Iran education lags despite nominal budget gains
Iran’s educational system is under increasing strain as small increases in budget allocations and teacher salaries fail to catch up with chronic deficits.
![EUROPE-MIGRANTS/IRAN RTX2QSSN.jpg](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2019/03/RTX2QSSN.jpg/RTX2QSSN.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=2-ihL-ab)
Excluding spending for state-owned enterprises, the Iranian government’s proposed budget for the coming fiscal year (beginning March 21) is set at 4,700 trillion rials ($111.9 billion). The education budget, which covers the expenditures of elementary to upper secondary schools, amounts to 458 trillion rials ($10.9 billion).
While public spending has risen by 40% overall in the proposed budget, the educational system’s allocated resources have only increased by 28%. However, in comparison to other state entities, the increase in educational spending has been notable. Administration officials attribute the difference to President Hassan Rouhani's considerations for education.