“My M.Sc. application was rejected, not on the basis of my academic performance, but because of where I am born”, writes Amin, an Iranian reader of this blog. Attaching a snapshot of the communication he has received from University of Twente, in the Netherlands, he asks if this action is acceptable under international norms.
Apparently, the Dutch university has decided to reject Iranian applicants, because they “are requested to write a formal guarantee…that the Iranian applicant for a visa does not have access to certain specific scientific knowledge” (source). Therefore, Amin loses his chance to pursue his studies in Chemical Engineering, something he rigorously emphasizes “has nothing to do with the nukes”.
Academicians are signing a petition against this new decision.
Update: University Twente administration changed their mind. The newly published statement reads “International students holding a valid residence permit will be accepted into the University of Twente without any further requirements being made, providing they possess the requisite qualifications. This applies to all nationalities, including Iranian students.” The statement also reads “There have been no instances of admission refusals or any form of discrimination, as otherwise suggested by the media on several occasions.” This seems to be a false statement, based on the email communication given in the above. Thanks to christinA for the tip.