Subject: Consideration for Applicants Based in Iran

Dear Admission Office Team,

I am an Iranian ….. at …. and would like to highlight a situation that may affect applicants currently based in Iran. Due to widespread unrest and an ongoing crisis that has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, there have been significant blackout on internet and communication services since 8 January 2026. There is no access to email, online systems, and virtual meetings, which stop applicants’ ability to respond or complete required steps on time.

I kindly ask that this context be taken into account during application reviews and follow ups. If any applicants miss an interview, are unable to respond to emails, or face delays related to fees, or sending documents, I hope they can be supported with flexibility and understanding.

Also, many self funded students are experiencing both financial pressure and considerable mental stress under the current circumstances, and any consideration would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your understanding in this difficult time.

Best regards,
[….]

ایمیل به ETS و IELTS
برای ایرانیانی که امتحاناشون نزذیکه یا ممکنه از دست داده باشن:

To:

ielts@britishcouncil.org
exams@britishcouncil.org
ielts@idp.com
toefl@ets.org
tsreturns@ets.org
testsecurity@ets.org
gre-info@ets.org


Subject:
Urgent Request: Exam Access and Emergency Accommodations for Iranian Test Takers


Dear Sir or Madam,

We are writing to you as Iranian academics and researchers based outside Iran, deeply concerned about the current situation affecting Iranian students and test takers.

Since 8 January, the Iranian authorities have imposed a severe internet shutdown across the country. At the same time, nationwide protests have been met with extreme state violence, resulting in the killing of thousands of people. Countless families are grieving, and many students are living under intense psychological distress, fear, and instability.

In this context, a large number of Iranian candidates are facing serious and insurmountable difficulties in registering for, accessing, or attending international English proficiency exams such as IELTS and TOEFL. Many candidates are unable to access official websites, cannot reschedule or cancel exams, cannot modify test dates, and in some cases are being financially penalised, despite these circumstances being entirely beyond their control.

For Iranian students, these exams are not optional. They are critical for university admissions, scholarships, visas, and the continuation of academic careers. The current lack of flexibility effectively excludes thousands of qualified students from education and international mobility at a moment of national crisis.

We respectfully urge your organisation to implement urgent emergency measures, including but not limited to:

• Free rescheduling or test date changes without penalties
• Temporary fee waivers or refunds for affected Iranian candidates
• Official acknowledgement of restricted access from Iran


This is a matter of educational equity and academic responsibility. Iranian students should not be academically or financially punished for political repression, violence, and infrastructure shutdowns imposed upon them.

We kindly ask you to publicly address this issue and clearly communicate any measures you are willing to take to support affected candidates.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
[Your affiliation or “Independent researcher / student”]
[Country of residence