The UAE has cancelled International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations for affected schools in 2026 and extended remote learning amid regional military escalation, according to multiple reports. Schools in the UAE and some students across the Gulf face immediate disruption to final assessments that many universities use as central admission evidence.
For students this creates two immediate problems: first, uncertainty about how and when formal IB scores will be issued; second, possible delays or complications in university admissions and scholarship decisions that rely on final exam results. Earlier reporting also shows IB Diploma Programme scores have been rising globally — a separate trend that may influence how universities interpret alternative evidence such as predicted grades or school-based assessments.
What students should do now: contact your school’s IB coordinator immediately to request official school statements, predicted or provisional grades, and documentation of missed exams. Notify any universities where you have offers or pending applications about the cancellation and ask their admissions office whether they will accept predicted grades, course-work evidence, or deferred entry. If your program requires external testing or interviews, consider registering for alternatives (for example SAT, UK admissions tests, or university-specific entrance assessments) — Shatnawi for College Admissions & Academic Consultations can help with exam-prep and fast registration advice for tests like the SAT or IELTS.
Students planning medicine or dentistry should act quickly. For those reconsidering study destinations, Shatnawi supports applications to Georgia (Batumi & Tbilisi) where English-language medical programs are a common regional alternative; our counselling can also guide students toward Turkish, Egyptian, or Jordanian options. If you choose to move applications to Jordanian universities, remember Shatnawi students receive partner discounts — 10% registration at Applied Science Private University, 20% at University of Jordan, and 25% at Jordan University of Science & Technology. We also provide document equivalency services (70 JOD) and scholarship-matching assistance for urgent cases.
Universities will set their own deadlines for admitting students without final IB scores. Do not miss institutional deadlines for deferral requests, evidence submission, or visa processes. Keep copies of all school communications and stamped letters. For personalised help assessing admission options, preparing alternative test plans, or transferring applications to universities in Jordan, Georgia or Turkey, contact Shatnawi for guidance. WhatsApp: +962791888699 | shatnawiedu.com.