Since 28 December, Iranians have risen against 47 years of systemic oppression perpetuated by the Islamic Regime. This regime has oppressed the people of Iran, including students at all stages of their education, since its inception. They have criminalised free speech in many ways, but perhaps most relevantly: by blocking student publications, heavily controlling the content students can access, creating endless barriers for those intending to complete their studies abroad, fostering an isolationist approach to academic research despite its inherent collaborative and borderless nature, and more.

In response to this new wave of uprisings, this dictatorial regime has enforced a nationwide digital blackout to further the censorship of dissenting voices without any accountability from the international community. This ongoing blackout has been confirmed by international monitoring organisations such as NetBlocks and Cloudflare and has entered its 300th hour at the time of writing (21 January 2026).

While the brave people of Iran continue to fight for their most basic rights and are silenced with bullets, the international community is doing its part to ensure this movement does not go unnoticed. European universities and institutes of higher education receive many applications from bright and driven Iranian students who actively contribute to their student bodies, alumni communities, and faculty. This inhumane digital blackout, however, will prevent these students from submitting their applications in time for consideration this cycle.

Education is a human right as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 26), and universities and institutes of higher education, at a minimum, should uphold all articles of this article. Additionally, and at their best, they should be a place of mobilisation and progress for people of all backgrounds, and a place that lifts the youth of merit with limited access to opportunities. These institutions pride themselves in anti-discriminatory policies and the commitment to reward merit and skill. Now is the time to put these ideals into practice by not excluding anyone affected by political forces beyond their control.

Inequality begets inequality, and it is every human-being’s responsibility to make the world a more equitable place for all through actions big or small. This petition asks for an extended application deadline, as well as any related interview or document submission deadlines, for Iranian students inevitably affected by this state-imposed blackout. The Islamic Republic aims to disenfranchise Iranian students, as they have historically been at the frontiers of societal progress: do not let it succeed.

!!! Important note !!!

STUDENTS AND ACADEMICS: We strongly encourage you to include your affiliation in the name section of your signature.