Education Ministry Orders Make-Up Exams for Students in Israeli-Targeted Areas

Dr. Rima Karamy, the Minister of Education and Higher Education, issued a circular concerning the organization of a compensatory final exam for the spring 2025-2026 semester. This directive applies to students living in regions targeted by Israeli military actions or adjacent to such areas, as well as to those at potential risk due to commuting between their residences and private higher education institutions where they study.

The circular references previous directives numbered 19/M/2026 dated 9/3/2026 and 26/M/2026 dated 20/4/2026.

It emphasizes the priority of safeguarding students' safety and avoiding exposing them to danger amid the ongoing Israeli military aggression against Lebanon.

The circular acknowledges that students residing in frequently attacked areas or regions where travel involves significant risks require special consideration.

It notes that most private higher education institutions in Lebanon allow, under documented and justified special circumstances such as illness or accidents, absence from final written, oral, or practical exams, with the option to take a similar make-up exam.

Following consultation with the Higher Education Council, the Ministry requests private higher education institutions to adhere to the following:

1. Monitor and document the situations of students living in the specified areas, promptly providing necessary attention, assistance, and support across educational, psychological, social, and financial aspects to help them overcome the exceptional hardships and maintain their readiness and competitiveness with peers.

2. Offer all available educational resources, including electronic (remote) methods and any other possible means, to enable continuous learning and academic progress.

3. Exempt affected students from the requirement to attend scheduled final term exams if they face a real threat by doing so, and refrain from any form of encouragement or pressure to compel their attendance at exam centers.

4. Arrange in-person make-up exams for students absent from the final term exams due to the conditions described in the circular, at later dates set by the respective university, with a deadline no later than Friday, 30 October 2026.

5. Ensure that make-up exams are conducted according to the same standards and evaluation criteria applied to the original final term exams.

6. Use announcements, electronic platforms, and other communication tools to guarantee that students receive notifications and necessary explanations regarding this circular, while safeguarding each affected student's right to a fair make-up exam once the danger subsides and security conditions permit.

7. Document requests from students wishing to take the make-up exam due to current circumstances, maintain records of all exam dates, student signatures, submitted grade lists from instructors, and final student grades.

8. Coordinate with the Directorate General of Higher Education at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education concerning cases that cannot be resolved under this circular for appropriate action.

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education relies on the cooperation of private higher education institutions to implement this circular effectively in the interest of students and to ensure their safety.