Overview of the General Education System

The history of education in Iran dates to ancient times, with roots in the Achaemenid Empire (c. 550–330 BCE). Formal education was established in the form of "sorcery schools" and later evolved into various institutions, including Zoroastrian religious schools.

During the Islamic period, particularly from the 9th century onward, the establishment of madrasas became significant, emphasizing religious and philosophical studies. The Safavid dynasty (1501–1736) further advanced education, promoting Shia Islam and fostering the creation of schools.

In the 19th century, Western influence led to reforms and the establishment of modern educational institutions, culminating in the 20th century with the adoption of a more secular education system. Today, Iran has a diverse educational landscape that incorporates both traditional and modern.

Elementary and Secondary Education in Iran is overseen by the Ministry of Education. This Ministry is responsible for educational planning, financing, administration, curriculum and textbook development. Teacher training, grading and examinations are also the responsibility of the Ministry of Education. However, higher education in Iran is overseen by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology. This ministry also administers higher education institutions, approving study programs, accrediting universities, and managing the country’s overall science and technology policy, including research and development initiatives across various fields outside of medical education. The Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) has executive responsibility for health and medical education within the Iranian government.

Education is compulsory and accessible for all children between the ages of 6 and 12. Currently primary education lasts 6 years, followed by 6 years of secondary education. Secondary education has two phases: lower secondary education and upper secondary education. Lower secondary includes grades 7, 8 and 9, concluded with exams for a Certificate of general education. Upper secondary includes grades 10, 11 and 12, concluded with exams for a Certificate of completion of upper secondary school studies. There are three types of Certificates of completion of upper secondary school studies, based on the program that the students must choose: theoretical, technical and vocational, and work and knowledge.

The Certificate of Completion of upper secondary school studies -theoretical pays a lot of attention to theory. Students who finish lower secondary education with good results usually choose this path in upper secondary level, which provides access to higher education and participation in Konkour (University entrance examination). The upper secondary education diploma with the technical and vocational program focuses on technical and practical subjects, such as electricity or mechanical engineering. This diploma provides access to profession-oriented associate degree programs via a specialized entrance examination. The certificate of upper secondary school studies- work & knowledge, focuses mainly on practice and students prepare themselves for a profession, for example in agriculture. This certificate provides access to profession-oriented associate degree programs.

Iran’s education system has gone through changes and reform. Before 2019, all students in upper secondary school took exams for a certificate of completion of secondary school studies after 3 years. After passing the certificate of completion of secondary school studies, students could study for a Pre-university certificate for 1 year. This was not compulsory for everyone, but to continue higher education, i.e. sitting for the Iranian University Entrance Exam, simply known as Konkour, was a requirement. Konkour is a standardized test used as one of the means to gain admission to higher education in Iran.

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