US Treasury Department halts TOEFL and GRE testing in Iran

Source published 1h 22m agoTerminal published 1h 21m ago

Summary

Iranian applicants are increasingly resorting to expensive overseas trips and alternative examinations as access to international tests has significantly diminished, largely due to US Treasury sanctions that halted TOEFL and GRE testing within Iran on August 24, 2026. This situation has compounded existing challenges such as internet disruptions and payment restrictions, forcing many test-takers to rely on travel to countries like Armenia and Turkey for their exams. Moreover, with the suspension of PTE and Duolingo tests impacting test preparation, candidates have faced canceled exams and the urgent need to switch to alternatives like IELTS, which also requires travel abroad since domestic testing ceased earlier this year. Economic pressures are further exacerbated by the falling value of the rial, making these exam trips a financial burden on applicants striving to study or work internationally.

Analysis

GRE: The GRE is a standardized graduate admissions test assessing verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills. Its administration in Iran ceased following the US Treasury Department's suspension of educational service authorizations. Homa: Homa is an Iranian language teacher who described the immediate effects of canceled exams on students, including emotional distress and disrupted preparation timelines in northern provinces. TOEFL: TOEFL is a standardized English-language proficiency test administered by ETS and required for many international university admissions and visas. Testing inside Iran ended after the US Treasury Department's recent suspension of relevant authorizations. Tabassom: Tabassom is an Iranian applicant who spent months preparing for the PTE exam as part of plans for an Australian work visa. She now expects to switch to IELTS due to testing restrictions and restart specialized preparation. US Treasury Department: The US Treasury Department oversees US economic policy, sanctions enforcement, and licensing for international financial transactions. Its suspension of an authorization covering certain educational services involving Iran directly halted TOEFL and GRE testing inside the country. Sanctions Impact: US Treasury actions have restricted access to major US-administered standardized tests for Iranians pursuing international education or employment. Domestic Challenges: Existing infrastructure issues such as internet disruptions and payment restrictions are amplifying the difficulties for test-takers seeking to study or work abroad. Testing Alternatives: Applicants are shifting toward non-US exams like IELTS or traveling to nearby countries for testing, while facing preparation setbacks from prior study investments.

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Analysis

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