Mahmoud Shakariyeh, President of the University of Science and Technology, emphasized the necessity of attracting international students and the importance of welfare services this morning at the third national Soraya award ceremony. He stated that universities must be able to provide appropriate services to both domestic and international students, including dormitories, food, and student trips that help introduce Iranian culture.
Opportunities for Attracting International Students
The President of the University of Science and Technology pointed out the existing capacities for attracting international students, stating that currently, a large portion of international students are drawn from a limited number of countries. He expressed hope that by identifying weaknesses and utilizing existing opportunities, especially in neighboring countries, it would be possible to increase the number of international students.
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Shakariyeh also referred to the experience of online education during the COVID-19 pandemic and said: "This experience allowed us to provide the necessary infrastructure for delivering courses, and now we can offer education both in-person and online." He emphasized that attracting international students should go beyond bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs, and that vocational and short-term courses should also be considered.
Challenges and Barriers to Attracting Students
Shakariyeh identified banking issues as one of the main barriers to attracting international students and stated that this matter has been raised multiple times with the Ministry of Science and Research. He added: "It should be examined why tuition fees for international students are collected in rials, while universities can receive tuition in foreign currency." He described this issue as a factor leading to the loss of part of the universities' benefits.
The President of the University of Science and Technology also emphasized the importance of media activities to introduce the scientific capabilities of the country, saying: "We must strive to present the true face of Iran and the academic level of our universities to the world and respond to negative propaganda." He highlighted the achievements of Iranian scientists and the presence of the country's researchers among the world's top scientists, stressing that these capabilities must be well introduced.
Shakariyeh further referred to the goal of training 320,000 students in the seventh development plan and stated: "Achieving this goal should not compromise the quality of education, and we must pay serious attention to the quality of education." He also announced the establishment of an international office at the university, which has been set up to advance the university's international goals in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and other institutions.
The President of the University of Science and Technology concluded by emphasizing the necessity of expanding Persian language education at universities abroad, saying: "Fortunately, Persian is taught at several universities, but this trend needs to be developed." He also referred to the importance of targeted marketing in attracting international students, stating: "We must work to introduce the capacities of our universities on an international level."
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