SAMFA

Overview

SAMFA is the Standard Persian Language Skills Assessment test for non-native speakers of Persian. The Iranian Cultural Institute in Rome, which handled registration for that session, describes it as the Persian-language test recognised by Iranian universities. This page rests only on that institute's announcement for the 11th edition (November 2025). The Iranian evaluation organisation's own site could not be opened when this page was checked in 2026, so later editions may differ. Confirm current details with the organisers.

Who can apply

SAMFA is meant for non-native learners of Persian, for example people who want to study at an Iranian university. The announcement does not list other eligibility rules.

Levels or stages

The announcement describes a university-level test (the University SAMFA) divided into four subject categories: engineering sciences, social sciences, humanities and medical sciences. Candidates choose their category when they register.

Exam pattern

The total is 195 minutes.

Marking and results

Each skill is scored from 0 to 60, so the maximum total is 240. There is no pass or fail mark, but universities can set minimum scores; the announcement says Iranian universities currently require 50 percent in each of the four skills. The listening questions are the same for all four categories, while reading, writing and speaking differ by category. Results can be downloaded from the evaluation organisation's website, and the certificate is posted to the address given at registration. The certificate is issued by the National Educational Evaluation Organization of Iran in Persian and English, and the announcement says it is valid for two years.

Important dates

The 11th edition, offered through the Rome institute, was announced for 21 November 2025. The page gives no dates for other editions.

Fees

The announcement does not state a fee. It says fees are published during the registration period on the evaluation organisation's website.

How to apply

For the Rome session, the announcement directs candidates to the Iranian Cultural Institute in Rome for registration. The exam is held at locations set by the National Educational Evaluation Organization of Iran, and where a university has enough candidates the organisation can arrange a session there.

Preparation tips

• Practise all four skills, including a 15-minute oral exam.

• Choose the subject category that matches your intended field of study.