The International Baccalaureate (IB) has announced new flexible options for students in the Middle East ahead of the upcoming exams in May 2026. The measures include an extension for the coursework submission deadline, an option to transfer registration to another IB World School and even defer their May exams to a later session.
The supportive measures have been announced in recognition of the challenging and uncertain circumstances faced by students and educators in the Middle East amid ongoing regional tensions, a statement on the IB website said.
The IB said that their immediate focus was on supporting schools with the completion and submission of coursework and early assessment components. The following measures are currently in place to relieve pressure for schools in the Middle East wherever possible, and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis:
- An extension of the submission deadline for coursework, moving from 15 March to 15 April 2026. Deadline extensions for coursework are available to any student affected by an adverse situation, and any IB school can contact the IB’s Adverse Circumstances team to request one in such cases.
- Students have the option to transfer registration to another IB World School, defer May 2026 examinations to a later session at no extra cost, or withdraw from the May 2026 session with a full refund.
- Updated guidance to support teachers during this period, available via the IB’s Programme Resource Centre (PRC).
- Inclusive Access Arrangements (IAA), which schools can request for students impacted by current events.
These measures apply to IB schools across the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
These supportive measures have been announced by IB in the wake of missile and drone attacks from Iran faced by several Gulf countries as a result of the US-Israel-Iran conflict.
The flexible options provided are in line with the IB’s Adverse Circumstances policy, which sets out the available mitigations where students are affected by serious, unforeseen events during the assessment period. The IB said it will continue to work closely with schools and IB associations to provide the best support and guidance possible.
All students are advised to stay in touch with their schools for any updates and advice regarding the options announced by IB.
