Students and high schoolers across Iran held concurrent protests over changes to education policies and university admissions rules, spreading to around 20 provinces. Demonstrations intensified after students said alterations to exam scheduling and grading practices would reduce their chances of entering universities.

Protests that began in late May initially focused on how final exams were being held. They then broadened into a wider demand that the fixed weighting of 11th-grade GPA scores on the national university entrance exam be cancelled—or at minimum changed so it does not negatively affect results.

Videos and reports described students chanting slogans outside education offices and government-related institutions in cities including Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, and others. In Tehran, students gathered near key cultural-education bodies and called for changes they said were required to ensure fairness in admissions. In other locations, students staged rallies outside provincial education directorates and related offices.

Some protests were met with violence and arrests, according to reports, including injuries reported in certain provincial clashes. Students also said uncertainty and repeated changes to rules have created psychological pressure, arguing that they are already dealing with disruptions to education and now face further instability in admissions decisions.

Observers and outlets framed the unrest as part of broader dissatisfaction among younger Iranians with education governance during a period of heightened control and restrictions, while the demonstrations centered specifically on academic policy and access to higher education.