Students across Iran are staging widespread protests against evolving university entrance requirements and education policies. Demonstrations have emerged across numerous provinces, including Tehran, Isfahan, and West Azarbaijan, as students demand the removal of fixed 11th-grade GPA impacts on national exams. These actions reflect mounting frustration with academic governance and the regime’s broader domestic management.
Why are students protesting across Iran?
The core of the student movement centers on the impact of current education policies on their academic futures. According to Iran International, protesters are demanding the regime cancel the fixed 11th-grade GPA requirement for university entrance exams. Students argue that the regime has failed to account for the pressures of the ongoing war and the resulting closure of academic facilities when setting final assessments.
The scope of the protests is geographically vast. Reports indicate active demonstrations in provinces ranging from Sistan and Baluchestan to Mazandaran, Fars, and Qazvin.
How is the regime responding to campus unrest?
Authorities have responded with a mix of administrative discipline and physical confrontation. Shargh reported that tens of students have faced suspension or expulsion due to their online activity, including private messages and social media posts. At Tehran’s Sharif University, between five and seven students were expelled, while over 20 received suspensions lasting one to three semesters.
The Hengaw Organization for Human Rights noted that four students at Kermanshah University were barred from campus for allegedly “spreading lies” and organizing sit-ins. While these protests have not yet reached the scale of the violent suppression seen in January, Iran International reported violent clashes in Yazd and arrests in Qom.
What are the conditions inside Iranian universities?
Beyond entrance policies, students are vocalizing concerns about basic campus resources. At Shahid Sadoughi Technical University, 75 students were hospitalized last week following an incident involving food quality, according to BBC Persian. When students challenged the university president regarding the government-subsidized 1,300 toman meals, they were reportedly told to dine at private restaurants if they were dissatisfied.
Despite a partial restoration of internet access following a three-month blackout, usage remains heavily restricted. Amnesty International reports that individuals using circumvention tools to bypass censorship face threats of espionage charges, which can carry the death penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What triggered the most recent student protests?
Protests were sparked by dissatisfaction with new university entrance requirements that give fixed weight to 11th-grade GPA scores. - Are these protests happening nationwide?
Yes, reports confirm demonstrations have taken place in provinces including Tehran, Isfahan, Khuzestan, Zanjan, and Yazd. - Have there been arrests?
Yes, multiple outlets report that students have been suspended, expelled, or arrested for their roles in organizing protests and participating in online discussions.
Stay informed on the evolving situation in the Middle East. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on education and civil rights developments.