UAE distance learning 2026: Latest updates on schools, universities and exams

Dubai: As regional tensions continue to affect daily life across the region, UAE’s Ministry of Education (MOE) extended distance learning for all schools and nurseries until April 17, 2026.

The decision, made with student safety at its core, comes alongside other significant updates for families - major exam boards have cancelled final examinations, and a growing number of schools are refunding or suspending transport fees.

1. Distance learning extended

The UAE has extended distance learning for all nurseries, kindergartens, and schools, public and private until Friday, April 17, 2026.

The Ministry of Education cited the safety and wellbeing of students, teachers, and administrative staff as the primary reason for the extension. Remote learning first began on March 2 and was further extended when Term 3 opened on March 23, the spring break having been brought forward by a week due to regional tensions.

The April 17 deadline is not fixed, authorities will review the situation weekly and may revise it.

2. IB exams cancelled

Grade 12 students enrolled in the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) in the UAE will not sit their May 2026 examinations.

The International Baccalaureate Organisation has confirmed this directly to schools, and circulars have been distributed to students. Results will be awarded through a special contingency measure in place of the cancelled exams.

3. CBSE Class 12: An alternative path to results

India's Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced an alternative assessment scheme for Class 12 students across several West Asian countries, including the UAE, after board exams scheduled between March 16 and April 10 could not be held.

Students who already sat their exams will be assessed on actual performance. For subjects where no exam took place, final grades will draw on practical exams, project work, internal assessments, and any completed theory components.

4. Higher education extended - with one exception

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has extended remote learning at universities until April 17 as well. The exception: in-person classes may resume for priority programmes that require physical attendance, in line with a recent ministry circular and with strict safety measures in place. A gradual return for such programmes had already begun on March 30.

5. Some UAE school groups offer refunds and credits on school bus fees

Several school groups are now suspending or refunding transport fees during the distance-learning period.

School Transport Services (STS), which operates buses for GEMS Education and other school groups, has confirmed a pro-rata adjustment on April transport fees.

Parents can choose to receive the adjusted amount as a credit against a future payment or request a direct refund. Families who have pre-paid for a full term or year will have adjustments carried forward, and students in their final year of school will receive any outstanding balance as a cash refund.