From Newsweek · · 1m 30s
Trump Sanctions Block Iranian Students' Education
Iranian students face canceled exams as U.S. sanctions disrupt education.
In brief
Iranian students face canceled exams as U.S. sanctions disrupt education. U.S. sanctions suspend TOEFL and LSAT access for Iranian students, halting international education opportunities. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Iranian Student's Dream
Bahar, a mid-20s Iranian engineer, wanted to study data science abroad but now faces canceled exams.
“I'm really looking for other opportunities because in Iran we really face difficulties and education is my only way out to the world that is free and I can do whatever I want”
TOEFL Cancellation
U.S. sanctions canceled Bahar's TOEFL exam in Iran on August 25.
“Her exam had been canceled and would no longer be offered in Iran”
Education Uncertainty
Thousands of Iranians face stalled university plans amid U.S.-Iran conflict.
“Aspiring engineers, doctors, lawyers, and researchers are caught in the middle of a geopolitical standoff between Trump and Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei”
TOEFL Access Problem
Iranian students need costly travel to take TOEFL exams abroad.
“For many Iranian families, already grappling with sanctions, inflation and a weakened Iranian rial, the expense is out of reach”
LSAT Restrictions
Iranian dual citizens face locked LSAT accounts under new sanctions.
“Folks who are US citizens or lawfully living in the US were denied service because they also identified as Iranian nationals”
Shirin Basiri's Case
Shirin Basiri, a Canadian-Iranian, lost LSAT access after September 9 email suspension.
“So anyone who had anything about Iran on their profile got this email”
LSAT Recovery
Basiri regained LSAT access after submitting Canadian passport proof.
“Several hours later, she said, LSAC restored access to her account and unlocked her exam”
ETS Response
ETS paused TOEFL and GRE tests in Iran due to U.S. sanctions.
“ETS has paused administration of the TOEFL and GRE tests within Iran effective immediately”
Sanctions Impact
Iranian students report losing future opportunities due to exam cancellations.
“Some of her friends in Iran, including highly qualified applicants like Bahar, need only an English-language certificate to secure spots at foreign universities”
Diaspora Challenges
Iranian diaspora faces similar barriers to academic testing.
“The problem we're seeing is called overcompliance, which is a recurring problem with sanctions”
Long-Term Effects
Iran's brain drain continues despite sanctions.
“April 2020 research found 3.1 million Iranians emigrated since 1979 revolution”
Student Frustration
Students feel trapped by sanctions and lack of options.
“Helpless and angry most of the time, this situation is completely out of our control”
U.S. Sanctions Goal
Trump administration aims to halt Iran's nuclear program through sanctions.
“The Iranian regime has chosen to prioritize its nuclear ambitions over the well-being of its people”
Sanctions Debate
Critics say sanctions harm civilians while failing to achieve diplomatic goals.
“The sanctions have imposed high economic and social costs on civilians”
Education Crisis
Iranian students face multiple barriers to international education.
“They are watching their future opportunities disappear in front of them”
What Happens Next
Students seek solutions through petitions and advocacy.
“By Thursday, it had drawn more than 7,400 signatures”
The essence
U.S. sanctions suspend TOEFL and LSAT access for Iranian students, halting international education opportunities.
