I'm guessing that the exchange rate is *tricky*: https://travel.stackexchange.com/q/142013/90750 - people want foreign currency and pay a better rate than the banks; but the limit for leaving the country is €5K (a good one month's salary in the US). --- "Do I think it's a fair comparison?", well checking the current rates it's even lower, equal: 740,000,000 Iranian Rial =
17,575.11 United States Dollar per year (for 5+ years of university, compared to slightly more for no university or experience). The point seems fair.