English language test ban in Iran ‘unfair and counterproductive’

Thousands of Iranian students have lost access to the language testing services they need to secure places to study at foreign universities after Tehran was hit with a fresh wave of US sanctions.

The US Office of Foreign Assets Control has suspended General License G, which has allowed US providers to offer “certain educational services” to Iranian students and universities since 2014.

Educational Testing Service (ETS), which runs the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), is one of the organisations that has been forced to cancel exams. It said that all affected test appointments within Iran will be cancelled, and it will contact test takers directly regarding applicable refunds and next steps.

“This restriction applies to testing within Iran. Iranian nationals can continue to take the TOEFL and GRE tests outside of Iran, where testing services and appointments are available," an ETS spokesperson said. 

“We recognise the disruption and uncertainty this regulatory change creates for learners pursuing educational opportunities. ETS remains committed to supporting access to education for test takers around the world and is actively working to understand the scope and duration of this change and pursue any available paths to resume testing services in Iran. At this time, there is no confirmed timeline for when testing in Iran may resume.”

The Duolingo English Test has also been made unavailable in Iran and for users with an Iranian ID.

A Duolingo spokesperson said: “We recognise that changes to test availability can be disappointing for affected test takers. We have contacted those with active credits directly about completing their tests or receiving refunds.

“We do not know whether or when the regulations may change. We will continue to monitor the situation and will reassess the test’s availability if U.S. regulations allow.”

The suspension affects Iranian students seeking to study not only in the US but in the UK, Europe and many other countries that require proof of English proficiency.

Alireza Qaiumzadeh, a research professor at the department of physics at Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) who was born and grew up in Tehran, told Times Higher Education that he found the sanctions “troubling”, adding that “education should not become an instrument of geopolitical pressure”.

“Suspending access to examinations such as TOEFL and GRE creates a very practical barrier to studying abroad. Many universities require applicants to provide internationally recognised proof of English proficiency.”

“A talented Iranian student may have an excellent academic record and receive interest from a university in Norway, the UK or elsewhere yet be prevented from completing the application simply because they cannot access the required examination in Iran,” Qaiumzadeh explained. “Travelling to another country merely to take an English test is expensive and, for many students, simply not realistic.”

“Sanctions are usually presented as measures directed against governments but when they prevent ordinary young people from applying to universities, the people paying the price are civilians. In my view, isolating Iranian students from international education and scientific exchange is both unfair and counterproductive.”

Vahid Mohammadi, founder of Universitio Ltd, a consultancy supporting students applying to universities overseas, echoed Qaiumzadeh’s comments. He added that the latest restrictions imposed on Iran is not the only problem facing students.

“Because of the war and internet restrictions and banking difficulties in Iran, universities may struggle to verify student bank statements, and as a result, the student can face the risk of rejection.”

In his experience of working with students, Mohammadi said preparation for English tests takes “at least two years”.

A recent petition on Change.org which has garnered more than 6,000 signatures highlights the feelings of anxiety and despair among Iranian students aspiring to an international education.

“Students have spent months preparing, paid exam fees, and built their application timelines around scheduled test dates. Sudden loss of access can lead to missed deadlines, delayed applications, lost scholarships, and postponed academic plans for circumstances entirely beyond students’ control,” the petition says.

The petition is also flooded with comments from affected students.

“As an Iranian student and researcher who has worked hard to build an academic career internationally, I know firsthand how important access to exams like the TOEFL is,” one commentator writes.

“What may seem like a small administrative step can be the gateway to years of education, research, and opportunity. Iranian students should not have their academic futures disrupted by circumstances beyond their control. We need a lawful solution that restores access and allows students to continue pursuing their academic goals. Education should not become collateral damage.”

rosalind.skillen@timeshighereducation.com