Higher Education Strategy Shifting from Quantitative Expansion to Enhancing Quality in International Student Recruitment
According to the Public Relations Office of Iran’s Organization of Student Affairs, citing the University of Tabriz, Dr. MohammadTaqi A’alami, the President of the University of Tabriz, welcomed the Director General for International Students at Iran’s Organization of Student Affairs and stated: "The presence of Dr. Jafari provides a valuable opportunity to utilize the policies and perspectives of Iran’s Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology in recruiting, guiding, and directing international students."
Affirming the university's standing as one of Iran’s pioneering institutions in international student recruitment, he emphasized the necessity of diversifying target markets, expanding virtual education, intensifying promotional activities, and eliminating operational obstacles to achieve the goals of the Seventh National Development Plan in internationalizing higher education.
He highlighted the need for geographic diversification among target countries in recruiting international students, remarking: "We must not limit our total recruitment capacity to a single country. Alongside Iraq, neighboring nations such as Türkiye, the Republic of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and other Caucasus states possess substantial capacities for student recruitment, and these capacities must be leveraged through effective planning and marketing."
The President of the University of Tabriz also underscored promotional initiatives and the dissemination of university capabilities as prerequisites for expanding international recruitment, adding: "To succeed in this domain, more effective steps must be taken to showcase university capacities. Furthermore, the activities of student recruitment agencies must be systematically regulated, as the emergence of non-transparent relations in this sector could pose challenges to the recruitment process."
Dr. A’alami indicated that achieving the objectives of the Seventh Development Plan in higher education internationalization requires adopting innovative approaches: "One of the most vital strategies is developing virtual education for international students. The experience of numerous reputable universities worldwide demonstrates that a significant portion of international education is delivered online. Harnessing this potential, given the existing infrastructure in Iranian universities, can significantly contribute to realizing international education goals."
He also pointed to instruction in a second language as another viable solution: "In doctoral programs, where the bulk of academic activity is devoted to research and dissertation work, facilitating study and graduation in a second language can alleviate language learning hurdles while paving the way for recruiting more international students."
In conclusion, the President of the University of Tabriz expressed hope that through policy reforms, removal of bureaucratic barriers, and leveraging existing capacities, international student recruitment across Iranian universities will be further fortified.
Developing International Student Recruitment Requires Cultural Groundwork in Academia and Society
Emphasizing that success in recruiting and retaining international students cannot be achieved solely through academic infrastructure, the Head of Iran’s Supreme Leader’s Representative Office at East Azerbaijan Universities stated: "Achieving this objective demands cultural development across the university and society, fostering a positive outlook toward foreign students."
Hojjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Mohammad Anvari noted: "Any impactful action requires cultural groundwork, and in international student recruitment, this must be treated as a key priority."
Reflecting on the experiences of Iranian universities hosting international students, he added: "Although the academic community comprises intellectuals well-acquainted with the international sphere, and many faculty members hold academic credentials from abroad, the culture of engagement and embracing international students has not yet been fully institutionalized within our universities."
He stressed utilizing media capacities to improve these perceptions: "Local media outlets, particularly Iran’s national broadcaster (IRIB), should produce targeted programs elucidating the benefits and positive impact of hosting international students and tourists, thereby reinforcing positive societal perspectives."
Hojjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Anvari also called for allocating a portion of revenues generated from international student recruitment to cultural initiatives: "Even if a fraction of these revenues is devoted to cultural and awareness-raising programs, this constitutes an effective investment in the sustainable development of international education."
Noting the necessity of a mindset shift in university environments, he remarked: "The culture of welcoming foreign students must be nurtured among domestic students, faculty members, and university staff. Fostering a welcoming atmosphere based on mutual respect and constructive interaction plays an essential role in bolstering the university’s international standing and enhancing foreign students' satisfaction."
He concluded by expressing hope that through coherent planning and concurrent attention to cultural and academic dimensions, the presence of international students in Iranian universities will continue to flourish.
Shift in Focus from Quantitative Expansion to Qualitative Enhancement of International Students
Underscoring the strategic role of international students in advancing Iran's scientific, economic, and diplomatic development, the Director General for International Students at Iran’s Organization of Student Affairs stated: "The policy of the Ministry of Science in the new era is to transition from purely quantitative growth toward qualitative advancement in international student recruitment, diversification of target countries, and elevating the global academic standing of Iranian universities."
Dr. Seyed Mohammadbagher Jafari added: "The University of Tabriz ranking third nationwide in international student enrollment reflects its valuable institutional potential in higher education internationalization."
Addressing the role of international students in global higher education systems, he noted: "Today, international student recruitment is not merely an educational activity, but one of the foremost indicators of institutional development. Leading countries, including Australia and Canada, derive a significant share of national revenue from international education. Beyond economic gains, this domain drives university academic stature, increases research output, enhances international rankings, and reinforces scientific diplomacy."
The Director General reiterated that foreign alumni serve as cultural and academic ambassadors for Iran in their home nations: "Every international student who graduates with a positive experience from Iran can effectively advance scientific and cultural cooperation and bolster the soft power of the Islamic Republic of Iran."
Discussing the Seventh Development Plan's international recruitment goals, Dr. Jafari noted: "Although the quantitative targets of this plan were drafted prior to recent specific regional developments, the Ministry of Science, through realistic reassessments, seeks to maintain growth momentum while placing greater emphasis on recruiting higher-caliber students."
He identified domestic student demographic declines as a key reason to look toward international markets: "With declining domestic university enrollment, tapping into international student potential has become imperative for utilizing the nation's higher education infrastructure. In addition to filling educational capacities, this yields valuable scientific and economic rewards."
Referring to Iran’s recent conditions, the Director General highlighted: "Security developments and wartime conditions have affected all universities across the country. A temporary drop in international admissions should not be attributed solely to the performance of any single university, as these circumstances represent a nationwide challenge faced by all institutions."
He also announced progress regarding the deployment of the 'ADAB' system: "The implementation of this system was mandated by legal requirements to streamline and unify processes relating to admissions, security clearances, visas, and residence permits for international students. Although the initial version faced technical shortcomings, a significant portion of these glitches has been resolved, and refinements are ongoing."
Stressing that the majority of bottlenecks in clearances and residence permits fall outside the direct authority of the Ministry of Science, Dr. Jafari added: "Iran’s Organization of Student Affairs is in continuous consultations with relevant authorities to facilitate licensing processes and resolve university and student difficulties promptly."
He urged universities to adopt a more strategic vision regarding target markets to lessen dependency on a limited number of countries: "Presently, the vast majority of international students in Iran hail from Iraq and Afghanistan, whereas notable untapped potential exists in African countries, Central Asia, and other regions, which can be captured through coordinated planning."
The Director General identified virtual education as one of the most promising avenues available: "The Ministry of Science is pursuing regulatory amendments regarding online education for international students so that universities can harness this capability on a wider scale without existing constraints."
He also highlighted second-language instruction as an essential policy: "Offering academic programs in international languages, particularly English, enhances the competitive edge of Iranian universities and attracts a broader student body from diverse nations."
Dr. Jafari noted the Organization's commitment to offering scholarships to exceptional international applicants: "Universities can identify and nominate elite applicants to utilize Ministry of Science scholarships, thereby attracting high-caliber students."
Further Ministry initiatives in scientific diplomacy include expanding joint-degree programs with foreign institutions, facilitating international short courses, and broadening collaboration with Iranian scientific and cultural counselors abroad.
He emphasized the need to improve the overall student experience on campus: "International students must be integrated into the core of campus life. Their engagement with domestic students, involvement in innovation centers, science and technology parks, and cultural and social activities should be strengthened so that beyond academic acquisition, they carry forward an enduring, positive experience from Iran."
Dr. Jafari also highlighted administrative interventions regarding residency matters: "In collaboration with relevant authorities, Iran’s Organization of Student Affairs has placed on its agenda the waiver of residency fines, temporary residency extensions, prevention of service disruptions (such as SIM cards and banking services), and expedited processing of pending files."
Reaffirming the Organization's support for academic institutions, he concluded: "Developing international higher education requires synergy among universities, executive bodies, and related institutions. Iran’s Organization of Student Affairs stands fully committed alongside universities to dismantle hurdles and further facilitate international student recruitment."
Problems with the “ADAB” System and Delays in Issuing Residency Permits Pose Serious Challenges to International Student Recruitment
Highlighting the standing of Tabriz University within the country’s higher education system, the Director of Scientific and International Cooperation at Tabriz University stated: “As the country's second-oldest and second-largest university—comprising 20 faculties, 114 academic departments, 30 educational and research centers, and approximately 20,000 students—Tabriz University stands as one of Iran's paramount higher education institutions in the realm of internationalization.”
Presenting a report on the status of international students at the university, Dr. Ebrahim Babaei noted: “The operational problems of the ‘ADAB’ system and delays in issuing residency permits and clearance certificates have drastically curtailed the recruitment of foreign students, while plunging the university into serious administrative challenges regarding the management of these students’ academic affairs and graduation.”
Stating that 2,230 international students are currently enrolled at Tabriz University, he added: “Last October, this figure stood at approximately 3,500. However, due to the graduation of a significant cohort of students and a drop in incoming admissions, a marked downward trend has emerged in our international student population.”
Referring to the academic tier distribution of international students, the Director of Scientific and International Cooperation at Tabriz University remarked: “The vast majority of these students are pursuing master's and doctoral degrees. Recruiting international undergraduate students remains one of the foremost challenges facing both our university and the country’s higher education system at large.”
Furthermore, pointing to the distribution of international students across various faculties, Dr. Babaei stated: “The highest levels of interest among foreign students are observed in economics and management, educational sciences and psychology, natural sciences, electrical engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, and mathematics—underscoring the high potential of these disciplines for expanding international academic cooperation.”
Detailing the rollout of the “ADAB” system, he said: “Since September 2025, Tabriz University was selected as a pilot institution for the implementation of this system. While more than 750 students had been admitted to study at the university, shortcomings in the initial version of the system caused significant delays in the permit issuance procedures.”
The Director of Scientific and International Cooperation at Tabriz University continued: “Although the new version of the system has resolved some of these issues, the processing of visas, residency permits, and final authorizations remains sluggish, generating multifaceted problems for both the university and the students.”
Addressing the status of students admitted in previous years, he noted: “Out of 1,876 active students from the 2024 cohort and prior years, 413 still lack residency permits. Consequently, a significant number of students—despite completing their theses, papers, and other academic requirements—are unable to defend their dissertations and graduate.”
Emphasizing the pressures stemming from this situation, Dr. Babaei added: “The university deals daily with recurring student inquiries, correspondence from regulatory bodies, follow-ups by Iran’s Organization of Student Affairs , and consultations with the Cultural Counsellor of Iraq. It is expected that, with the support of Iran’s Organization of Student Affairs, the cases of these students will be adjudicated outside the standard queue.”
Presenting the admission statistics for the 2025 academic year, he further stated: “Out of the 750 admitted applicants, only 379 successfully enrolled, and of those, merely 21 have thus far obtained legal residency—a clear indication that the vast majority of students continue to grapple with residency bottlenecks.”
Describing the decline in foreign applicants' interest in studying at the university as alarming, the Director of Scientific and International Cooperation at Tabriz University said: “Last year, more than 5,700 applicants sought admission to Tabriz University, whereas this year that figure has plummeted to about 1,400. A major contributing factor is the fallout from last year’s difficulties and the erosion of applicants' confidence—particularly among Iraqi students—in the university’s admission process.”
Dr. Babaei cited the expansion of virtual education as an effective remedy to partially offset these conditions, adding: “Tabriz University has provisioned all necessary infrastructure to host online programs tailored for international students and has identified requisite academic fields. However, the initiation of the admission process remains contingent upon final authorization from Iran’s Organization of Student Affairs.”
He also announced the university’s readiness to launch joint educational programs with foreign universities, stating: “Faculty members have expressed readiness to implement joint programs across 88 master's degree-major tracks and 206 doctoral degree-major tracks, and preliminary negotiations have commenced with a number of regional universities.”
In conclusion, while expressing gratitude for the support extended by Iran’s Organization of Student Affairs, the Director of Scientific and International Cooperation at Tabriz University called for expediting residency permits, finalizing authorizations for virtual and joint programs, and sustaining support for Tabriz University in advancing its international footprint. He emphasized that removing these barriers will play a decisive role in boosting foreign student recruitment and elevating the university’s international standing.
Holding Short-Term Technology Courses for International Students: A New Pathway in Regional Academic Cooperation
Emphasizing the necessity of pivoting toward innovative approaches in expanding international activities, the President of the Science and Technology Park of Tabriz University proposed that universities establish short-term technology and innovation courses to facilitate the recruitment of students, researchers, and faculty members from neighboring countries.
Dr. Gholamreza Kiani stated: “Beyond examining existing challenges, the Strategic Council must seek novel, forward-looking solutions to foster international cooperation.”
Noting that a substantial portion of the council's meetings is dedicated to reviewing operational bottlenecks and admission-related platforms for international students, he added: “Alongside addressing these operational issues, we must chart new pathways to broaden academic and technological engagement with regional countries.”
Referring to past collaborative experience with a technical university in Iraq, the President of the Science and Technology Park of Tabriz University said: “Last year, following an expression of readiness by an Iraqi university to cooperate in the technology sector, preparations were made to implement a joint program and convene specialized meetings; however, due to intervening circumstances and regional developments, the continuation of this cooperation was postponed.”
Putting forward a proposal for expanding international cooperation, Dr.Kiani asserted: “The Science and Technology Park of Tabriz University is fully prepared to design a comprehensive curriculum of specialized short-term courses in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship for graduate students, researchers, and faculty members from neighboring countries.”
He added: “These courses can be structured around themes such as familiarization with innovation ecosystems, the structure and missions of science and technology parks, the commercialization of research achievements, university-industry linkages, and visits to industrial units and technology-based enterprises.”
Pointing out that many neighboring nations, particularly Iraq, still lack extensive infrastructure in the domain of science and technology parks, he stated: “Tabriz University and its Science and Technology Park can play a pivotal role in advancing regional scientific and technological cooperation by transferring expertise and technical know-how.”
Describing 5-to-10-day courses as a viable solution for the current atmosphere, Dr. Kiani noted: “At a time when certain regional developments may affect the long-term physical presence of foreign students, implementing short-term courses can mitigate existing risks while affording a favorable opportunity to expand academic exchanges, facilitate technology transfer, and attract international audiences.”
Reaffirming the readiness of the Science and Technology Park of Tabriz University to draft the operational blueprint for this program, he concluded: “Subject to the support of Iran’s Organization of Student Affairs, the proposal for this scheme will be compiled in the shortest possible time and submitted for review and execution.”
In closing, the President of the Science and Technology Park of Tabriz University framed the expansion of these courses as an opportunity to boost university revenues, widen technological cooperation, and reinforce Tabriz University's international profile, expressing hope that with the backing of relevant authorities, this collaborative model will be disseminated across the country's universities.
Advancing Universities' International Activities Demands Active Presence in Regional Countries
Underscoring the imperative of shifting paradigms in international higher education development, the Vice President for Student Affairs at Tabriz University stated: “In addition to recruiting foreign students, the country's universities must actively establish a presence in regional countries to lay the groundwork for expanding educational and academic cooperation.”
Dr. Mohammad Abbaszadeh observed: “The time has come for universities to move beyond merely tabling grievances and instead put forward actionable proposals and pragmatic solutions for developing international education.”
Pointing to the capacities inherent in neighboring and regional countries, he added: “International student recruitment should not remain confined to a handful of nations. Rather, Iranian universities must proactively engage within regional countries—including Central Asian states, Tajikistan, Iraq, Pakistan, and other neighboring partners—to pave the way for establishing branch campuses, expanding educational cooperation, and implementing joint programs.”
The Vice President for Student Affairs at Tabriz University asserted: “The creation of international branch campuses and the expansion of Iranian universities' academic footprint abroad will not only increase foreign student enrollment but also fortify the academic and international standing of our universities.”
Elsewhere in his remarks, Dr. Abbaszadeh stressed the need for tighter coordination among various university units in delivering services to international students, stating: “Processes concerning admissions, academic affairs, financial matters, accommodation, and auxiliary services must be executed with enhanced synergy and coordination across university departments to ensure international students access institutional services with greater ease.”
Highlighting Tabriz University’s welfare measures for international students, he noted: “Currently, the university provides scholarship student housing in dedicated dormitories for female and male students, while utilizing university-approved self-governing dormitories for other international students.”
Dr. Abbaszadeh added: “Accommodating international students in facilities approved by the university and relevant bodies not only streamlines welfare service delivery but also enables rigorous supervision and superior management of student affairs.”
In conclusion, the Vice President for Student Affairs at Tabriz University emphasized the necessity of synergy among the university, Iran’s Organization of Student Affairs, and other relevant bodies to foster international higher education, stating: “Through cohesive planning and enhanced inter-departmental coordination, we can elevate Tabriz University’s standing on the international stage and drive up foreign student recruitment.”
International Student Expansion Requires Long-Term Planning and Policy Cohesion
Emphasizing the necessity of formulating a long-term blueprint for international education development, the Vice President for Support and Resource Development at Tabriz University stated: “Success in international student recruitment is not achieved solely by inflating enrollment figures; rather, it requires the establishment of sustainable infrastructure, inter-agency coordination, and cohesive management.”
Dr. Jamshid Esmaeili noted: “The experience of the country's higher education system demonstrates that any expansion devoid of meticulous, forward-looking planning can culminate in long-term managerial and financial challenges.”
Pointing to the necessity of a strategic outlook in advancing universities' international activities, he added: “The enlargement of the international student sector must rest upon expert studies and long-term planning to achieve scientific and international objectives while averting unnecessary expenditures and structural complications down the road.”
Stating that the international sector's development necessitates organizational structures, human resources, educational spaces, and support facilities, the Vice President for Support and Resource Development at Tabriz University declared: “If this domain is inadequately managed, revenues generated from international student enrollment may fail to cover accruing costs in the future. Consequently, expansion must proceed on sound economic and managerial principles.”
Furthermore, Dr. Esmaeili underscored the imperative of inter-institutional coordination throughout the admission and student service lifecycle, noting: “One of the foremost demands of universities is fostering coherence among responsible agencies and accelerating operational workflows—particularly concerning the issuance of permits and ‘clearance certificates’ for international students.”
He cautioned: “Any delays in these procedures not only generate administrative bottlenecks for universities but can also undermine the credibility and trust of foreign students in the nation's higher education system.”
Highlighting the significance of preserving universities' international credibility, the Vice President for Support and Resource Development at Tabriz University stated: “Promotional efforts and the showcasing of university capacities prove effective only when the lived experience of international students aligns with institutional promises, as student satisfaction remains the paramount driver of university reputation and accreditation internationally.”
In closing, Dr. Esmaeili called for reinforcing coordination among the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology, Iran’s Organization of Student Affairs, and other competent authorities, expressing hope that by establishing integrated mechanisms and coordinated decision-making, existing operational hurdles will be surmounted to pave the way for the sustainable growth of international student enrollment across the nation’s universities.
According to this report, the meeting proceeded with discussions and deliberations concerning the university's upcoming challenges and programs for international student recruitment.