UAE authorities have cancelled 2026 International Baccalaureate (IB) final examinations and will apply an alternative grading system for affected students, according to reporting by Bloomberg and other outlets. The move follows security and operational disruptions tied to regional conflict and has already prompted schools in the UAE to extend remote learning arrangements.
For students across the Middle East — including those in Jordan — the cancellation has practical consequences. Universities that require final IB scores or use exam dates as part of conditional offers may need updated documentation (predicted grades, school statements, or the IB-issued alternative grades). Students applying this cycle should expect slower confirmation of final marks, possible adjustments to deadlines, and extra requests from admissions offices for supporting materials.
What students should do now: contact your school and IB coordinator to obtain the official school statement or any IB-issued alternative-grade documentation; upload or send those documents promptly to universities; and monitor application portals for change-of-status notices. If you have conditional offers that specify IB finals, contact the admissions office of each university to confirm whether conditional offers will be honoured under the alternative grading scheme and whether additional proof (e.g., coursework, mock exam results, school reports) is required.
Students aiming for competitive programs — especially medicine and dentistry — should be proactive. Applicants to regional and international medical programs often rely on final IB results for selection. If IB outcomes become uncertain, consider parallel applications to universities with rolling admissions or to alternative study destinations. For example, many Jordanian students apply to English-medium medical programs in Georgia (Tbilisi and Batumi), where WHO/EU-recognized degrees are offered and annual fees can start from around $4,000. Shatnawi for College Admissions & Academic Consultations can help students evaluate options, prepare documents, and process applications to partner universities including those in Georgia, Turkey, and Jordan.
Domestic options and administrative services also matter. If you plan to enroll in Jordanian universities, remember that document equivalency is required; Shatnawi offers equivalency assistance (the service fee is 70 JOD) and can expedite the submission of transcripts. Students applying through Shatnawi may also access partner discounts: 10% registration discount at Applied Science Private University, 20% at the University of Jordan, and 25% at Jordan University of Science & Technology — useful if you shift plans back to Jordanian campuses.
Bottom line: treat the cancellation as a time-sensitive administrative challenge rather than an immediate barrier. Gather official school and IB communications, contact each admissions office where you applied, and prepare backup plans (alternate programs, destinations, or intake terms). For personalised guidance on applications, equivalency, scholarship matching, or exam preparation (IELTS, SAT, AP, IB-specific tutoring), contact Shatnawi for College Admissions & Academic Consultations in Amman. WhatsApp +962791888699 or visit shatnawiedu.com for help.