Universities relax admissions and provide support after CBSE, ISC, IGCSE, A Level, and IB exam cancellations.
Dubai: In response to the widespread cancellation of school board examinations in the UAE due to regional tensions, universities have acted quickly, moving admission processes online and introducing a range of student-focused measures to ensure no one misses out on higher education opportunities.
Major international examination boards—including Indian (CBSE/CISCE), British (Cambridge, Pearson Edexcel, OxfordAQA), and IB—have canceled exams and restructured assessments, leaving thousands of Grade 12 and Year 13 students uncertain about university applications.
Higher education institutions have stepped in by accepting predicted grades and alternative assessment results, extending application deadlines, and announcing substantial scholarship funds to relieve financial pressures on students and their families.
In addition to flexible admissions, universities have expanded online outreach, hosting virtual open days and webinars to guide students and families through the transition amid ongoing regional tensions.
No student left behind
At Curtin University Dubai, admissions remain fully operational, with applications assessed using predicted grades and alternative assessment models.
Prof. Ammar Kaka, Pro Vice-Chancellor and President of Curtin University Dubai, told Gulf News:
“We believe that access to education should never be limited by circumstances beyond a student’s control. In response to recent disruptions across the region, we have proactively introduced alternative admissions pathways to ensure that affected students can continue their academic journey with confidence. Guided by our values of respect and impact, we remain committed to creating inclusive opportunities and ensuring that no student is left behind.”
At Amity University, a similarly considered approach is being applied. Krishna Kumar C Negade, Senior Director of Student Recruitment, said:
“Universities are responding with a balanced and student-centric approach. Undergraduate admissions are being assessed using predicted scores, internal academic performance, and formal school recommendations to ensure decisions remain fair and holistic. Admission timelines and documentation expectations have also been adjusted to ease uncertainty for applicants.”
At Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai, admissions are already open, with students encouraged to apply without waiting for final results. Sudhindra Shamanna, Pro Vice Chancellor, said:
“Based on our experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, we understand the importance of providing timely admissions guidance and flexibility to final-year school students. We continue to support the continuity of student education without disruption.”
Symbiosis International University Dubai is taking a similarly empathetic approach. Anita Patankar, Executive Director, stated:
“Universities are approaching this situation with flexibility and empathy, recognising that this is beyond the control of students.”
She explained that the university is accepting predicted scores, internal assessments, and alternative evaluation metrics, while also extending application and admission deadlines, offering conditional admissions, and providing bridging or foundation support for students needing academic alignment.
Dr. Anita Patankar summarized the broader consensus among institutions:
“The overarching approach is to ensure that no student is disadvantaged due to circumstances beyond their control, while maintaining academic standards.”
Flexibility even in location
Meanwhile, Lynne B Jack, Deputy Vice Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, said the university has acted swiftly to safeguard students’ futures.
“With the recent announcement from several examination boards about adjustments to their assessment schedules, we have decided to assess undergraduate applications for our September 2026 intake based on verified school-predicted grades, including mock exam results, pre-board assessments, and teacher-predicted scores,” said Lynne B Jack.
She added that students also have the option to start their studies at another Heriot-Watt campus, in Malaysia or the UK, through the university’s ‘Go Global’ programme, before transferring to Dubai at a later stage.
At BITS Pilani Dubai Campus, officials expressed confidence in the alternative assessment system. Souri Banerjee, Director, said:
“We understand that the decision by the school boards to cancel the examinations is a well-considered one, prioritising the safety of students in light of the current geopolitical situation. We are confident that the boards will adopt fair alternative assessment methods, taking into account students’ year-round academic performance.”
Scholarships and bursaries
Financial support for students has also surged. MAHE Dubai has announced a landmark Dh25 million scholarship initiative as part of its 25-year milestone in the UAE.
Curtin University has launched dedicated bursaries for students in the UAE and GCC to help ease financial pressures, offering up to Dh10,000 through The Gulf Community Grant.
The university will also host a Virtual Open Day on April 11, providing guidance on navigating admissions, an overview of online and hybrid learning, and information on accessing financial support.
At Amity University, scholarship programs are being expanded to ensure deserving students are not disadvantaged by the cancellation of board examinations.
As Krishna Kumar C Negade noted:
“The overarching focus is on equity, access, and continuity, ensuring merit remains central despite unprecedented circumstances.”
