Educational Testing Service (ETS), the administrator of the international TOEFL and GRE examinations, announced the “immediate” suspension of both tests in Iran following the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s suspension of a key sanctions exemption, a decision that further complicates the path for Iranian applicants seeking admission to foreign universities.
In a statement responding to an inquiry from Euronews, ETS confirmed: “Following the suspension of General License G by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), ETS has immediately suspended TOEFL and GRE testing operations in Iran.”
The organization cited “strict compliance with U.S. sanctions laws” as the rationale behind its decision, adding that affected candidates would be contacted directly. ETS also noted that it is currently evaluating the scope and duration of these restrictions, as well as potential avenues for resuming services.
The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) serves as a standardized admissions requirement for numerous graduate programs, particularly at American universities. Its suspension, alongside that of TOEFL, narrows the remaining options for Iranian students pursuing higher education abroad.
OFAC suspended “General License G” on August 24. Established in 2014, the license had exempted a range of educational and academic services provided by U.S. entities and individuals to Iranians from primary sanctions.
