French exam cancellations across Middle East and Lebanon

France's Ministry of National Education announced Tuesday the cancellation of written and oral exams for the brevet and baccalaureate certificates at French institutions across several Middle Eastern countries, the Gulf region, and Mali, citing a need to "take into account the special circumstances in these countries."

The decision applies to candidates registered in accredited French schools in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, and Mali, as well as students enrolled with the National Center for Distance Education (CNED). Under the measure, their annual average grade in the affected subjects will be used instead of exam results.

Scope of cancellations

Due to the war in the Middle East and the critical security situation in Mali, the cancellations cover written exams for the national brevet, early tests in French (both written and oral) and mathematics for the general and technological baccalaureate, as well as exams for optional subjects, philosophy, and the final oral exam (the "grand oral") in the final year.

Additional provisions have been made, particularly for students who did not achieve the required average through continuous assessment. The ministry stated that independent candidates can take a compensatory session scheduled for September 2026, for both the brevet and baccalaureate.

Similar measures may be implemented in other countries up to 15 days before the start of exams, if local conditions prevent their organization, especially in cases where exam centers are closed.