Amol University of Special Modern Technologies

Grading System In Iranian Higher Education

Grading System In Iranian Higher Education

Structure
In Iran, higher education is offered through a variety of institutions, including universities, technological universities, medical universities, vocational training centers, teacher training colleges, and private institutions across the country. These institutions are overseen by the Iranian Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (MSRT), the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MHME), and the Islamic Azad University system.
Institutes of Technology provide two-year post-secondary programs that culminate in an "associate degree." Universities offer four-year programs leading to a bachelor's degree, and all universities operate on a credit and semester system. A typical BA or BSc program requires between 130 to 140 semester hours of credit to complete, with at least 60 credits dedicated to specialized subjects. Engineering degrees, in particular, require a minimum of 140 credits. Students have the option to complete their BA/BSc program either as a non-continuous program, earning an associate degree after two years and 67-72 credits, or as a continuous program, completing their studies after four years.
Upon finishing a BA/BSc program, students with satisfactory grades are eligible to take entrance examinations for admission into postgraduate programs. The non-continuous MA/MSc program (Master's degree) typically takes two to two and a half years to complete. It requires 32 to 36 credits and can be finished through either coursework or research. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees can be earned with a minimum of three years of study following the completion of an MA/MSc degree. Students must pass a comprehensive examination before advancing to the research and dissertation phase of their doctoral program.
Admission
Admission to higher education in Iran necessitates the completion of upper secondary school, a one-year university preparatory program, and passing the National University Entrance Examination. For postgraduate studies, applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree with good grades and passed a competitive examination.
The duration of study varies by level and program:
1- Associate programs: 2 years
 2- Bachelor's programs: 2-4 years
3- Non-continuous MA/MSc programs: 2 years
 4- Doctorate programs: A minimum of 3 years, following the completion of non-continuous MA/MSc programs.
Grading Scale
In Iran, the grading system for academic performance is based on a scale from 0 to 20, with 10 being the minimum passing grade at the undergraduate level. However, for master's programs, the minimum passing grade is raised to 12, and students are required to maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 14 in order to graduate.
At the doctoral level, the standards are even higher. The minimum passing grade for individual courses is set at 14, and to earn a doctoral degree, students must achieve and maintain a GPA of 15. This stringent grading system ensures that those who complete higher levels of education in Iran have demonstrated a high level of academic proficiency and rigor.
Comparison Between European/US And Iranian Scales
  • European & US Scale:A+ Iranian Scale: 18.00 - 20.00
  • European & US Scale:A Iranian Scale: 16.00 - 17.99
  • European & US Scale:B Iranian Scale: 14.00 - 15.99
  • European & US Scale:C Iranian Scale: 12.00 - 13.99
  • European & US Scale:D Iranian Scale: 10.00 - 11.99
  • European & US Scale:F Iranian Scale: 0.00 - 9.99