Iran’s Back-to-School Crisis: Education Transformed from a Right to a Privilege

As the school year begins, the rising costs of education in Iran have turned it into a luxury, leading to a distressing situation for many families. Soaring tuition fees, increasing costs of supplies, and mandatory donations have forced hundreds of thousands of children out of school, creating a crisis in the education sector.

Less than two weeks before the start of the new school year, the excitement that typically surrounds this time has been overshadowed by anxiety and financial pressure. Despite the regime’s constitution formally guaranteeing free education, families are grappling with costs that exceed their financial capabilities.

Private school tuition has skyrocketed, with some institutions charging between 200 to 300 million tomans per year. Even public schools, which were once considered free, are now imposing compulsory fees disguised as “contributions.” This leaves parents with little choice but to pay or forgo their child’s education. School administrators have been known to openly state that registration will not be finalized until these required payments are made.

The Heavy Price of “Free” Public Education

Estimates suggest that the minimum cost of sending one child to school in 2025 is around 10 million tomans, roughly equivalent to a full month’s salary for a minimum-wage worker. This figure encompasses various expenses, including:

• Tuition: Basic education fees.
• Transportation: Costs associated with commuting to school.
• Uniforms: Required clothing for school attendance.
• School Supplies: Essential materials for learning.

The stark contrast between the official promise of free education and the harsh reality underscores the growing inequality in the country.

School Transportation and Regional Inequality

Transportation costs have also become a significant financial burden for families. Last year, the average cost of school buses ranged from 20 to 25 million tomans. However, this year, prices have surged to between 30 to 40 million tomans, with some routes costing even more. Although authorities officially approved a 36.8% increase for transportation fees, many parents report that actual charges far exceed these rates.

The disparities in transportation costs are particularly striking in Tehran. Families in the wealthier northern districts face transportation fees that can equal public school tuition, while those in poorer southern districts, although paying slightly lower fees, still struggle considerably relative to their household incomes. Consequently, many families are compelled to abandon school bus services, leaving children without reliable means of attending classes.

Rising Costs of Supplies and Daily Necessities

In addition to tuition and transportation, families must also contend with steep increases in essential school supplies:

• Uniforms: Prices for girls’ uniforms have soared from 750,000 tomans last year to as high as 1.4 million tomans this year.
• Backpacks: Costs range from 1.5 million tomans for basic models to 14 million tomans for brand-name products.
• Shoes: Prices vary from a few million tomans for basic models to significantly higher amounts for durable or branded shoes.
• Stationery: A basic set of school supplies now costs between 3 and 4 million tomans. Even simple items like a pack of pencils or a notebook have become symbols of economic disparity.

According to reports, even the most affordable supplies—such as a six-pack of red pencils costing 87,000 tomans or a simple 100-page notebook for 68,000 tomans—are increasingly unaffordable for many families. Additionally, parents must budget for daily school snacks, which now cost between 100,000 to 150,000 tomans per child per day, adding a substantial monthly burden.

Education as a Class Privilege

Observers point out that education in Iran has evolved into a privilege based on socio-economic status. Wealthier families have access to private schools and luxury supplies, while poorer households struggle to afford even the most basic items. This economic divide has led to a dramatic increase in school dropouts, a trend reflected in official statistics.

Families in disadvantaged regions bear the heaviest burden. For many girls, dropping out of school often leads to early marriage, while boys are pushed into low-paying jobs, perpetuating cycles of poverty and deprivation.

A System that Reproduces Poverty

Article 30 of the Iranian constitution guarantees free education for all. However, the reality is that the regime has not only neglected this obligation but has also facilitated the commercialization of education. What was once a universal right has become a privilege reserved for the affluent, resulting in an educational system that perpetuates inequality and jeopardizes the future of an entire generation.

As the back-to-school season unfolds, many Iranian children find themselves unable to access classrooms—not due to a lack of desire to learn, but because of the overwhelming economic pressures imposed by the current regime.