Under the rule of the Islamic theocracy in Iran since 1979 revolution, the status of science and education has been dramatically affected in the country. In particular, following the so-called Iranian Cultural Revolution and Islamization of universities after a shutdown period, the quality of science and technology required for development dropped significantly but has since been revived, so much so that Iran ranked 40th in science production and first in scientific growth in the world in 2011.
Exclusion of students
Religious
Students of some minority religions have been barred from entering tertiary education institutions in Iran, particularly those of the Baha'i Faith. Since the Iranian Revolution of 1979 Baha'i students have been excluded from universities regardless of their national university examination results on basis of their religion. See Bahá'í Institute for Higher Education.
Gender-based
Additionally, in August 2012, 36 universities declared that 77 BA and BSc courses in 2012-2012 academic year would be "single gender" and effectively exclusive to men, limiting the options of female undergraduate students.