In 1994, these programs were first launched at Bachelor Degree but are now offered at Master Degree as well. They are the most flexible programs ever presented by a university in Iran. Applicants of Bachelor Degree are required to be secondary school graduates with an acceptable grade point average (GPA) in their written examination. The GPA is specified by PNU annually. One important change in admission policy is that applicants no longer need to attend the National University Entrance Examination. This policy of admission is the first time in the history of Iranian higher education. The admitted students will study conditionally for one semester. If they succeed in the final examination of the first semester, they will be able to continue their studies; otherwise they will be withdrawn.

The study centers dispatch the relevant study materials to students who must study independently and are entirely responsible for their studies. Unlike the regular programs, group tutorials are not included in these programs. They will be charged if they wish to attend such classes.  But students can have access to audio and videocassettes and CD’s from the study centers or watch educational TV programs broadcast on Channel 7 of IRIB Network. Every student can take five to twenty credits in each semester at the end of which a supervised examination is arranged. The minimum passing score is 10 (50%). However, the average of all scores at each semester should not be less than 12 (60%). The maximum period of completion of this program is 10 years. These students have to pay for the services, which they receive.