The Dark Side of Degree Seeking in Iran: How Political Reality and Socioeconomic Pressure are Undermining the Quality of Education

In Iran, there has been a significant increase in degree seeking among students, driven by socioeconomic pressures and political realities. This trend reflects underlying systemic issues within the country’s educational system. While education is highly valued in Iranian society, the pursuit of degrees has become intertwined with political biases and censorship, undermining the quality and relevance of education.

The proliferation of online platforms offering fraudulent academic services has become a growing concern in Iran. These platforms target individuals looking for shortcuts to academic credentials and take advantage of loopholes in the system, undermining the credibility of educational qualifications. The legal deputy of the Ministry of Science in Iran has announced plans to shut down 10 institutions involved in the sale of these documents, including most that operate through illegal online platforms.

The competition for limited opportunities in higher education and the job market is a key driver behind the surge in degree seeking in Iran. With a large youth population and limited employment prospects, obtaining a degree is often seen as essential for securing stable employment and socioeconomic advancement. However, this pressure has led to a culture of degree seeking that prioritizes credentials over genuine learning.