Regional Updates

Although this period of uncertainty can place significant strain on families, it does not have to disrupt your child’s path to higher education. As circumstances continue to change, guidance from the education sector will emerge and schools will share updates with students and families. By staying informed and taking practical, coordinated steps, it is possible to reduce the impact of these disruptions on university admissions.

University Admissions: What Families Need to Know

The latest information is that Pearson has confirmed that May and June 2026 International GCSE, International A Level, and iLowerSecondary Progression tests in Bahrain, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Lebanon have been cancelled, and students will now be graded via school-submitted work instead. IB exams in the Middle East seem to be going ahead for the time being.

Pearson Support for centres affected by the conflict in the Middle East

Tes A-level and IGCSE exams cancelled across Middle East

IB Update on May 2026 examination session in the Middle East

For families with students applying to university in the 2026 admissions cycle, these changes can feel unsettling. There is currently no single, universal statement from universities on how affected applicants will be treated, and approaches may vary between institutions and courses. Universities may not automatically know which applicants have experienced disruption, or how alternative grading has been applied.

For this reason, clear communication is key. Schools are expected to share relevant information with universities, but families may also benefit from ensuring that universities are aware of how their child’s qualifications have been affected.

Practical steps families can take:

• Stay up to date with communications from your child’s school and exam boards
• Encourage your child to follow guidance from the school about sharing information with universities
• Keep copies of any official statements or letters explaining how grades were awarded
• Seek guidance early if your child is unsure how disrupted exams may affect offers or conditions

It is also important to know that disruption does not limit students to a single path. Some students may choose to defer entry, apply through Clearing, consider a foundation programme, take a gap year, or explore study options in other countries. These are not setbacks, but alternative routes that may suit changing circumstances. Should you need support from experienced university and career guidance counsellors to provide urgent, personalised advice to your families, the UK Study Options team is here to help.

UK University Fees: An Important Consideration for Families

Alongside admissions concerns, some families may also face questions around UK fee status, particularly British or Irish expatriate families hoping to qualify for Home fee status.

Changes caused by the disruption, such as temporary or permanent relocation, changes in parental employment, or interrupted travel plans, can affect how a university assesses a student’s fee status. This is an area that families often overlook until late in the application process, but early awareness can make a significant difference. Each family’s personal circumstances are unique so they will need specialised fee status guidance to navigate any changes.

Steps families can take now:

• Keep records showing general disruption (school communications, government guidance, or regional news)
• Retain personal documents such as travel records, flight cancellations, or employment correspondence
• Seek specialist advice early to understand how recent changes may affect your child’s eligibility

A Reassuring Final Thought

A disrupted exam season can feel overwhelming, but it does not automatically close the door on a UK university education. With accurate information, clear communication, and the right support, families can navigate both admissions and fee status challenges with confidence.

In uncertain times, personalised guidance can make all the difference, particularly when decisions carry long-term academic and financial implications. Families do not have to face this alone, and seeking expert advice early can help ensure that short-term disruption does not lead to long-term disadvantage. Help is available across the BCCD community, and UK Study Options is on hand to support families with individual and complex situations.