Iran, Islamic Rep.
Last updated May 3, 2026
Composite GEFRI Score
Emerging readiness
Iran, Islamic Rep. demonstrates early-stage readiness to meet the challenges and opportunities of education in a rapidly changing world (49th percentile worldwide). Investments are generating initial gains, yet substantial gaps persist in several dimensions. Higher scores indicate a system that is better prepared to anticipate and shape the future of learning.
- Global percentile
- 49th
- Global rank
- #92
- Regional rank
- #12
- Viewing data for
Country profile
Iran, Islamic Rep. trails global peers in Governance (20, 10th percentile). A coordinated reform effort is needed to strengthen education futures readiness.
All or most indicators are based on observed data, giving planners a dependable evidence base for decisions. Uneven scores across dimensions highlight areas that need targeted coordination. High internet adoption enables broad participation in digital learning and innovation. Adult literacy gaps reduce the diffusion of knowledge needed for future-ready skills.
R&D investment remains modest, affecting long-term innovation potential. Policy execution and regulatory capacity remain weak, leaving reforms fragmented and hard to sustain. Gender parity across secondary pathways reflects sustained commitment to equitable participation.
Regionally, Governance lags peers the most, signalling where investment could have the highest impact.
Key insights
- Places 92nd worldwide.
- Holds a regional position of 12th within Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan.
- Scores range from Infrastructure (68.3) to Governance (20.3), reflecting variation across dimensions.
- Trails regional peers most clearly in Governance.
Regional peers: Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan
Composite GEFRI Score
| Global rank | Regional rank | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 1 | Israel | 75.23 |
| 34 | 2 | United Arab Emirates | 69.71 |
| 39 | 3 | Malta | 64.21 |
| 40 | 4 | Saudi Arabia | 63.55 |
| 54 | 5 | Qatar | 60.46 |
| 61 | 6 | Bahrain | 58.25 |
| 62 | 7 | Kuwait | 58.12 |
| 65 | 8 | Jordan | 57.78 |
| 72 | 9 | Oman | 56.69 |
| 81 | 10 | Morocco | 53.73 |
| 87 | 11 | Tunisia | 51.97 |
| 92 | 12 | Iran, Islamic Rep. | 50.99 |
| 96 | 13 | Egypt, Arab Rep. | 49.51 |
| 103 | 14 | West Bank and GazaFCS | 47.39 |
| 114 | 15 | Algeria | 39.83 |
| 116 | 16 | Djibouti | 38.35 |
| 123 | 17 | LebanonFCS | 35.73 |
| 130 | 18 | IraqFCS | 33.38 |
| 132 | 19 | LibyaFCS | 33.17 |
| 149 | 20 | Syrian Arab RepublicFCS | 27.30 |
| 154 | 21 | Yemen, Rep.FCS | 25.51 |