The International Baccalaureate has extended the submission deadline for coursework from March 15 to April 15 for schools across the Middle East, as part of a series of support measures for students and families affected by regional conflict.
The extension applies to IB schools across 12 countries including Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, according to a statement issued on the organisation’s website.
It said that it recognises that “many schools, students and families across the Middle East are currently facing extremely difficult and uncertain circumstances,” adding that its thoughts are with everyone affected, including the many educators, students and families within the IB community.
Additional Support Measures for Students
Beyond the deadline extension, the IB has introduced several additional provisions for affected students. Learners now 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.
The organisation has also released updated guidance to support teachers during this period, available through its Programme Resource Centre. Inclusive Access Arrangements can be requested by schools for students impacted by current events. The organisation stated,
“We remain in close contact with IB schools and regional IB associations and are committed to supporting them during this period. Our immediate focus is on supporting schools with the completion and submission of coursework and early assessment components. At the same time, we are reviewing the potential implications of the current situation and what this may mean more broadly”.
Policy Framework and Ongoing Support
These measures are being provided in line with the IB’s Adverse Circumstances policy, which outlines available support when students are affected by serious and unforeseen events during assessment periods.
Wider Impact on Examinations
This comes days after the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations cancelled Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations across the UAE due to heightened geopolitical tensions. The decision affects exams that were scheduled between March 2 and April 6, 2026. Results will be determined through an alternative assessment mechanism, with details to be announced later.
Earlier, the Central Board of Secondary Education cancelled Class 10 board exams and postponed several Class 12 exams for the same reason.
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