Education authorities and schools in the United Arab Emirates have cancelled the upcoming International Baccalaureate (IB) examination session, according to multiple reports. The IB organisation has said it is offering support to affected students, but schools and national authorities have moved to suspend in-person exams in the UAE because of ongoing regional security concerns. The decision affects IB Diploma Programme candidates in UAE schools and international students in the region who planned to sit the May 2026 session.
For students across the Middle East — including Jordanians studying in UAE schools or students based in the region planning university applications — the immediate consequence is uncertainty in assessment and document timelines. Universities often rely on final IB results for offers and enrolment. Where formal exams are cancelled, schools and the IB may provide alternative evidence such as predicted grades, coursework, or awarded grades; WhichSchoolAdvisor and IB statements indicate the organisation is preparing measures to support students through that process.
Action steps for affected students: first, contact your school’s IB coordinator and ask for written confirmation of the cancellation and the alternative assessment pathway the school will use. Request official predicted or awarded grades and keep records of coursework, internal assessments, and teacher statements. Notify any universities where you have an offer or application in progress — admissions offices commonly offer flexibility when exams are disrupted but they require timely, documented communication. If you are applying to Jordanian universities now, contact admissions offices early to ask about deadline extensions or provisional offers.
Students considering alternatives should also review study options in nearby systems: Shatnawi for College Admissions & Academic Consultations can help students convert exam disruption into a workable admissions plan, including verifying equivalency (document equivalency service costs 70 JOD) and matching applicants with universities in Jordan, Georgia and elsewhere. For example, students applying through Shatnawi may access partner discounts when choosing study in Jordan — 10% registration discount at Applied Science Private University, 20% at University of Jordan, and 25% at Jordan University of Science & Technology. Medical and dental applicants may also consider English-medium, WHO/EU-recognised programs in Georgia (Batumi and Tbilisi) with annual fees starting from roughly $4,000.
Practical deadlines and next steps: act immediately — obtain written school confirmation, request predicted/awarded grades, and inform your chosen universities. If you need alternative test preparation (IELTS, SAT, IB re-sits) or help with scholarship applications and admissions paperwork, contact Shatnawi for personalised guidance. For urgent assistance, reach Shatnawi on WhatsApp at +962791888699 or visit shatnawiedu.com.