**UAE cancels May 2026 IB exams**
UAE education authorities have cancelled the May 2026 International Baccalaureate (IB) final examinations for students in the country, and the IB organization has said it will award grades using an alternative, evidence-based model. Officials cited continued regional instability and extended remote learning arrangements as the reason for the cancellation. Several international reports have confirmed the measure for centres in the UAE.
**What the alternative grading means**
According to IB guidance issued for similar past disruptions, grades will typically be awarded using a combination of internal assessments, coursework, teacher-predicted grades and other school-held evidence. Schools must collect and submit documentation to the IB for moderation; students should expect their school’s IB coordinator to lead that process. The exact mix of evidence and submission deadlines will be set by the IB and communicated through your school.
**How this affects students in Jordan and the region**
For Jordanian and regional students, the cancellation can change the status of conditional university offers that require final IB exam results. Admissions offices in the UK, US, Canada and the region have in past crises accepted predicted or calculated grades, but policies vary by institution. Students applying this cycle should contact admissions offices immediately to confirm how the university will treat calculated IB grades, whether additional documentation is needed, and whether offer conditions remain realistic.
**Immediate practical steps (what students should do now)**
- Contact your school’s IB coordinator today to confirm what evidence will be submitted and ask for a written statement of your predicted/internal grades.
- Gather supporting documents: internal assessment marks, coursework, mock exam results, teacher statements and any recorded attendance/remote‑learning logs.
- Notify universities where you hold conditional offers and request guidance — ask if they will accept IB calculated grades or if they need extra evidence or interviews.
- If you are considering re-sitting exams, contact your school about the November session immediately to learn registration deadlines and fees; if you plan alternative qualifications (A‑levels, SAT, ACT), start registration now.
**How Shatnawi can help**
Shatnawi for College Admissions and Academic Consultations can help Jordanian and regional students review their documentation, prepare submissions to universities, and liaise with admissions offices about conditional offers. We can also advise on whether registering for the November session or taking alternative tests is the best route for individual cases.
Students should monitor messages from their school and the IB portal, act quickly to secure written evidence of assessed work, and reach out to university admissions offices to avoid surprises. For personalized guidance, contact Shatnawi on WhatsApp at +962791888699 or visit shatnawiedu.com for support with admissions strategy and documentation.