Study in Iran - Education System in IRAN

GENERAL INFORMATION   |   EDUCATION SYSTEM   |   SECONDARY EDUCATION

HIGHER EDUCATION   |   FOREIGN STUDENTS   |   SPECIAL NEEDS

General Information

Elementary education is mandatory under the constitution. In general, education is free of charge but private schools and universities, authorised by law in 1988, are allowed to charge fees for tuition.

Duration of compulsory education:
Age of entry: 6
Age of exit: 14

Structure of school system:
Primary
Length of program in years: 5
Age level from: 6 to: 11

Primary
Length of program in years: 3
Age level from: 11 to: 14
Certificate/diploma awarded: Certificate of General Education

Secondary
Length of program in years: 3
Age level from: 15 to: 17
Certificate/diploma awarded: Secondary School Diploma

Pre-university
Length of program in years: 1
Age level from: 17 to: 18
Certificate/diploma awarded: Pre-University Certificate

Secondary education (Reform system) covers three years and a one-year pre-university programme. Secondary education offers three branches: theoretical, technical-vocational and skill-knowledge (kar-Danesh). Each are divided into different fields. The required total number of credits leading to the Secondary School Certificate is 96. The courses offered in the first year are common and after successfully completing the first year, based on aptitude, interest and the grades obtained in guidance school, students can continue their studies.

The one-year pre-university programme prepares students to enter university and higher education institutions. To enter this course, students should pass the appropriate exam.

After successfully passing the one-year period, they are granted the Pre-University Certificate and can sit for the National Entrance Exam of universities and higher education institutions. Qualified students entering the technical-vocational branch can continue studies leading to the Post-Diploma degree (technician) or sit for the Pre-University Examination. Those who wish to acquire skills before completing secondary education can enter the skill-knowledge branch and obtain first or second class Skill Certificate or sit for the Pre-University Examination as well.

Higher education is provided by comprehensive universities, specialized universities, universities of technology, medical universities, teacher training centres and private institutions.

Most universities are State institutions. University activities are coordinated by the Ministry of Culture and Higher Education and, particularly, the Supreme Council on Higher Education Planning (SCHEP), and the Ministry of Health and Medicine.

Admission requirements

Foreign students must hold a Secondary School Leaving Certificate with a minimum average of 62.5% for studies leading to a Bachelor's Degree.

For postgraduate studies they must have a minimum of 3 out of 4. Candidates who do not meet the requirments must take additional classes.

Islamic Republic of Iran Welfare Organization was approved on July 10, 1980 to fulfill the 3rd ,21st , and 29th articles of its Constitutional law. Social Welfare services are offered to the disabled and needy people by Welfare Organization.

Those who are not covered by insurance system, Benefit protective services offered by Welfare Organization. There is a close collaboration between parallel agencies with Similar Humanitarian goals and functions, and benevolent volunteer groups to provide needy and low-income people with protective services, the disabled with rehabilitation, and vulnerable groups with prevention services of socialproblems and disabilities.

The budget of above Organization is mainly allocated by government. Other financial Public resources are as follow:

a. Special funds
b. Public donations
c. Charities