Threatening the Future of an Entire Nation
 Is It Fair to Deny an Entire Nation Access to Education?

To: Pearson Professional Assessments, the U.S. Administration, and the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)

We, the undersigned Iranian students, professionals, educators, and PTE candidates, respectfully urge the relevant authorities to reconsider the recent restriction preventing candidates who are residents of Iran from scheduling or taking the PTE Academic examination outside Iran unless they can provide proof of primary residence outside Iran.

It is deeply unfair to prevent an entire nation from accessing educational opportunities. Pearson and the examinations provided by this organisation have no connection to the government under sanctions, and such restrictions create an unnecessary barrier to education, immigration, professional development, and future opportunities.

We understand that this decision follows regulatory requirements and the suspension of General License G. However, we respectfully ask the U.S. and Pearson authorities to reconsider whether there are legally permissible alternatives that would allow Iranian residents to take the PTE Academic examination at authorised test centres in other countries.

For many Iranian candidates, PTE Academic is an essential requirement for university admission, immigration, professional registration, employment, and other international opportunities. These candidates must be fully prepared to travel to another country, cover the examination and travel costs, and comply with all identification and security requirements, yet they are now unable to sit the examination simply because their primary residence remains in Iran.

We respectfully request that Pearson:

• Allow Iranian residents to take PTE Academic at authorised test centres outside Iran, where legally permissible.
• Reconsider the requirement that candidates must demonstrate primary residence outside Iran.
• Explore all available legal and regulatory options that could enable Iranian residents to access PTE Academic internationally.
• Provide clear and transparent information regarding the specific requirements affecting Iranian candidates.
• Consider reasonable solutions for candidates whose existing examination bookings have been cancelled as a result of this policy.
• Take into consideration the significant academic, professional, financial, and personal consequences this restriction creates for Iranian candidates.

We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for a fair and legally permissible way for Iranian residents to demonstrate their English proficiency and pursue their academic and professional futures.

Please reconsider this policy and help Iranian candidates maintain access to PTE Academic.