligibility, or Ministry of Education equivalency, contact Shatnawi. We can review your documentation, communicate with admissions offices on your behalf, and map next steps. For assistance call or message WhatsApp +962791888699 or visit shatnawiedu.com.