The announcement that Cambridge cancels June 2026 exams in UAE has created a significant shift in the academic landscape for thousands of students. Affecting major qualifications such as IGCSE, O Level, AS & A Level, and IPQ, this decision marks one of the biggest disruptions in international education in recent years.
Instead of traditional written exams, students will now be assessed through a “portfolio of evidence”, a method designed to ensure academic continuity while prioritizing student safety and progression.
In this detailed guide, we explore why this decision was made, how grading will work, and what students and parents should do next.
Why were Cambridge Exams Cancelled in UAE?
The cancellation of the June 2026 exam series was not a sudden decision. It was taken in coordination with the UAE Ministry of Education and Cambridge International Education.
The primary reasons include:
- Student Safety First
Cambridge emphasized that the move was made to ensure the “safety and progression of candidates.”
- Regional Instability
Ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have impacted the ability of schools to conduct exams safely and efficiently.
- Operational Challenges
Running large-scale examinations requires stable infrastructure, logistics, and secure environments—conditions that may not be consistently available in the current situation.
Which Exams are Affected?
The cancellation applies to the entire Cambridge June 2026 series in the UAE, including:
- Cambridge IGCSE
- Cambridge O Level
- Cambridge International AS Level
- Cambridge International A Level
- Cambridge IPQ
These qualifications are widely offered in over 120 schools across the UAE, making this decision impactful for a large student population.
What Is the “Portfolio of Evidence” Approach?
Instead of sitting for written exams, students will now be evaluated through a structured academic portfolio.
What Does it Include?
The portfolio typically consists of:
- Coursework completed during the year
- Mock exam results
- Internal school assessments
- Class tests and assignments
- Teacher evaluations
Schools will compile and submit this evidence to Cambridge for final grading.
This method ensures that students are assessed based on consistent academic performance rather than a single exam.
How will Students be Graded?
Grading will be carried out by Cambridge examiners based on submitted evidence.
Key points include:
- Each subject will have multiple pieces of evidence
- Schools will submit verified student work
- External examiners will review and assign grades
- Final certifications will still be awarded
Importantly, these grades will be globally recognized, ensuring students can continue their academic journey without disruption.
Impact on Students and Parents
The cancellation brings both challenges and opportunities.
Positive Impact
- Reduces exam stress
- Rewards consistent performance
- Ensures academic continuity
- Maintains university eligibility
Concerns
- Uncertainty about grading fairness
- Increased dependence on school assessments
- Need for strong communication with teachers
What Should Students Do Now?
To adapt effectively, students should:
Stay Academically Active
Continue completing assignments and coursework seriously, as they now directly impact final grades.
Maintain Communication
Stay in regular contact with teachers and school authorities for updates and requirements.
Organize Your Work
Keep all academic work well-documented and accessible for submission.
Avoid Panic
Remember, this system is designed to support students—not disadvantage them.
Role of Schools in the New System
Schools now play a crucial role in the assessment process.
Their responsibilities include:
- Collecting and verifying student work
- Submitting portfolios to Cambridge
- Providing predicted grades (if required)
- Ensuring transparency and fairness
This makes collaboration between students, teachers, and institutions more important than ever.
Are Other Exam Boards Also Affected?
Yes, Cambridge is not alone in this decision.
Other UK-based boards like:
- OxfordAQA
- Pearson Edexcel
have also cancelled exams in the UAE for the same period, opting for similar evidence-based assessment systems.
This indicates a broader shift in international education strategy during uncertain times.
Will Universities Accept these Results?
Yes, universities worldwide are expected to accept these results.
Reasons include:
- The portfolio system is an established Cambridge assessment method
- It has been used successfully in previous disruptions
- Grades are still issued by official exam boards
Students can confidently apply to universities without worrying about the validity of their results.
Key Trends Emerging from This Decision
This development reflects larger changes in global education:
Shift Towards Continuous Assessment
Education systems are moving beyond one-time exams toward holistic evaluation.
Flexibility in Learning
Students are being assessed based on adaptability and consistency.
Increased Role of Schools
Schools are becoming central to academic evaluation.
Future of Exams in International Education
The cancellation of exams in UAE may signal long-term changes:
- Greater adoption of hybrid assessment models
- Increased use of AI and digital evaluation tools
- Focus on skill-based learning over rote memorization
Experts believe that traditional exams may gradually evolve rather than completely disappear.
Conclusion
The decision that Cambridge cancels June 2026 exams in UAE marks a transformative moment in global education. While it disrupts the traditional examination system, it also introduces a more flexible and student-centered approach to assessment.
For students, the key to success lies in:
- Staying consistent
- Being organized
- Trusting the process
This change is not a setback—it is an opportunity to redefine how learning and evaluation work in the modern world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why were Cambridge exams cancelled in UAE in 2026?
Due to safety concerns, regional instability, and logistical challenges.
What is the portfolio of evidence?
It is a collection of student work used to assess performance instead of written exams.
Will students still receive certificates?
Yes, official Cambridge certificates will be awarded.
Are these results accepted by universities?
Yes, they are globally recognized and accepted.
Are other exam boards also cancelling exams?
Yes, boards like OxfordAQA and Pearson have implemented similar measures.
Should students still study seriously?
Absolutely. Continuous performance now directly affects final grades.
