Iranian students hold protests in some 20 provinces over exam changes; some met with arrests, violence

Iranian high school students have been holding mass protests in around 20 different provinces, the opposition-affiliated Iran International says in a report, adding that some demonstrations have been met with violence and arrests from authorities.

The report says the protests began in late May, and stem from anger over changes to exam scheduling and rules, which students say could negatively affect their chances of admission to universities.

Protests have since taken place in the major cities of Tehran and Isfahan, as well as the provinces of West Azarbaijan, Khuzestan, Zanjan, Sistan and Baluchestan, Fars, Qazvin, Qom, Lorestan, Yazd, and nearly a dozen others, the report says.

In clashes in Yazd, several student protesters were injured, the outlet adds. At least one was arrested in Qom, it says.

A video sent to the opposition outlet shows students in Tehran gathering outside government buildings, chanting: “Justice, education, our undeniable right.”

Students held protests in about 15 provinces across Iran on Saturday, according to videos received by Iran International. In Isfahan, students protested against in-person exams and chanted slogans including “Shout it out, shout it out — shout your rights.” pic.twitter.com/jXU8pfbJSI

— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) June 6, 2026