Iran has seen a significant drop in foreign students attending its schools this year. The Interior Ministry reported that about 320,000 foreign students have registered for the 2025–2026 academic year, down from 700,000 last year. The decline follows the departure of nearly 280,000 Afghan students and their families under the government’s repatriation program.
Nader Yar-Ahmadi, head of the Bureau for Foreign Nationals and Immigrants Affairs at Iran’s Interior Ministry, announced the figures and highlighted ongoing efforts to support foreign students. He confirmed that coordination with the Ministry of Education ensures undocumented Afghan children still in Iran can continue their studies temporarily. He emphasized that President Pezeshkian ordered no student should be deprived of education.
Yar-Ahmadi explained that a temporary arrangement allows children from undocumented families to attend school while awaiting repatriation. He added that the ministry will contact eligible families directly, removing the need for them to apply in person. The National Police is collaborating with the Afghan Embassy to expedite passport issuance for these families.
The program prioritizes households with school-age children. Yar-Ahmadi stressed that Iran supports educating all children within its borders, even as authorities aim to reduce undocumented foreign residents to around three percent of the population, aligning with international norms.
Experts note that the repatriation and temporary schooling program could influence regional migration patterns. Providing education to Afghan children before their return may help them reintegrate into Afghanistan’s educational system. Officials also believe educating these children about their homeland encourages future contributions to rebuilding efforts.
Recent years have seen large Afghan migration waves to Iran due to conflict and instability. The current policy reflects Tehran’s attempt to balance humanitarian support with domestic population management. Authorities hope structured repatriation and temporary education will stabilize both Iranian schools and immigrant communities.
Looking ahead, the Interior Ministry plans to continue monitoring enrollment trends and repatriation progress. Coordination between law enforcement and educational authorities aims to ensure smooth transitions for students. Yar-Ahmadi concluded that the government remains committed to educating foreign students while managing immigration responsibly.
Foreign students in Iran face a unique combination of challenges and support measures this year. Their enrollment patterns reflect broader demographic, social, and policy shifts affecting the country.