According to the Public Relations Office of the Student Affairs Organization, Dr. Alizadeh, Director General for Scholarships and Student Dispatch, regarding foreign government scholarship opportunities for Iranian students stated: One of the main priorities of the Office of Scholarships and Student Dispatch has been careful and systematic planning to make effective use of government scholarships offered by various countries and to create the necessary groundwork for Iranian students and citizens to benefit from these opportunities. These scholarships provide applicants with access to international funding and benefits and enable them to connect to the global knowledge and technology network.
Announcement of More Than 10 Scholarships from Different Countries to Iranian Students
Dr. Alizadeh added that each year, calls are announced for more than ten scholarships from various countries, including Hungary, China, Japan, Malaysia, Iraq, Brazil, Serbia, Brunei, Bangladesh, Russia, and other countries.
He noted that these scholarships are offered to Iranian students through close cooperation with Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and via public announcements, thereby providing a fair opportunity for those interested in studying abroad.
He further explained that despite the unjust general and academic sanctions imposed by some international forces, the number of countries that, through agreements with Iran’s diplomatic apparatus, offer their government scholarships to Iranian students has increased in recent years. The growing number of students who have successfully received these scholarships reflects the expansion of such opportunities.
Remarkable Growth in Foreign Scholarships for Iranian Students / Capacity Increased to Nearly 350 Scholarships This Year
Referring to the development of these scholarships, Dr. Alizadeh stated that the official granting of foreign government scholarships began in 2016 with the announcement of only one single country’s scholarship. Today, with the number of participating countries exceeding ten and the total scholarship capacity reaching 350, this trend continues in line with enhancing students’ international experience and academic and educational standards.
Dr. Alizadeh emphasized that the operational capacity of government scholarships has increased to 350 in the past year. He clarified that at the beginning of this process in 2016, the total capacity was only 56 scholarships; however, after ten years, a significant transformation has occurred, with the capacity now reaching 350 scholarships.
Hungary and China as Leading Countries in Offering Scholarships to Iranian Students
He highlighted that the Hungarian government scholarship, which has been continuously offered since 2016 through multilateral cooperation among the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministries of Science and Health, has become a well-established opportunity for Iranian students, with the number of beneficiaries increasing each year.
Dr. Alizadeh added that currently, Hungary and China are recognized as the leading countries in offering scholarships to Iranian students.
The Director General also referred to the concept of “reciprocal scholarships”, noting that by developing and updating existing memoranda of understanding and establishing new ones, the organization seeks to expand educational interactions with scholarship-offering countries. For example, Iraq and Hungary benefit from reciprocal scholarships with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
He continued by stating that the overarching goals include enhancing Iran’s international scientific and research interactions through connection to the global knowledge network. Such cooperation enables Iranian students to become familiar with new innovations and technologies and to gain valuable international experience.
Registration Process for Scholarships
Dr. Alizadeh then explained the process of information dissemination and registration for foreign government scholarships for Iranian students, stressing the importance of awareness of this procedure.
He stated that as soon as the Student Affairs Organization receives a scholarship call from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or other official authorities, public announcements are made through media channels and the organization’s website to ensure easy access to necessary information for students.
According to him, the registration process is carried out in accordance with the conditions specified in each call. Applicants must first register in the General Directorate of Scholarships’ system and, in some cases, also in the relevant systems of the scholarship-offering governments. After initial screening, the list of eligible candidates is sent to Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be officially communicated to the respective governments.
In conclusion, Dr. Alizadeh emphasized the importance of reciprocal scholarships, stating that maintaining and expanding such programs with foreign governments is one of the key ways to connect Iran and its higher education community to the global knowledge network. Plans are in place to diversify scholarship-offering countries, fields of study, and other priorities, a process that can significantly strengthen international scientific, cultural, and social interactions between different governments and nations.