The dollar price for foreign students in Iran has recently been determined based on the resolution of the Cabinet. This resolution allows selected banks to receive the currency from foreign students and other applicants referred by universities and educational institutions and deposit it into the special foreign currency accounts of these centers at the Central Bank.
History of Foreign Student Admission
The admission of foreign students in Iran began in 2001 with the approval of the law regulating part of the financial regulations of the government. This law enables universities and higher education institutions to admit foreign students to cover part of their expenses and charge them tuition fees. This measure is considered a method to increase university revenues and expand international interactions in higher education.
Tuition Calculation and Currency Rate
According to the new resolution, the Central Bank is required to calculate the foreign currency amounts of universities based on the selling rate of banknotes at the exchange center and deposit them into their dedicated revenue accounts according to the schedule announced by the General Treasury of the country. Currently, the selling rate of the dollar at the exchange center is 180,550 tomans, and the selling rate of the euro is about 202,000 tomans.
The tuition fees for foreign students in Iran vary based on the field of study and educational level. For example, the tuition for an undergraduate student in medical fields is approximately 3,000 to 7,000 dollars annually. Considering the exchange rate at the exchange center, this amount is equivalent to about 541 million to 1 billion 260 million tomans. These figures indicate the significant impact of the currency rate on the educational expenses of foreign students and may influence their decision to continue their studies in Iran.
Economic and Social Consequences
Determining the currency rate and tuition fees for foreign students can have extensive economic and social consequences. On one hand, this resolution helps universities attract more financial resources to improve their educational and research services. On the other hand, high educational costs may discourage some students from continuing their studies in Iran and lead to a decrease in the number of foreign students at Iranian universities.
Overall, this resolution not only affects the financial situation of universities but can also influence Iran's image as a destination for foreign students. If costs are adjusted appropriately and reasonably, Iran can be recognized as an attractive educational center in the region and beyond.
