What Is the Bank Introduction Letter for Receiving Government-Subsidized Foreign Currency?
The Bank Introduction Letter for receiving government-subsidized foreign currency is an official and highly important document for Iranian students studying abroad. It is issued by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology or the Ministry of Health and confirms that you are a genuine, full-time student recognized by the Government of Iran. It also authorizes you to receive government-subsidized foreign currency (student foreign exchange) for a specified period.
Once your Certificate of Enrollment has been issued by your university and subsequently verified by the Iranian diplomatic mission in your country of study, confirming that you are an active student for a specified period (for example, the next four months), the relevant ministry reviews your information. If approved, it issues the Bank Introduction Letter.
You then submit this letter, together with the tracking code, to the designated bank. The bank is required to allocate government-subsidized foreign currency for the approved period.
In essence, the Bank Introduction Letter serves as an official guarantee of your academic status, enabling the bank to provide you with foreign currency at the government exchange rate without requiring additional verification.
Eligibility Requirements for Receiving Student Foreign Currency (Government-Subsidized Currency)
To obtain a Bank Introduction Letter, you must meet the following requirements, which are based on the latest regulations and administrative procedures.
1. The University Must Be Approved by the Relevant Ministry
Your university must be included in the list of institutions approved by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology or the Ministry of Health.
2. You Must Be a Full-Time Student
Part-time, online, virtual, language preparation, foundation, or other non-degree programs are generally not eligible for government-subsidized foreign currency.
3. You Must Not Receive a Full Scholarship or Full Financial Support
If you receive a full scholarship or comprehensive financial aid from your foreign university, you are generally not eligible to receive government-subsidized foreign currency.
4. You Must Have a Valid Certificate of Enrollment
Your Certificate of Enrollment must:
- Be issued on the university’s official letterhead.
- Clearly state your study status (full-time), academic level, and the applicable study period.
- Be verified by the Iranian diplomatic mission in your country of study.
5. You Must Have Left Iran Legally
Students must have departed Iran through legal channels. Illegal departure or incomplete documentation may result in the rejection of the application.
6. Priority Is Given to Postgraduate Students
Government-subsidized foreign currency is generally allocated more quickly and easily to Master’s and PhD students. Undergraduate students may be subject to additional restrictions.
Complete Step-by-Step Process for Obtaining the Bank Introduction Letter and Government-Subsidized Foreign Currency
This section explains the complete process in a clear, practical, and step-by-step manner for all students.
Step 1 – Register in the Relevant Online System and Create Your Application File
The first step is to register in the appropriate online system, such as the Nesha System, the Sajjad System, or the Ministry of Health’s online portal for students in medical fields.
After completing the initial registration, you will receive:
- A case number
- A username
- A password
It is essential to keep this information secure, as you will need it throughout the application process.
Step 2 – Log In to Your Account and Submit the Bank Introduction Letter Request
After logging into the system:
- Go to the Request Management section.
- Select Bank Introduction Letter Request or Student Foreign Currency Request.
- Complete the application form carefully and ensure that all information is accurate.
At this stage, you will need to:
- Select the designated bank (typically Tejarat Bank or Saman Bank).
- Enter your preferred appointment date.
- Specify the period for which you are requesting student foreign currency (for example, the current semester or a specific number of months).
Once submitted, your application will appear in the request list with the status “Pending Review.”
Step 3 – Application Review by the Relevant Authorities
After your application has been submitted:
- The relevant experts will review your documents.
- You will be notified of the result via SMS, email, or through the Request List section of the online system.
If your application is approved:
- Your Bank Introduction Letter will be issued.
- Your appointment date, designated bank, and tracking code will be displayed.
If your application is rejected:
- You must promptly correct any errors or missing documents.
- Failure to resolve the issues before the deadline may result in your application expiring.
This is the most critical stage of the entire application process.
Step 4 – Regularly Monitor Your Application Status
All notifications are provided through the online system. Therefore, you should:
- Check the Request List section regularly.
- Follow all announcements and updates published on the system.
- Respond immediately to any requests for corrections or additional documents.
In many cases, applications are rejected simply because students fail to monitor their accounts and respond on time.
Step 5 – Receive Your Tracking Code and Bank Introduction Letter
Once your application has received final approval:
- Open the details of your application in the Request List section.
- You will be able to view your tracking code, bank name, branch name, appointment date, and other relevant information.
- Print the confirmation page.
- Visit the designated bank on the scheduled date.
Important: Visiting the bank before or after your assigned appointment date may result in the cancellation of your foreign currency allocation.
Step 6 – Visit the Bank and Receive Government-Subsidized Foreign Currency
On your appointment date, visit the designated bank and bring the following documents:
- Printed Bank Introduction Letter
- Tracking code
- Passport
- National ID card
- Verified Certificate of Enrollment
- Visa or residence permit
- Any additional documents requested by the bank
After reviewing your documents, the bank will allocate government-subsidized foreign currency at the official exchange rate for the period approved by the relevant ministry.
Important Notes About Receiving Student Foreign Currency
- Government-subsidized foreign currency is generally allocated per semester or for a specific approved period rather than on a permanent basis.
- Each time a new Certificate of Enrollment is issued, you must submit a new application.
- Receiving a full scholarship or comprehensive financial aid may make you ineligible for government-subsidized foreign currency.
- Students must maintain full-time enrollment to remain eligible.
- Foreign exchange rates and related regulations may change; therefore, it is essential to monitor announcements and updates published through the official online system.
- Failure to appear at the bank on your scheduled appointment date may result in the loss of your allocated quota.
Why Is Government-Subsidized Foreign Currency Important for Students?
Given the high cost of living and studying abroad, government-subsidized foreign currency can:
- Cover a significant portion of a student’s educational and living expenses.
- Reduce the financial burden on families.
- Allow students to focus more on their studies and research.
- Provide greater financial security and peace of mind.
- Help keep educational expenses more predictable despite currency fluctuations.
At a time when free-market exchange rates are constantly changing, government-subsidized foreign currency plays a vital role for many international students.
Practical Summary
To receive government-subsidized foreign currency, you should:
- Register in the relevant online system and create your application file.
- Complete the Bank Introduction Letter application form.
- Wait for your application to be reviewed.
- Regularly monitor the status of your application.
- Once approved, print your tracking code and Bank Introduction Letter.
- Visit the designated bank with all the required documents.
- Submit a new application for each subsequent semester or eligible study period.
By following these steps, you can successfully obtain student foreign currency with minimal difficulty and continue your studies abroad with greater financial confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Bank Introduction Letter for Government-Subsidized Foreign Currency
This section answers the most common questions regarding student foreign currency. The information is based on the latest regulations, student experiences, and the current application procedures.
1. What Is the Bank Introduction Letter for Receiving Government-Subsidized Foreign Currency?
The Bank Introduction Letter is an official document issued by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology or the Ministry of Health. It confirms that the student is enrolled full-time at an approved university during a specified period. Banks are only authorized to provide government-subsidized foreign currency upon presentation of this letter.
2. Who Is Eligible to Receive Government-Subsidized Foreign Currency?
Any Iranian student who:
- Is enrolled at a university approved by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology or the Ministry of Health.
- Is studying on a full-time basis.
- Has a valid Certificate of Enrollment.
- Has legally departed Iran.
may apply for student foreign currency.
3. Are Language Courses Eligible for Government-Subsidized Foreign Currency?
No. Language courses, foundation programs, Pre-Sessional courses, Pathway programs, and online or virtual courses are generally not eligible for government-subsidized foreign currency.
4. Can Undergraduate Students Receive Government-Subsidized Foreign Currency?
Yes, but:
- The eligibility requirements are more stringent.
- Only universities approved by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology are accepted.
- In most cases, government-subsidized foreign currency is allocated more quickly and easily to Master’s and PhD students.
5. How Can I Apply for Government-Subsidized Foreign Currency?
You must first create an application file in the relevant online system. Then:
- Log in to your account.
- Submit a Bank Introduction Letter request.
- Complete the application form.
- Wait for your application to be reviewed.
- Visit the designated bank on your scheduled appointment date.
6. How Is the Eligible Foreign Currency Period Determined?
The approved period is determined based on:
- Your Certificate of Enrollment.
- The duration of your current academic semester.
- The assessment of the relevant ministry’s reviewers.
For example, if your Certificate of Enrollment confirms that you are studying for four months, the bank will allocate government-subsidized foreign currency for that four-month period.
7. Which Banks Provide Government-Subsidized Foreign Currency?
The designated banks typically include:
- Tejarat Bank
- Saman Bank
These banks generally have branches in most major cities that provide foreign exchange services.
8. Do I Need to Visit the Ministry in Person?
No. The entire process, including:
- Creating your application file.
- Submitting your request.
- Application review.
- Checking your application status.
is completed through the online system.
The only in-person visit required is your appointment at the designated bank.
9. What Should I Do If My Application Is Rejected?
You should:
- Log in to the online system.
- Review the reason for the rejection.
- Correct or update the required documents.
- Resubmit your application.
If the issues are not corrected in time, your application will expire, and you will need to begin the process again.
10. What Documents Are Required When Visiting the Bank?
You will generally need to bring:
- A printed copy of the Bank Introduction Letter.
- Your tracking code.
- Your passport.
- Your National ID card.
- Your visa or residence permit.
- Your verified Certificate of Enrollment.
- A printed copy of your online application.
The bank may request additional supporting documents if necessary.
11. What Happens If I Visit the Bank After My Scheduled Appointment Date?
In many cases:
- Your allocated foreign currency quota will be cancelled.
- You will need to submit a new application.
For this reason, it is essential to visit the bank on the assigned date.
12. Is There a Limit on How Many Times I Can Receive Government-Subsidized Foreign Currency?
Yes. Student foreign currency is generally allocated:
- Once per academic semester, or
- For a specified study period of several months.
After the approved period ends, students must submit a new Certificate of Enrollment and apply again.
13. Can Scholarship Students Receive Government-Subsidized Foreign Currency?
If your scholarship fully covers your tuition and living expenses, you are generally not eligible for government-subsidized foreign currency.
If your scholarship provides only partial financial support, eligibility may vary and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
14. Are Visiting Students or Exchange Students Eligible?
Generally, no. However, exceptions may apply if the program is officially recognized and approved by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology or the Ministry of Health.
15. What Should I Do If My Certificate of Enrollment Is Issued Late?
As soon as you receive your updated Certificate of Enrollment:
- Upload it to the online system.
- Submit a new application or update your existing one.
Delays may result in losing your appointment or allocation.
16. Can I Change My Designated Bank Later?
In many online systems, you can change your selected bank before your application receives final approval.
Once the application has been approved, changing the designated bank is generally no longer permitted.
17. How Is the Student Foreign Exchange Rate Calculated?
The exchange rate is determined according to the official rate set by the Central Bank and the regulations in effect during each allocation period.
This rate is typically lower than the open market exchange rate, making government-subsidized foreign currency highly valuable for students.
18. Does Government-Subsidized Foreign Currency Cover Accommodation and Living Expenses?
Yes. Student foreign currency is intended to serve as financial support for living expenses.
Students may use it to cover costs such as:
- Rent or accommodation.
- Food and daily living expenses.
- Transportation.
- Other education-related expenses.
19. Are University Language Programs Eligible for Student Foreign Currency?
If the language program is an official part of the academic program, such as a Pre-Master’s or Pre-PhD course offered by the university, eligibility may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
However, independent or private language courses are generally not eligible for government-subsidized foreign currency.
20. Can Dependents Receive Government-Subsidized Foreign Currency?
In most cases, government-subsidized foreign currency is available only to the student.
Dependents, including spouses and children, are generally not eligible to receive student foreign currency.
21. What Happens If My University Is Removed from the Ministry’s Approved List?
If you were admitted and began your studies before the university was removed from the approved list, you will generally remain eligible for government-subsidized foreign currency.
However, students admitted after the university is removed from the approved list are usually not eligible.
22. Can Employed Students Receive Government-Subsidized Foreign Currency?
Students must maintain full-time enrollment.
If a student is engaged in full-time employment, the application may be rejected depending on the applicable regulations.
23. How Long Does It Take to Receive the Bank Introduction Letter?
The processing time typically ranges from a few days to several weeks, depending on:
- The number of applications being processed.
- The time required to review the submitted documents.
24. What If There Is No Iranian Embassy in My Country of Study?
If there is no Iranian embassy or diplomatic mission in your country of study, you will generally need to submit:
- Your university’s Certificate of Enrollment.
- An official translation, if required.
- Verification from the relevant local authorities.
The exact requirements and procedures will be announced through the official online system.
25. How Often Should I Apply for Student Foreign Currency?
Students are generally required to submit a new application each academic semester.
Each allocation period typically covers three to six months, depending on the length of the academic term.
