According to the Public Relations office of Iran’s Organization of Student Affairs, via the University of Tabriz, Dr. Mohammad Taghi Alemi, President of the University of Tabriz, opened the session by emphasizing the strategic role of universities in the current national landscape. He identified three fundamental missions for higher education institutions: scientific diplomacy, the development of emerging technologies and interdisciplinary activities, and the expansion of applied and frontier-pushing research. He stated, "Scientific diplomacy, in addition to its independent significance, acts as a catalyst for these other two missions and plays an effective role in the nation’s science and technology development."
Addressing the existing media campaigns against the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Alemi asserted: "Today, our adversaries are attempting to portray our country as isolated. In such conditions, universities have a duty to counteract this propaganda by expanding scientific and international collaborations and presenting an authentic image of Iran’s scientific capabilities to the global community."
Dr. Alemi added: "Organizing joint conferences, implementing joint research projects, and producing joint research outputs not only elevate the standing of national universities in international arenas and ranking systems but also play a significant role in dismantling the negative atmosphere created against Iran. From this perspective, the work of managers and experts in the field of scientific and international cooperation at universities is of special importance."
The President of the University of Tabriz further emphasized the necessity of developing international student recruitment, considering these students as "scientific and cultural ambassadors" of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and stated: "Recruiting foreign students is a significant responsibility that must be pursued with precise planning and a strategic vision."
Noting the increased interest in studying at universities in the region, he remarked: "In recent years, the inclination of foreign students to study in the universities of the northwest region has increased significantly. It can be confidently stated that this region hosts the largest population of international students in Iran. The University of Tabriz ranks third nationally in terms of the number of international students, and universities in the northwest, including the University of Tabriz, Mohaghegh Ardabili University, University of Urmia, universities of Iran’s East Azerbaijan and Zanjan, have a substantial share in attracting these students."
Dr. Alemi concluded by stressing the importance of safeguarding the scientific status of universities, noting: "Alongside the expansion of international student recruitment, maintaining academic quality must be prioritized. The transfer of knowledge and the preservation of the scientific credibility of universities require that scientific criteria be strictly observed in the student admission process to ensure the scientific renown of our universities is preserved and strengthened."
International Student Recruitment: A Global Benchmark for Higher Education Development
Dr. Seyed Mohammad Bagher Jafari, Director General of International Students at Iran’s Organization of Student Affairs, emphasized that international student recruitment is a key indicator of development in global higher education systems. "The presence of foreign students not only enhances the standing of universities in international ranking systems but also contributes to strengthening scientific diplomacy, increasing the country's soft power, and promoting economic development," he stated.
Dr. Jafari continued: "Today, international student recruitment is recognized globally as a strategic advantage in all higher education systems, and the number of foreign students is a key metric for evaluating universities in reputable global ranking systems."
He noted the experience of leading countries in this field: "Countries like Australia and Canada, through targeted development of international education, derive a significant portion of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from attracting foreign students. Beyond economic benefits, they leverage the capacity of international students to strengthen scientific diplomacy, expand cultural interactions, and enhance their global soft power."
The Director General of International Students at the Organization of Student Affairs described foreign students as "scientific and cultural ambassadors" of their host country, stating: "If international students have a positive experience during their studies in the university and host country, they will become advocates and promoters of that country's scientific and cultural potential upon their return."
He also stated that the presence of international students is an effective factor in improving educational quality: "The interaction of foreign students with faculty members and domestic students provides the ground for enhancing educational quality, increasing scientific motivation, strengthening foreign language skills, and improving teaching quality. In essence, recruiting international students is a win-win game for the university, the student, and the higher education system, provided that scientific and educational standards are maintained and quality is not sacrificed for quantity."
Dr. Jafari, referring to Iran's capacities for competing in the international education market, stated: "The country's scientific standing is one of Iran's most important advantages in attracting foreign students. Based on reputable global metrics, the Islamic Republic of Iran is among the top 20 science-producing countries in the world, which serves as a significant backing for foreign applicants choosing Iranian universities."
He continued: "The affordable cost of education and living in Iran is another competitive advantage for the country and can provide a valuable opportunity for increasing the recruitment of international students, especially in the Middle East. In addition to scientific and cultural achievements, the development of this sector can also generate significant revenue for universities."
The Director General of International Students at the Organization of Student Affairs provided statistics on the current status of foreign students in the country: "According to the latest statistics, approximately 75,000 international students are currently studying in Iran. Of these, about 60,000 are in universities affiliated with the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology; 10,000 in universities under the Ministry of Health and Medical Education; and about 5,000 are studying at the Islamic Azad University."
He referred to the upward trajectory documents in the field of international education: "In the Seventh Development Plan, the target is to attract 320,000 international students by the year 1407 (2028), the realization of which requires the cooperation of all related universities and associated bodies."
Jafari added: "The Organization of Student Affairs, as the custodian of this field, is pursuing the implementation of the Seventh Plan in stages. The target for the first year of the plan, attracting 60,000 students, was achieved, and despite the challenges of 1404 (2025), including the 12-day war, the Ramadan war, and the Dey riots, the country's universities succeeded in increasing the number of international students to approximately 75,000."
He also referred to the "Regulations on Facilitating International Student Recruitment," approved by the Cabinet in 1403 (2024), as another important measure in this area, stating: "These regulations clearly define the duties of executive bodies and responsible organizations in the field of admitting and servicing international students, providing a suitable platform for streamlining processes."
In conclusion, the Director General of International Students at the Organization of Student Affairs mentioned the launch of the "Comprehensive International Student Affairs Portal (ADAB)," stating: "This portal has been designed with the aim of unifying the processes of admission, supervision, and management of international student affairs. Although it currently faces some technical complexities, we are striving to resolve its issues in the near future so that the process of admitting and supervising international students can be carried out with greater speed, accuracy, and ease."
Developing Scientific Diplomacy with Turkey is a Strategic Necessity for Enhancing Iran's Scientific Standing
Dr. Mohammad Reza Pourmohammadi, the Science Counselor of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Turkey and Eastern European countries, emphasized the necessity of strengthening scientific diplomacy in the current situation, stating: "In today's world, where science and technology are evolving at an unprecedented pace, universities are compelled to expand their international interactions, as distancing oneself from the global flow of science will have irreparable consequences."
Dr. Pourmohammadi noted: "Today, knowledge is being produced and updated at a remarkable speed, and countries are enhancing their international standing by relying on scientific and technological connections. In such circumstances, Iranian universities must move beyond their limited domestic scope and introduce their scientific capacities to the international level more than ever before."
He stated that Iranian universities are compared with reputable American and European institutions in global ranking systems: "If we fall behind the rapid pace of global scientific development, overcoming this gap will be very difficult. Therefore, scientific diplomacy is no longer an option but an unavoidable necessity for the country's higher education system."
The Science Counselor of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Turkey and Eastern European countries, referring to the role of scientific interactions in reducing political tensions, said: "Experience has shown that wherever scientific and academic cooperation between countries has expanded, the ground has been paved for reducing misunderstandings and strengthening relations between nations."
He pointed to the scientific cooperation between Iran and Turkey: "In the field of higher education, relations between the two countries have moved beyond traditional interactions toward modern scientific and technological networks. Professor and student exchange, joint research projects, collaboration between universities, and the development of academic chairs are among the most important axes of this cooperation."
Dr. Pourmohammadi added: "In recent years, by organizing the activities of student recruitment institutions, efforts have been made not only to send Iranian students abroad but also to create opportunities for attracting Turkish students. Achieving this goal requires improving the welfare and educational infrastructure of Iranian universities."
The former President of the University of Tabriz noted the formal cooperation between the universities of the two countries: "Currently, about 300 cooperation agreements have been signed between Iranian and Turkish universities, and dozens of joint research projects are underway. Furthermore, the designation of the University of Tabriz as the secretariat for Iran-Turkey scientific cooperation has played a significant role in consolidating these collaborations."
He pointed to the extensive presence of Iranian professors and researchers in Turkish universities: "A considerable number of Iranian faculty members and graduates are active in Turkish universities, and a portion of Turkey's scientific output is the result of the activities of these Iranian elites. This capacity can be utilized more than ever through joint scientific networks to serve the development of scientific cooperation between the two countries."
Dr. Pourmohammadi considers Turkey one of Iran's most important scientific partners in the current situation: "Geographical proximity, cultural commonalities, lower costs of scientific cooperation compared to European countries, the presence of suitable research infrastructure in Turkish universities, and shared research issues in different fields such as environment, population, technology, and engineering sciences, provide the ground for developing bilateral cooperation."
The Science Counselor of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Turkey and Eastern European countries stated that private universities in Turkey play a significant role in attracting international students: "These universities, by utilizing professional agents, international advertising, offering scholarships, and various facilities, have succeeded in the international education market. This is an experience that can also be inspiring for Iranian universities."
He stressed the necessity of launching joint educational programs between Iranian and Turkish universities: "Joint courses, doctoral student exchange, development of study opportunities, establishment of joint innovation centers and science and technology parks, and the formation of research consortia are among the strategies that can facilitate knowledge, technology, and experience transfer to Iranwhile curbing academic migration."
Pourmohammadi concluded by referring to the special conditions of the region and their impact on scientific cooperation: "Despite the existing difficulties, the grounds for scientific cooperation between Iran and Turkey are still available, and by relying on the capacities of universities, faculty members, students, and existing scientific networks, these relations can be further expanded. Undoubtedly, strengthening scientific diplomacy will be one of the most important pathways to enhance Iran's scientific standing in the international arena."
Iran’s Region 3: A Major Hub for International Student Attraction
Dr. Saeed Shojaei, Secretary of the National Task Force for International Student Recruitment of Region 3 universities, highlighted the extensive capacities of universities in Region 3, identifying it as one of the most significant destinations for foreign students in the country. He emphasized the necessity of strengthening international cooperation, developing joint educational programs, and facilitating macro-policies in the internationalization of higher education.
Dr. Shojaei continued: "Region 3, due to its excellent geographical location, proximity to neighboring countries, cultural and linguistic commonalities, and the presence of reputable universities, possesses unparalleled capacities for attracting international students."
He stated that the majority of applicants for higher education in this region are Iraqi students: "At the national level, most applicants are also from Iraq, and this trend is clearly observed in Region 3 as well."
Dr. Shojaei noted the scientific standing of universities in Region 3: "Comprehensive, industrial, medical, and vocational training universities located in this region hold favorable positions in reputable international scientific ranking systems, which increases the attractiveness of these universities for foreign students, especially applicants from neighboring countries."
The Secretary of the National Task Force for International Student Recruitment of Region 3 universities, further elaborated on the University of Tabriz's experience in admitting foreign students: "The University of Tabriz has always faced a high volume of applications from international students, particularly Iraqi applicants. However, despite thousands of applications registered in the admission portal, the final admission rate has never exceeded approximately 14 to 19 percent."
He pointed to some media narratives regarding the admission of foreign students, stating: "While the public sometimes gets the impression that all applicants are admitted without restriction, statistics show that only a limited number of applicants are successful in obtaining admission, and other applicants either turn to universities in other countries or fail to complete the admission process."
Dr. Shojaei also referred to the economic impact of the presence of international students: "According to estimates, in just the first two months of the 1403 (2024) academic year, the influx of foreign students into the universities of Tabriz, Shahid Madani Azerbaijan, and other higher education centers in the province generated between 22 and 24 million dollars in foreign currency revenue for the city of Tabriz, demonstrating the significant role of higher education internationalization in the region's economic development."
He added that Region 3's proximity to four neighboring countries is another advantage of this region: "The potential for interaction with Turkey can provide the ground for increasing the attraction of foreign students, and achieving this goal requires active participation in international exhibitions, educational marketing, and the development of scientific cooperation with Turkish universities."
The Advisor to the Vice-Chancellor for Research and Technology at the University of Tabriz, referring to the activities of the National Task Force for International Student Recruitment, stated: "Over the past year, this task force has taken effective steps towards facilitating and improving the processes of higher education internationalization by holding more than 60 specialized in-person and virtual meetings, reviewing regulations related to the admission of foreign students, and submitting amendment proposals to the relevant authorities."
The former Director of Scientific and International Cooperation at the University of Tabriz, stating that currently more than 12,500 international students are studying in the universities of Region 3, said: "This figure accounts for over 16 percent of the country's total foreign student population, a significant portion of which belongs to the universities of East Azerbaijan province, including the University of Tabriz, Shahid Madani University of Azerbaijan, University of Tabriz, University of Maragheh, and University of Medical Sciences of Tabriz."
In another part of his speech, Dr. Shojaei identified the development of joint educational programs with foreign universities as one of the most important requirements for expanding international scientific cooperation. Referring to the experience of cooperation with Atatürk University in Turkey, he said: "Although appropriate negotiations and planning have been carried out to launch joint educational programs, administrative complexities and existing limitations within the Turkish higher education system have made the implementation of these programs difficult."
He emphasized: "The realization of joint educational programs between Iranian and Turkish universities requires support and facilitation at the highest decision-making levels of both countries, and without the cooperation of ministries and policymaking institutions, achieving this goal will face serious challenges."
Internationalization of Higher Education Requires Focus on Attraction, Retention, and Future-Proofing of International Students
Dr. Ebrahim Babaei, Director of Scientific and International Cooperation at the University of Tabriz, emphasized that success in the internationalization of higher education cannot be achieved solely by increasing the admission numbers of foreign students. He argued that planning in this area must be based on three pillars: "Attraction," "Retention," and "Future-Proofing" (Sustainability) of international students.
Dr. Babaei referred to the role of previous directors of the University of Tabriz in developing international cooperation: "Part of the momentum we are witnessing today in the international activities of the University of Tabriz is the result of the valuable planning and actions of past years, including the launch of joint educational programs with foreign universities and the completion of their legal processes."
He stated that the perspective on international students must go beyond mere admission: "If universities can simultaneously focus on the three components of 'Attraction,' 'Retention,' and 'Future-Proofing,' they can achieve success in the internationalization of higher education."
Dr. Babaei pointed to the rapid growth in attracting foreign students in recent years: "The increase in demand, especially from Iraqi students, has created a valuable opportunity for the country's universities. However, this trend, in many cases, proceeded without the necessary infrastructure being in place, leading to some challenges in the subsequent stages."
The Director of Scientific and International Cooperation at the University of Tabriz emphasized the necessity of establishing appropriate infrastructure for the development of international activities: "Approving suitable laws and regulations is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition. Success in this field requires investment, the creation of cultural, educational, and welfare infrastructure, as well as synergy among different university departments and responsible institutions."
In another part of his speech, he addressed the issue of quality in admitting foreign students: "Maintaining academic standards is essential, but at the same time, we must realistically view the target market for international students. Global competition to attract elite students is very serious, and attraction policies must be formulated with a precise understanding of regional capacities and conditions."
The Director of Scientific and International Cooperation at the University of Tabriz identified "Retention" as the missing link in many internationalization programs: "The student's experience—from teaching and facilitation to welfare services—is the most important factor in promoting our universities to new applicants. Any dissatisfaction regarding administrative or service issues quickly spreads among applicants from neighboring countries and can negatively impact future admission cycles."
According to the report, at the end of the meeting, the directors of scientific and international cooperation from Region 3 universities shared their specific institutional viewpoints and discussed further challenges regarding international student affairs.