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Iran's Sanctions Cut Off English Exam Access for Students

Iran's Sanctions Cut Off English Exam Access for Students

First seen 10 Nov 2026, 08:13 UTC • •
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ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster •November 10, 2026 at 08:42 UTC
  • •Sanctions have halted English-language exams in Iran, affecting students' futures.
  • •Iranians must travel abroad for tests, with costs exceeding six months' wages.
  • •The situation worsened due to internet blackouts and geopolitical tensions.

Due to international sanctions, access to English-language exams in Iran has been severely restricted, impacting students' ability to study abroad. The IELTS test was suspended in late December 2025, followed by the suspension of TOEFL and GRE exams in August 2026. Iranians are now forced to travel to neighboring countries for testing, incurring significant costs. Those unable to afford travel are left without options, severely affecting their education and emigration plans. The situation has been exacerbated by sanctions, internet blackouts, and a recent war, leading to a drastic reduction in available testing slots. Reports indicate that only a few candidates can take the exam daily due to these disruptions. The British Council has also barred residents from taking the IELTS in nearby countries, further isolating them.

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Timeline

2025-12-30
IELTS suspended in Iran
IDP Education announced the suspension of the IELTS test in Iran, citing financial issues.
Rferl
2026-08-30
TOEFL and GRE exams suspended
Washington suspended a sanctions license, cutting off TOEFL and GRE exams for Iranians.
Rferl
2026-11-06
Young Iranians face educational barriers
Sanctions and isolation have closed pathways for young Iranians wishing to study abroad.
Rferl

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Common questions

How are students affected by these sanctions?
Students in Iran are unable to access English-language exams required for studying abroad, forcing them to travel to other countries.
What are the financial implications for students?
Traveling for exams costs around $600, which is more than six months of the average wage in Iran.
What alternatives do students have?
Currently, there are no viable alternatives for students in Iran to take these exams without traveling abroad.