US sanctions halt English proficiency tests in Iran, forcing students abroad
U.S. sanctions have stopped TOEFL and other English exams in Iran, leaving students to seek costly testing options overseas.
The recent round of U.S. sanctions has resulted in the suspension of TOEFL, PTE and Duolingo English proficiency exams within Iran, cutting a key pathway for university admission abroad. Individuals such as Nikki, a 32-year-old pastry shop employee in Lahijan, report emotional distress and are now searching for the cheapest foreign testing sites, even contemplating loans to travel to Armenia or other nearby nations. Inflation has surged and the rial has fallen to roughly 2.2 million per U.S. dollar, dramatically reducing purchasing power.
Large Telegram groups of over 24,000 members are sharing advice on travel costs and viable alternatives, while some students deem overseas testing a privilege for the wealthy. Science Minister Hossein Simaei Saraf condemned the restrictions, calling them a form of “Stone Age” behavior. Others, like Leila from Tehran, have postponed or abandoned plans to study abroad, opting instead for domestic university options.
Why it matters
The bans jeopardize Iranian students' ability to qualify for foreign universities, highlighting the broader impact of sanctions on education.
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