NAFSA`s Online Guide to Educational Systems of Iran

IRAN
Compiled by:
Jasmin Saidi-Kuehnert
Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute
August 2016
About NAFSA
NAFSA: Association of International Educators is the largest association of professionals committed exclusively
to advancing international higher education. The association provides leadership to its diverse constituencies
through establishing principles of good practice and providing professional development opportunities. NAFSA
encourages networking among professionals, convenes conferences and collaborative dialogues, and
promotes research and knowledge creation to strengthen and serve the field. We lead the way in advocating for
a better world through international education. For more information about NAFSA, visit www.nafsa.org.
Notice of Liability
The information in these documents is distributed on an “As is” basis, without warranty. While every precaution
has been taken in the preparation of each document, neither the submitter(s) nor NAFSA shall have any liability
to any persons nor entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or
indirectly by the information contained in any of these documents. Information about each country was current
at the time of upload. Education systems change periodically and updates will be written to reflect significant
changes, once known. Please note that while NAFSA periodically verified the Web site links included in these ePublications, NAFSA cannot guarantee that every link will be current at the time of download.
Acceptable Use Guidelines
Electronic resources are provided for the benefit of the international education community. However,
commercial use, systematic or excessive downloading, or electronic redistribution of these publications are all
expressly prohibited.
© 2016 NAFSA: Association of International Educators. All rights reserved.
NAFSA Guide to Educational Systems Around the World
1
Instructions for Using the NAFSA Guide to
Educational Systems Around the World
These documents are updates to those included in the 1999 publication A Guide to Educational Systems
Around the World (which was an update to The Handbook on the Placement of Foreign Graduate
Students, published in 1990 and colloquially known as the “Graduate Handbook.”)
It is important to note that these documents do not replace either of the earlier publications, which
should be used for credentials issued prior to 1999, the period those publications cover.
Readers familiar with the original version of A Guide to Educational Systems Around the World will note
that these updates use the same format:
1. Each of these publications provides lists of credentials and other data that can be used both for
undergraduate and graduate admissions.
2. "Advice for admissions officers" is intentionally not provided. We have attempted to avoid all
types of subjective interpretation, relying instead on objective data. Users of these updates
should use the information provided in conjunction with other resources to determine their own
placement recommendations and possibility of transfer credit. For questions about credentials
visit the Admission and Credential Evaluation Network:
http://www.nafsa.org/Connect_and_Network/Networking_with_NAFSA/Professional_Networks/I
EM_KC/International_Enrollment_Management_Knowledge_Community/.
Please note that these updates should be supplemented by additional written materials that describe
complete foreign educational systems, including data on specific institutions, and by professional training
in the theory and practice of credential evaluation. Many of these resources are available from NAFSA,
either as printed publications or on-line. The need for institution support for budgetary resources and
training for undergraduate and graduate admissions personnel remains important, regardless of the
increased availability of resources on the Web.
These publications were compiled by many authors using a standardized template and style. Although
minor variations among entries do occur, the basic guidelines are explained as follows:
Educational Ladder
The year or half-year at which a credential is awarded is the point at which the corresponding credential
letter is placed. In the example above, credential A is awarded after the 9th year of education. Note that
the corresponding letter is placed directly below the number 9.
All normal possibilities of the total number of years of education that a credential might require are
indicated on the ladder. This occurs for credential B, in which the credential can be awarded after either
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NAFSA Guide to Educational Systems Around the World
12 or 13 total years of education. An explanation is provided in the description of the credential whenever
a letter appears on the ladder more than once. There are a few cases when this multiple-listing style was
not used; in these cases, there are explanatory comments.
An arrow () is used after a credential letter in cases where no maximum length of study for a particular
program is specified, or where the study time is open-ended. For example, a doctor of philosophy degree
program may require a minimum of three years of enrollment. The corresponding credential letter with an
arrow will appear under the minimum number of total years of education required to earn the Ph.D.
Explanations About Documents
Credentials are divided into two categories: secondary and postsecondary. The decision to include the
credential under one or the other category is not a subjective one—a credential is determined to be either
secondary or postsecondary according to its designation by the country of origin, regardless of how
individual institutions might perceive the level (and recommend transfer credit).
Numerical endnotes, placed directly after the complete list of credentials, are used when a lengthy
explanation about a credential is necessary.
Foreign Terms and Words
Foreign terms are used whenever possible, and are translated literally, in most cases. Literal translations
are used to avoid subjectivity. We have attempted to be consistent with translations across languages,
though readers may notice some differences between countries because of preferences indicated by the
submitters. Credential evaluators and admissions personnel should always rely on official foreign
language documents, using translations only as guides.
Grading lnformation
Only the most common grading scales used in each country are listed. Evaluators understand that
variations in grading are common and that one should always consult the grading information that may be
provided on official transcripts. Rather than making grade equivalency statements, the submitter(s) of the
update provided information regarding grading practices within the countries.
NAFSA Guide to Educational Systems Around the World
3
IRAN
YEARS OF EDUCATION →
1
1→6 │
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
7 │ 8 │ 9 │ 10 │ 11 │ 12 │ 13 │ 14 │ 15 │ 16 │ 17 │18 │ 19 │ 20 │ 21 │22 │ 23 │24
A A1 B1 C
D
E F
E
J
K→ K→ K
A2
F1→ I
B
G
H
CREDENTIALS OR DOCUMENTATION
Secondary
A
A1
4
Diplom (Diploma) (post-Reform Act of 1990) also known as Certificate of Completion of
Secondary Study: awarded upon completion of 11 years of education (five years of
primary school, three years of lower secondary [junior high] and two years of higher
secondary [senior high]); holders of the Diplom cannot continue studies at the university
level but may seek employment. (Note: Graduates are required to pass the final/national
external examination administered by the Ministry of Education but are not eligible for
admission to universities and four-year bachelor degree direct admission. Although it
terminates at the 11th year, this gives access to the two-year kardani programs at nonuniversity but postsecondary institutes of higher education.
Diplom (Diploma) (pre-Reform Act of 1990) also known as Certificate of Completion of
Secondary Study: awarded upon completion of 12 years of education (five years of
primary school, three years of lower secondary [junior high], and four years of higher
secondary [senior high]).
NAFSA Guide to Educational Systems Around the World
A2
B
B1
Diplom (Diploma) (post-Reform Act of 2014/15) also known as Certificate of Completion
of Secondary Study: awarded upon completion of 12 years of education (five years of
primary school, three years of lower secondary [junior high], and four years of higher
secondary [senior high]).
Pre-University Year (Peesh-daneshgahi) (pre-Reform Act of 2014/15) or fourth year of
high school. (Note: Completion of the Pre-University Year, participation in the National
Entrance Examination (Concours), and personal interview to ensure that moral-ethical
and religious standards are met, are required for admission to first cycle of university
degree programs.)
Pre-University Year (Peesh-daneshgahi) (post-Reform Act of 2014/15) or 13th year of
high school. (Note: Completion of the Pre-University Year, participation in the National
Entrance Examination (Concours), and personal interview to ensure that moral-ethical
and religious standards are met, are required for admission to first cycle of university
degree programs. No advanced standing credit is granted for the Pre-University Year.)
Postsecondary
C
D
E
F
F1
G
H
I
J
K
Kardani (Higher Diploma), formerly known as Foghé Diplome: awarded by some
universities, higher education institutions, and technical institutions upon completion of a
minimum of two years of education and 70–74 credits, after credential A/A1/A2/ B/B2.
Karshenasi (formerly known as Licence, usually translated as Bachelor’s degree): prior
to 1964, it was awarded after three years of study. Since 1964, it requires a minimum of
four years of education and 140–148 credits after credential A1/A2/B/B1 or two years
after credential C.
Doctoraie-Daroosazi (Doctor of Pharmacy): five-year professional degree after
credential A1/A2/B/B1.
Karshenasi-Arshad-napeyvasteh (formerly known as Foghé Licence, usually
translated as Master’s degree): awarded upon completion of two years of study (32–36
units) by coursework and some research, after credential D.
Karshenasi-Arshad Memari-peyvasteh (continuous integrated bachelor and master
degree in Architecture): requires six to six-and-a-half years of study after credential
A1/A2/B/B1.
Doctoraie-Dandanpezeshki (Doctor of Dental Surgery): six-year professional degree
after credential A1/A2/B/B1.
Doctoraie-Dampezeshki (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine): six-year professional
degree after credential A1/A2/B/B1.
Doctoraie-Pezeshki (Doctor of Medicine): seven-year professional degree after
credential A1/A2/B/B1.
Doctoraie-Modeeriate Kasb-o-Kar (Doctor of Business Administration/DBA):
awarded upon completion of two years of study after credential F.
Doctora (Doctorate): minimum of three years, maximum of six, following credential F;
requires completion of 60 units and a thesis.
Note: The Ministry of Justice translators in Iran will translate Iranian degrees into English as:
AA/AS, BA/BS, MA/MS, Ph.D. and/or Doctor of Medicine/Pharmacy/ Veterinary
Medicine/Dentistry, etc.
NAFSA Guide to Educational Systems Around the World
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GRADING SCALE
Secondary
Numeric
17–20
15–16
12–14
10–11
0–9
Minimum passing grade is 10
Failure
Numeric
16.0–20.0
14.0–15.9
12.0–13.9
10.0–11.9
Below 10.0
Minimum passing grade is 10
Failure
Total year average is calculated by adding the sum of the first term of study, the sum of the
second term, and the sum of the third term June Examination grades, multiplying by two, and
dividing the total by four.
Postsecondary Education
The 20 point scale (with 10 as minimum passing grade) used by secondary schools is also used
by some postsecondary institutions. Other postsecondary institutions use a 20-point scale with
13 as minimum passing.
20-point scale with 13 as minimum passing
18–20
15–17.9
13–14.9
Below 13
Failure
Letter grade equivalents for university studies are:
A = 17–20
B = 14–16.9
C = 12–13.9
D = 10–11.9
F = 0–9.9
Alternate scale for university studies:
A = 4.00
B = 3.00
C = 2.00
D = 1.00
F = 0.00
The minimum passing grade for a course credit unit at the undergraduate level is 10, at the
graduate level it is 12, and at the doctorate level it is 14. A grade point average (GPA) of 12 in
undergraduate programs and 14 in graduate programs is required for graduation.
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NAFSA Guide to Educational Systems Around the World
POSTSECONDARY INSTITUTION RECOGNITION BODY
Ministry of Culture and Higher Education
Africa Ave, Golpham Street #1, Tehran, Iran
Phone: 9821 204-3600
Fax: 9821 205-0338
RESOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
www.anabin.de – German language website with an extensive list of Iranian higher educational
institutions.
Arani, Madandar Arani, Lida Kakia, and Vajeha Karimi. September 2012 “Assessment in
Education in Iran.” SA-eDUC Journal 9, 2.
Baha’I Institute of Higher Education
www.bihe.org
Bellen, William. “The Educational System of Iran.” NAFSA Region X presentation, 2012. ECE
Presents.
Bellin, William. 2015. The Islamic Republic of Iran: Its Educational System and Methods of
Evaluation Parts I-III. Milwaukee, WI: Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.,
Education for All 2015 National Review Report: Islamic Republic of Iran.
http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0022/002297/229715E.pdf
EP-Nuffic. 2015. Education System: Iran.
https://www.epnuffic.nl/en/publications/find-a-publication/education-system-iran.pdf
Feagles, Shelley M., ed. 1999. A Guide to Educational Systems Around The World.
Washington, D.C.: NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
Hazari, Samira. “What Does School Education Look Like in Iran?” Voices. British Council. April
21, 2015.
https://www.britishcouncil.org/voices-magazine/what-does-school-education-look-iran
Iran, Australian AEI-NOOSR Country Profiles, 2014.
Iran Chamber Society. 2016. Education in Iran: The Iranian Educational System.
http://www.iranchamber.com/education/articles/educational_system.php
Kamyab, Shahrzad. “Education in Iran: An Overview.” College and University Journal 79, 4:57.
Ministry of Culture and Higher Education
Department of Statistics and Information
Africa Ave, Golpham Street #1, Tehran, Iran
Phone: 9821 204-3600
Fax: 9821 205-0338
NAFSA Guide to Educational Systems Around the World
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Ministry of Education
http://oerp.medu.ir
Ministry of Science, Research and Technology
http:///www.msrt.ir/fa/pages/Home.aspx
UNESCO – World Academic Database
www.unesco.org/iau/educir.html
World Education News and Reviews. 2013. “Education in Iran.” World Education News and
Reviews.
http://wenr.wes.org/2013/04/wenr-april-2013-an-overview-of-education-in-iran
Compiled by:
Jasmin Saidi-Kuehnert
Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute
August 2016
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NAFSA Guide to Educational Systems Around the World