Underprivileged gifted students to study tuition-free at NODET schools
Gifted Iranian students from low-income groups will now have the opportunity to study for free at NODET schools.
The Iranian Minister of Education announced that the government would cover registration fees for exceptional students, who come from low-income backgrounds, in the National Organization for Development of Exceptional Talents (NODET) schools, according to ISNA.
The resolution was passed by the Council of Ministers and will take effect in the new academic year.
The decision to provide financial assistance for registration and education expenses aims to support talented individuals from disadvantaged families. Minister of Education Reza-Morad Sahraie confirmed this initiative during a government meeting on August 2, 2023. He emphasized that these students would not be charged any tuition fees, as the government would cover all their costs.
The plan also extends to current NODET school students. However, due to unexpected credit issues, their tuition fees will fall under what is referred to as the “President’s Special Gift” category, and will be paid accordingly.
To ensure its swift implementation, a notification regarding financial support for underprivileged gifted students was promptly delivered to Iran’s Planning and Budget Organization within one week.
Funds dedicated specifically towards assisting gifted students from families in lower income brackets attending NODET schools will be allocated through approved credit facilities. The Ministry of Education and NODET will receive the necessary funding via the president’s scholarship programs.
Furthermore, an approval letter issued by the Board of Ministers highlighted that this initiative aims to remove barriers faced by talented students from low-income families when pursuing studies at NODET schools. By encouraging them to participate in entrance exams at such institutions, adequate funding provided through relevant approved credit facilities allocated towards Ministry of Education as well as NODET will cover registration fees and educational aid.
Additionally, cooperation between NODET and Imam Khomeini Relief Committee has facilitated enrollment processes for supported students, resulting in increased attendance rates among relief committee beneficiaries at these schools. This resolution ensures that supported students no longer have to worry about paying their education expenses at these institutions.
On August 5, the results for seventh and tenth-grade exams at NODET schools were announced. This year’s entrance exams saw a total of 294,300 individuals participating across both grades.