Education in Iran
Iran runs a large education system with Persian (Farsi) as the language of instruction, high literacy, and a strong emphasis on mathematics and the sciences. University admission is dominated by the Konkur — a fiercely competitive national entrance examination. Notably, women make up a majority of Iran's university students. Religious and ideological education is woven throughout the curriculum.
Structure & stages
The system follows a 6–3–3 structure:
- Primary (dabestan, 6 years)Ages ~6–12
- Lower secondary (3 years)
- Upper secondary (3 years)Academic (theoretical), vocational, or technical, leading to the diploma and the Konkur
Compulsory education & enrolment
Education is compulsory at the primary level (and effectively expected through lower secondary), beginning around age 6. Public education is free, and the school year runs roughly September to June. Schools are generally single-sex.
Public schools
Most students attend free public schools, with instruction in Persian. The system is centralized and includes religious and ideological education alongside a strong academic core in mathematics and the sciences.
Private & international schools
Iran has a private and semi-private school sector (including non-profit and specialized schools such as the selective SAMPAD schools for gifted students), concentrated in the cities.
Curriculum & language of instruction
The curriculum covers Persian, mathematics, the sciences, social studies, and religious (Islamic) education, with a notable strength in maths and the sciences, reflected in Iran's strong performance in international science olympiads.
Exams & qualifications
The pivotal assessment is the Konkur — the national university entrance examination — one of the most competitive exams in the world, whose results determine admission to universities and specific fields. Students first earn a secondary diploma before sitting it.
Higher education
Higher education includes prestigious public universities — the University of Tehran (the oldest modern university), Sharif University of Technology and Amirkabir (elite in engineering) — plus medical universities and the vast, fee-charging Islamic Azad University network. Public universities are free but admit students competitively through the Konkur.
Studying in Iran from abroad
Iran hosts some international students, particularly from neighboring and Muslim-majority countries, and in fields like medicine and Islamic studies.
- LanguageMost programs are in Persian, though some are offered in English, especially in medicine
- PracticalitiesInternational students obtain a student visa; broader travel, banking, and mobility can be complicated by the country's international situation — verify current conditions and advisories
- Iranians abroadMany Iranian students also study abroad
Special education & support
Iran provides special education through a dedicated organization and network of special schools, alongside growing integration in mainstream settings.
Homeschooling
Homeschooling is uncommon and not a standard route in Iran; education is overwhelmingly school-based within the state system.
Costs & funding
Public education is free, including at public universities (entry by Konkur). Private schools and the Azad University network charge tuition. The currency is the Iranian Rial (IRR).
Key facts for families
- LanguagePersian (Farsi)
- Structure6 + 3 + 3
- CompulsoryPrimary (effectively through lower secondary), free
- University entryVia the Konkur
- Higher edUniversity of Tehran, Sharif University of Technology; Azad University (private)
- School yearSeptember to June
Where to verify the details
This guide is a starting point, not the final authority. For current details: