Students across the UAE have excelled in the May 2025 International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, with several achieving perfect scores and many surpassing global averages. As results were released on July 5, top-performing schools celebrated high pass rates, university offers from elite institutions, and remarkable student journeys marked by dedication and resilience.
Several students in the UAE have achieved exceptional results in the May 2025 International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations, with scores that surpass global averages and place them among the top-performing students worldwide. The results were officially released on Saturday, July 5, revealing stories of academic excellence, resilience, and ambition across leading schools in the country.
At the forefront of this success are students from Innoventures Education, where multiple campuses reported a 100 per cent pass rate and an impressive number of high achievers. Among the standout performers were Alia Abdelhamid and Melis Yilmaz from Dubai International Academy – Emirates Hills (DIA EH), who both attained a perfect score of 45 — a distinction earned by just 0.1 per cent of IB Diploma candidates globally.
Innoventures Education operates several top-performing schools in the UAE, including DIA Emirates Hills, DIA Al Barsha, and Raffles World Academy. Together, these institutions demonstrated a remarkable performance, with two students scoring 45, four securing 44 points, and nearly 25 per cent of the graduating cohort achieving 40 or more points.
These results reflect a strong academic culture and a commitment to student success. Graduates from these schools have received offers from some of the world’s most prestigious universities, including University of Cambridge, Stanford University, Cornell, Imperial College London, UC Berkeley, King’s College London, London School of Economics, New York University, University of Pennsylvania, and University of St Andrews, among others.
Alia Abdelhamid, one of the two perfect scorers from DIA Emirates Hills, expressed deep gratitude for the support system around her. “I feel incredibly thankful for the guidance and encouragement I received from my school throughout the IB journey. The dedication of the teachers and the school community truly helped me thrive. This achievement is something we accomplished together,” she said.
Melis Yilmaz, who also scored 45/45, described her experience as transformative. “The challenging academic environment at DIA Emirates Hills, combined with the constant support, has shaped me intellectually and personally. I’ve gained not only academic knowledge but also a global mindset that I will carry forward.”
Kanishka Kesharwani, the top scorer at DIA Al Barsha with 44 points, reflected on the emotional and academic intensity of the journey. “It felt surreal to see 44. After countless all-nighters, emotional ups and downs, and staying focused despite the pressure, this result feels incredibly rewarding. I’m so grateful to my school, family, and friends for being there every step of the way.”
Hitesh Bhagat, Principal of DIA Emirates Hills, applauded the students’ dedication and the collective effort of the entire school community. “These achievements are a reflection of the resilience, discipline, and hard work of our students, along with the unwavering support from our teachers and parents. We are proud to see our students excelling and gaining admission into the world’s top universities.”
Poonam Bhojani, CEO of Innoventures Education, also commended the cohort’s performance. “This year’s record-breaking results mirror our students’ passion and determination. Our mission has always been to nurture globally competent citizens who are academically equipped and personally inspired. We are immensely proud of this graduating class and excited for what lies ahead for them.”
Meanwhile, across seven GEMS Education schools offering the IB Diploma Programme, three students also secured the maximum score of 45 points. Out of the 645 students who sat for the exams from GEMS schools, the cohort achieved a 95 per cent pass rate and an average score of 34 points, exceeding the global averages of 80 per cent pass rate and 30 points.
Yashbrata Ghosh, a student at GEMS American Academy in Abu Dhabi, was among the top scorers with 45 points. He is set to pursue medicine, with admission offers from Imperial College London and Monash University in Italy.
Lisa Crausby OBE, Group Chief Education Officer at GEMS Education, celebrated the students’ accomplishments: “Our learners have shown remarkable perseverance and dedication. These results are a testament to their hard work and the strong academic foundations provided by our schools. Each score represents countless hours of effort, resilience, and ambition.”
Nargish Khambatta, Principal of GEMS Modern Academy and Executive Vice President – Education, added, “Every achievement is a shared milestone. The success of our students is a result of the collaborative spirit between students, educators, and families. We are proud of how our learners have grown into well-rounded individuals ready for global challenges.”
Richard Drew, Chair of the UAE IB Association, also praised the achievements of this year’s graduating class. “Achieving a perfect IB score is a rare and incredible accomplishment. These students have shown academic excellence, emotional intelligence, and global awareness. They embody the spirit of the IB, and we commend their efforts.”
Drew further noted that the journey of every student, whether or not they achieved the top score, deserves recognition. “What matters most is the growth, discipline, and curiosity they’ve demonstrated throughout the programme. Every graduate should be proud of what they’ve achieved.”
As more students in the UAE turn to internationally recognized academic pathways like the IB, the country's schools continue to raise the bar. With outstanding results, a strong support system, and access to global university placements, the May 2025 cohort reflects the UAE’s growing stature as a hub for world-class education.
Source : KT
Image Courtesy : GEMS Education
