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The International Baccalaureate has announced urgent support measures for schools across the Middle East as many students, teachers, and families face difficult and uncertain circumstances.
According to the official statement, the organization remains in close contact with IB World Schools and regional IB associations and is continuing to monitor the situation while offering academic flexibility for students affected by the disruption.
IB Coursework Deadline 2026 Extended to April 15
One of the key updates is an extension of the IB coursework submission deadline.
The original IB coursework deadline of March 15 has now been moved to April 15, giving schools additional time to complete and submit early assessment components such as Internal Assessments (IA) and other coursework requirements.
Schools in the Middle East do not need to contact the IB Adverse Circumstances team to receive this extension. However, they may still reach out if they face specific challenges within their school environment or need extra support.
Deadline extensions for coursework, IAs, extended essays remain available to any student affected by an adverse situation, and IB schools can contact the team if further adjustments are required.
Support Measures for IB Students in the Middle East
To reduce pressure during the IB assessment period, several support options are currently available.
Students affected by the current events may:
Transfer registration to another IB World School
Defer the May 2026 IB examinations to a later session at no additional cost
Withdraw from the May 2026 exam session with a full refund
Schools can also request Inclusive Access Arrangements (IAA) for students whose learning conditions have been disrupted.
In addition, teachers are receiving updated guidance through the IB Programme Resource Centre (PRC) to help support coursework completion during this tough period.
IB Adverse Circumstances Policy Activated in 2026
All of these actions fall under the IB Adverse Circumstances policy, which provides support when serious and unforeseen events affect students during the assessment process.
The policy allows the IB to introduce adjustments such as deadline extensions, exam deferrals, and assessment support measures to ensure students are treated fairly.
Countries Included in the IB Support Measures
These temporary measures apply to IB schools located in: Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
IB Continues Monitoring the Situation
The International Baccalaureate stated that its immediate priority is helping schools complete and submit coursework while reviewing the broader impact of the current situation.
The organization will continue working closely with schools and IB associations to provide guidance and support for students preparing for IB coursework submissions and the May 2026 IB exams.
