President Trump's latest sanctions against Iran have canceled English proficiency and graduate exams that students rely on to study abroad. The Educational Testing Service suspended TOEFL and GRE testing for Iranians. The Duolingo English Test also halted services for anyone with Iranian citizenship.

These cancellations penalize Iranians eager to foster relationships with the outside world. Iranian students described a growing sense of despair. Shahrzad, 28, said the right to dream of a better life has been taken away.

She and her husband prepared for 43 nights for the TOEFL exam, hoping to study in Europe. The Trump administration expanded sanctions aiming to further isolate Iran. Previous sanctions offered exemptions for educational exchange, but new measures suspended General License G.

Kirsten Mitchell of the Educational Testing Service said Iranians could travel abroad for testing. A Duolingo spokeswoman confirmed the cancellation was required due to new measures beginning Sept. 1. Treasury officials did not immediately comment.

On Telegram, panicked students organized letter-writing campaigns to restore exam offerings. The cancellations are the latest hurdles for Iranian students. Amir, a civil engineer from Mashhad, faced barriers from a 2025 travel ban and international banking restrictions.

These actions deepen the isolation of Iranians seeking education abroad despite economic hardship at home.