Islamic Azad University

Islamic Azad University, often referred to simply as Azad University, is a prominent network of higher education institutions in Iran. It is one of the largest and most well-known university systems in the country.

Fast Facts

• Headquarters: Tehran, Iran.
• Established: Founded in 1982.
• Students: 1,177,977
• Budget: $0.7 billion
• Acceptance Rate: 30%
• Founder: Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.
• Enrollment: Approximately 1 million students.
• Autonomy: Operates with a degree of administrative independence.
• Academic Programs: Offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
• International Presence: Has branches and campuses in various countries.
• Research Focus: Emphasizes research and innovation.
• Diverse Student Body: Enroll students from diverse backgrounds and regions.
• Financial Aid: Provides scholarships and financial assistance to eligible students.

About Islamic Azad University

Islamic Azad University was established in 1982, shortly after the Iranian Revolution of 1979, with the goal of providing accessible higher education to a wide range of students. It was founded by Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who later became the President of Iran.

Educational Network

Azad University operates a vast network of campuses and branches across Iran, with hundreds of locations throughout the country. This extensive network makes higher education more accessible to students in both urban and rural areas.

Academic Offerings

Islamic Azad University offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees, across various fields of study. These fields encompass science, engineering, humanities, social sciences, business, and more.

Autonomy

One of the unique aspects of Islamic Azad University is its autonomy. It is considered a semi-private institution and has more independence compared to other universities in Iran. This autonomy allows it to make decisions related to curriculum, admissions, and other administrative matters.

Research and Innovation

Azad University campuses have active research programs and collaborate with industry and government organizations on various projects.

Student Body

With its extensive reach, Azad University enrolls a large number of students from diverse backgrounds and regions in Iran. It is known for its inclusivity and has played a significant role in expanding access to higher education in the country.

International Collaboration

Islamic Azad University has also established international collaborations and partnerships with universities and institutions worldwide. This has helped facilitate academic exchange programs and research collaborations.

Criticisms

While Islamic Azad University has made higher education more accessible in Iran, it has also faced criticisms and challenges. Some critics argue that the quality of education varies widely across its campuses, and there have been concerns about issues such as overcrowding and the politicization of the institution.

Branches Abroad

In addition to its presence in Iran, Islamic Azad University has established branches and campuses in other countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, and several other nations. These international branches often cater to Iranian expatriate communities.

Academic Merit Scholarships

These scholarships often require a high GPA or outstanding standardized test scores. Academic merit scholarships recognize and reward students for their dedication to their studies and their commitment to achieving academic excellence.

International Student Scholarships

Islamic University may offer scholarships to international students seeking to study at the institution. These scholarships can help promote cultural diversity and international cooperation within the university community.

Graduate and Research Assistantships

In addition to scholarships, the university may provide graduate students with assistantship opportunities. These assistantships often involve teaching or research responsibilities and come with a stipend to support graduate students throughout their studies.

Faculties

• Faculty of Engineering
• Faculty of Sciences
• Faculty of Humanities
• Faculty of Social Sciences
• Faculty of Business and Economics
• Faculty of Medicine
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Arts and Architecture
• Faculty of Agriculture
• Faculty of Information Technology
• Faculty of Education
• Faculty of Dentistry
• Faculty of Pharmacy
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences
• Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery
• Faculty of Energy and Environment
• Faculty of Industrial Engineering
• Faculty of Applied Sciences
• Faculty of Basic Sciences
• Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences
• Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management
• Faculty of Geology and Mining Engineering
• Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning
• Faculty of Music and Performing Arts

Popular Major At Islamic Azad University

• Engineering
• Computer Science
• Medicine
• Business Administration
• Law
• Economics
• Psychology
• Pharmacy
• Architecture
• Accounting
• Dentistry
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Information Technology
• Education
• Management
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Mathematics

Rankings & Ratings

• Best Global Universities: #394
• World Rank: 372
• Research Performance Rank: 342
• National Rank: 1