Tehran, Iran – In a recent meeting of heads of universities and higher education centers, Deputy Minister of Science, Research and Technology, Hashem Dadashpour, revealed that Iran currently hosts an impressive 94,000 foreign students pursuing higher education within its borders. The announcement signifies Iran’s growing reputation as an emerging destination for international students seeking quality education.
The recruitment of international students has been an integral focus for Iranian universities, with 107 institutions authorized to admit students from abroad. Deputy Minister Dadashpour emphasized that this trend will continue under the newly implemented regulations governing the process.
Highlighting the diversity of international student recruitment, the head of the Student Affairs Organization of the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology pointed out that the majority of efforts have been directed towards attracting students from Iraq and Afghanistan. The statistics indicate that 56,000 students from Iraq and 33,000 students from Afghanistan have chosen Iran as their academic destination.
Interestingly, Iran’s public universities have contributed significantly to the influx of foreign students, with a total of 27,000 students enrolled. This figure represents 24% of the overall international student population, underscoring the diverse range of institutions catering to students’ educational needs.
Looking ahead, the Deputy Minister of Science, Research and Technology expressed an ambitious goal of attracting 250,000 international students within the next three years. This objective positions Iran among the top 10 countries worldwide in terms of international student enrollment, signaling the nation’s commitment to further developing its higher education sector.
As Iran solidifies its reputation as a sought-after educational hub, it is expected to enhance its global standing by offering a conducive learning environment, diverse academic programs, and cultural experiences for students from around the world.