Saeed Habiba, at the third national Suraya award ceremony, congratulated the organizers of this festival and thanked the University of Science and Technology for hosting it, highlighting the importance of scientific diplomacy in the future of higher education in Iran. He stated: "The future of higher education in Iran and the scientific position of the country in the international system is directly dependent on scientific diplomacy."
Facilitating the Attraction of International Students
Habiba posed the question of how to turn Iran's scientific and academic capacities into an effective advantage in the international arena, adding: "This can only be achieved not just by introducing universities and international advertising, but requires policy-making, institutional reforms, and innovative initiatives in the field of internationalization of higher education."
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The head of the Organization for Student Affairs, referring to the actions of this organization to facilitate the attraction of international students, said: "These actions are pursued in three approaches including strengthening scientific diplomacy, moving towards scientific authority, and utilizing new waves of internationalization of higher education."
Comprehensive System for International Student Affairs
Habiba announced the launch of a comprehensive system for international student affairs named "Adab" which will facilitate the process of attracting and admitting international students. He also mentioned the exemption of international students from restrictions in prohibited areas and added: "This action has been carried out in coordination with relevant agencies and has provided the opportunity for these students to study and travel in various regions of the country."
The Deputy Minister of Science also referred to the change in approach regarding the issuance of student residence permits, stating: "Now students can receive residence permits according to the duration of their studies, and the need for frequent visits has been reduced."
Habiba also discussed the continuation of studies for students between two educational levels, saying: "By utilizing the capacity of the Kish Free Zone, arrangements have been made so that students do not have to physically leave the country during the gap between two educational levels."
Receiving Tuition Fees from Foreign Students in Foreign Currency
The head of the Organization for Student Affairs pointed to the problems universities face in opening foreign currency accounts and receiving tuition fees from foreign students in foreign currency, stating: "With special assistance and a government cabinet resolution, the problems in this area have been resolved."
Habiba also considered organizing institutions that attract international students as another priority and expressed hope that with the resolution of foreign currency account issues, intermediaries would be removed from the process of attracting international students.
The Deputy Minister of Science emphasized the necessity of utilizing new internationalization capacities in higher education and announced the issuance of permits for education in international languages for 30 universities. This action allows universities to offer their educational programs in English and Arabic, consequently increasing the capacity to attract international students.
He also identified the attraction of outstanding and talented international students as important tools for developing scientific diplomacy, stating: "An outstanding student can be a bridge between universities and different communities."
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