Islamic Azad University

The Islamic Azad University (IAU; Persian: دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی‎, Dāneshgāh-e Āzād-e Eslāmi) is a private university system in Iran. It is one of the largest comprehensive systems of universities, colleges, and community colleges in the world.

Islamic Azad University
  • دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی

Dāneshgāh-e Āzād-e Eslāmi
Seal of the Islamic Azad University
Mottoبدون شعار رسمی

شعار غیر رسمی شامل: اطلب العلم من المهد الى اللحد (Arabic)
ز گهواره تا گور دانش بجوی
آرمان ایرانی برای جهانی شدن
یادگیری و زندگی

(Persian)
Motto in English
No official motto[1]

Unofficial mottoes include:

Seek Knowledge from the Cradle to the Grave
Iranian Aspirations for Globalization
Learn and Live
Typeprivate university system[2]
EstablishedMay 21, 1982 (1982-05-21) [1]
Endowment$1.0 billion (2020)[1]
Budget$10.0 billion (2020)[1]
ChairmanAli Akbar Velayati
PresidentMohammad Mehdi Tehranchi[3]
Vice-presidentBijan Ranjbar
Academic staff
23,762 (Full-time) + ~39,000 (Contracted) (2020)[1][1]
Administrative staff
~33,000 (2020)[1]
Students~1,000,000 (2020)[1]
Undergraduates~650,000[1]
Postgraduates~250,000[1]
~100,000 (include professional doctorate and medicine)[1]
Location
Iran
United Kingdom
United Arab Emirates
Lebanon
Afghanistan
Campus2 Independent + 31 State university branches under direct administration
(335 campuses, research and medical centers, 118 technical and vocational college and School in Iran and overseas)
MediaFarhikhteghan Newspaper, Azad News Agency (ANA), Isca News Agency
ColoursDark and light blue[4]   
AthleticsAzad University of Tehran Basketball Club
Azad University of Tehran Cycling Club
Azad University Giant Team
NicknameIAU, Azad University
AffiliationsSCRC
MSRT
MOHME
AUAP
ASAIHL
FUIW
IAU
IAUP
Websitewww.iau.ac.ir

History

Before Iranian revolution, Azad University of Iran (Free University of Iran) was established in 1970 but then it was closed because of Iranian Cultural Revolution.[5][6] Headquartered in Tehran, Iran, the Islamic Azad University is the world's sixth-largest university. It was approved and ratified by the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution in 1982, having been founded and established by Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.[7] It has an enrollment of 1 million students.[8][9] Since its inception in 1982, it has grown both physically and academically to become one of the largest higher education institutions globally. Over the years, IAU has promoted 'higher education for all' as its key objective. IAU has two independent and 31 state university branches across Iran, and four branches in other countries: the U.A.E., the United Kingdom, Lebanon and Afghanistan.[10] Over the years, the university has accumulated assets estimated to be worth $20–25 billion.[1][9]

The Islamic Azad University's activities quickly expanded throughout the country, so that today thousands of students are enrolling every year. Not relying on government funding, it receives charitable donations and charges tuition fees.[9]

The certificates issued by this university are recognized by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology and Ministry of Health and Medical Education for medical education.[10] The university admits students through the National Wide Entrance Examination held by the National (Iranian) Organization of Educational Testing.

Endowment controversy

Iran's supreme leader has declared the financial endowment of Islamic Azad University to be "religiously illegitimate and unlawful", prompting a change within the administration of the institution.[11]

Governance
  • The Board of Founders
  • The Board of Trustees
  • The President of the University
  • The University Council

Board of Founders

The board consists of nine people, including Ali Akbar Velayati (Head of Board), Abdollah Jassbi, Ali Akbar Nategh-Nouri, Hassan Khomeini, Mohsen Qomi, Ali Mohammad Noorian and Hamid Mirzadeh.

Board of Trustees

Members include:

Board of Directors

The administration of the university is the Rector of the University Board of Trustees and approved the proposal of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution and the decision of the President of the Board of Trustees is appointed for a term of four years. All Islamic Azad University campuses are governed by the Regents of the university.

Presidents
President Tenure Alma mater Speciality
Abdollah Jassbi1982–2012 Aston UniversityIndustrial Engineering and Management
Farhad Daneshjoo2012–2013 University of WestminsterCivil and Earthquake Engineering
Hamid Mirzadeh2013–2017 University of New South WalesPolymer Engineering and Biomaterials
Ali Mohammad Noorian2017–2017 University of WalesElectrical Engineering and Physics
Farhad Rahbar2017–2018 University of TehranTheoretical Economics
Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi2018–present Moscow Institute of Physics and TechnologyNuclear Physics
Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, current IAU President

Organization and administration

Central Organization (University System):

  • Vice Presidency for Academic and Post Graduate Affairs
  • Vice Presidency for Research, Technology and Innovation
  • Vice Presidency for Student and Cultural Affairs
  • Vice Presidency for Development and Resource Management (Financial and Administrative Affairs)
  • Vice Presidency for International Affairs and Non-Iranian Students
  • Vice Presidency for Science, Engineering and Agriculture
  • Vice Presidency for Medical Sciences
  • Vice Presidency for Humanities and Arts
  • Vice Presidency for Parliamentary Affairs and Social Relations
  • Vice Presidency for General Education and Skills Training (Sama Organization)
  • Central Research Institute
  • Science and Technology Park
  • Center of Admissions
  • Center for Provincial Board of Trustees
  • Center for Audit of the Board of Trustees
  • Center of Construction and Real Estate
  • Center of Monitoring, Inspection and Complaints
  • Policy Institute of Strategic Studies
  • Law Office
  • Cultural Center of Imam Khomeini and the Islamic Revolution
  • Strategic Council for Talented Women
  • Knowledge Based Economy and Finance Council
  • Martyrs and Veterans Administration
  • Trading Commission

Branches and campuses

The Islamic Azad University has two independent[12] and 31 state university branches with 400 campuses and research centers in Iran, and four branches overseas, as well as a range of hospitals, laboratories, workshops, sports facilities, recreational areas and ITC facilities. It now welcomes not only local but also international students. There are 621 Sama high schools affiliated to the university, along with 124 technical and vocational colleges.[1]

These campuses are under the direct control of the Board of Trustees and the President. The best known and famous branches are listed below. The most distinguished, most highly ranked and most prestigious, are Central Tehran and Science and Research.

Branch Type Founded Enrollment
Science and Research Independent Comprehensive 1984 ~ 50,000
Najafabad Independent Comprehensive 1985 ~ 25,000[13]
Central Tehran Comprehensive, Head of Tehran state universities 1982 ~ 50,000
South Tehran Comprehensive 1985 ~ 35,000
North Tehran Comprehensive 1985 ~ 35,000
Tehran Medical Comprehensive 1985 ~ 25,000
Karaj Comprehensive 1984 ~ 35,000
Tabriz Comprehensive 1982 ~ 20,000
Qazvin Comprehensive 1992 ~ 20,000
Mashhad Comprehensive 1982 ~ 35,000
Isfahan Comprehensive 1983 ~ 20,000

Campuses in the City of Tehran
Branch Type Founded Enrollment
Central Organization University System 1982 N/A
Science and Research Independent Comprehensive 1984 ~ 50,000
Central Tehran Comprehensive, Head of Tehran state universities 1982 ~ 50,000
South Tehran Comprehensive 1985 ~ 35,000
North Tehran Comprehensive 1985 ~ 35,000
West Tehran Great 1994 ~ 15,000
East Tehran Very great 2001 ~ 20,000
Medical Tehran Medicine, Dental, Pharmaceutical Science & Biology 1985 ~ 25,000
Electronic Electronic 2008 ~ 20,000

Two-year institutions

Vice Presidency for General Education and Skills Training (Sama Organization):

  • Sama Technical and Vocational College

Educational institutions

Vice Presidency for General Education and Skills Training (Sama Organization):

  • Sama Schools (primary schools, secondary schools, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools and university-preparatory schools)
  • Skills Training Schools

Overseas branches

The Azad University in Oxford (AUO) i at the outskirts of the city of Oxford in the UK, was established in 2004 to support IAU's international collaboration activities. Through its links with the UK universities and research centers, the AUO provides services to the students and staff of IAU as well as other students and organisations around the world.[14]

In 1995, a branch was opened in Dubai.[15]

International offices

The Islamic Azad University has international offices in Russia, Italy, Germany, the UK, UAE, Lebanon and Afghanistan.[16]

State universities

IAU has 31 state universities (provincial universities) located throughout the provinces of Iran:

  • Islamic Azad University, Alborz Province
  • Islamic Azad University, Ardabil Province
  • Islamic Azad University, East Azerbaijan Province
  • Islamic Azad University, West Azerbaijan Province
  • Islamic Azad University, Bushehr Province
  • Islamic Azad University, Chahar Mahaal and Bakhtiari Province
  • Islamic Azad University, Fars Province
  • Islamic Azad University, Gilan Province
  • Islamic Azad University, Golestan Province
  • Islamic Azad University, Hamadan Province
  • Islamic Azad University, Hormozgan Province
  • Islamic Azad University, Ilam Province
  • Islamic Azad University, Isfahan Province
  • Islamic Azad University, Kerman Province
  • Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah Province
  • Islamic Azad University, North Khorasan Province
  • Islamic Azad University, Razavi Khorasan Province
  • Islamic Azad University, South Khorasan Province
  • Islamic Azad University, Khuzestan Province
  • Islamic Azad University, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province
  • Islamic Azad University, Kurdistan Province
  • Islamic Azad University, Lorestan Province
  • Islamic Azad University, Markazi Province
  • Islamic Azad University, Mazandaran Province
  • Islamic Azad University, Qazvin Province
  • Islamic Azad University, Qom Province
  • Islamic Azad University, Semnan Province
  • Islamic Azad University, Sistan and Baluchestan Province
  • Islamic Azad University, Tehran Province
  • Islamic Azad University, Yazd Province
  • Islamic Azad University, Zanjan Province

Admission

The university accepts nearly 350,000 students annually (10,000 PhD, 2,000 Professional Doctorate and Medicine, 38,000 Master, 250,000 Bachelor and 50,000 Associate).

Distribution of students

In the academic year 2019–2020:

Field of studyPercent
Engineering 40%
Humanities 44.11%
Art 6.84%
Science 2.68%
Agriculture and veterinary 1.41%
Medical science 4.96%
Total[1] 100%

Enrollment

In the academic year of 2015-2016

  • Agriculture: 42,113
  • Medicine: 70,143
  • Science: 82,894
  • Art: 108,432
  • Engineering: 594,767
  • Human sciences: 723,460
  • Total: 1,621,809
  • Associate degree: 295,035
  • Bachelor's degree: 832,512
  • Master's degree: 446,475
  • Professional doctoral degree: 15,751
  • PhD: 32,036
  • Total: 1,621,809

Distribution of graduates

In the academic year 2014–2015:

Field of studyPercent
Engineering 43.54%
Humanities 40.71%
Art 4.99%
Science 5.47%
Agriculture and veterinary 4.64%
Medical science 0.65%
Total[1] 100%
Level of study (degree)Percent
Associate 25.97%
Bachelor's 64.76%
Master's 9.08%
Ph.D. 0.13%
M.D. 0.06%
Total[1] 100%

Medical centers

IAU' medical centers include:[1]

  • 95 branches in medical sciences
  • 1998 full-time faculty members
  • 95825 students
  • 59 majors in different levels

There are over 1500 active beds in 11 hospitals in Iran, and has approval for 1000 more. Each medical center serves as the primary teaching site for that campus's medical school. Some hospitals are listed below:

  • Farhikhtegan Hospital in Tehran, Iran[17]
  • Bou-Ali (Avicenna) Hospital in Tehran, Iran
  • Amiralmomenin Hospital in Tehran, Iran
  • Javaheri Hospital in Tehran, Iran
  • 22 Baham Hospital in Mashhad, Iran
  • Aria Hospital in Mashhad, Iran
  • Yazd Hospital
  • Khatamalanbia Hospital
  • Rhazes Hospital
  • Katalem Hospital

Rankings

U.S. News & World Report rankings
2021 Best Global Universities Ranking[18]
  • Global Ranking: 445
  • Regional (Asia) Ranking: 72
  • Country Ranking: 2
Subject ranking
  • Agricultural Sciences: 117
  • Biology and Biochemistry: 441
  • Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology: 176
  • Chemical Engineering: 29
  • Chemistry: 110
  • Civil Engineering: 23
  • Clinical Medicine: 725
  • Computer Science: 193
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering: 105
  • Energy and Fuels: 39
  • Engineering: 47
  • Environment/Ecology: 373
  • Materials Science: 232
  • Mathematics: 31
  • Mechanical Engineering: 1
  • Nanoscience and Nanotechnology: 204
  • Physics: 228
  • Plant and Animal Science: 397
2020 Best Global Universities Ranking[18]
  • Global Ranking: 454
  • Regional (Asia) Ranking: 69
  • Country Ranking: 2
Subject ranking
  • Agricultural Sciences: 84
  • Biology and Biochemistry: 466
  • Chemistry: 121
  • Civil Engineering: 35
  • Computer Science: 110
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering: 93
  • Engineering: 44
  • Materials Science: 225
  • Mathematics: 29
  • Mechanical Engineering: 5
  • Physics: 235
  • Plant and Animal Science: 432

2018 Best Global Universities Ranking[18]

  • Global Ranking: 497
  • Regional (Asia) Ranking: 76
  • Country Ranking: 2
Subject ranking
  • Agricultural Sciences: 132
  • Chemistry: 136
  • Computer Science: 119
  • Engineering: 38
  • Materials Science: 104
  • Mathematics: 21
  • Physics: 369

SciVisions rankings

2017: International rank: 938, National rank: 5, Regional Rank: 24 (SRBIAU)[19]

SCImago rankings

2013: International rank: 87, National rank: 1, Regional Rank: 1[20]

2012: International rank: 231, National rank: 1, Regional Rank: 2[21]

CWTS Leiden Ranking

2014: World rank: 252, Country rank: 11, Regional rank: 194[22]

URAP – University Ranking by Academic Performance

2013: World rank: 161, Country rank: 1, Regional rank: 25[23]

2012: World rank: 226, Country rank: 2, Regional rank: 34[24]

ISC rankings

[25][26][27]

Top 10 branches of the Islamic Azad University in 2010
Rank Branch Score
1 Tabriz 4.27
2 Mashhad 3.51
3 Central Tehran 3.06
4 Karaj 2.61
5 North Tehran 2.48
6 Najafabad 1.37
7 Isfahan (Khorasgan) 1.35
8 Shahrekord 1.30
9 Quchan 1.26
10 Ardabil 1.19
Top 10 branches of the Islamic Azad University in 2011
Rank Branch Score
1 Science and Research 100
2 Mashhad 23.75
3 Karaj 18.53
4 South Tehran 18.21
5 Isfahan (Khorasgan) 13.5
6 North Tehran NA
7 Najafabad NA
8 Qazvin NA
9 Central Tehran NA
10 Yazd NA
Top 10 branches of the Islamic Azad University in 2012[28]
Rank Branch Score
1 Science and Research 100
2 Karaj 99.85
3 Mashhad 99.58
4 Tabriz 99.33
5 Isfahan (Khorasgan) 98.58
6 Arak 96.82
7 North Tehran 95.51
8 Saveh 95.10
9 Shahreza 94.58
10 South Tehran 94.06

See also

References
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  2. "EDUCATION vii. SURVEY OF MODERN EDUCATION – Encyclopaedia Iranica". www.iranicaonline.org. Archived from the original on 2012-01-26. Retrieved 2012-01-26.
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  4. "Islamic Azad University Logotype usage guidelines" (PDF). Islamic Azad University. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 12, 2013. Retrieved January 26, 2012.
  5. "کنکور سراسری در ایران به محاق می رود؟". BBC News فارسی (in Persian). 2011-07-01. Retrieved 2020-10-07.
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  8. Encyclopædia Britannica World Almanac, ed. 2004, page 666
  9. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2016-02-05. Retrieved 2010-08-01.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  10. "Gholamreza Rahimi, Ghader Vazifeh Damirch, "Islamic Azad University Roles in Scientific Development of Iran", Interdisciplinary Journal of Research in Business, Vol. 1, Issue. 9, (pp. 84–91), September–October 2011" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-07-12. Retrieved 2013-09-21.
  11. "The battle over Islamic Azad University". Foreign Policy. Archived from the original on 22 May 2013. Retrieved 16 July 2015.
  12. "دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی نجف‌آباد، واحد جامع مستقل شد/ واحد جامع مستقل تابع استان نیست". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-14.
  13. http://iaun.ac.ir/index.php/progressive%5B%5D model school-count
  14. رزمی. "General Directorate of International Affairs - اداره کل بین الملل دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی - Oxford Campus". intl.iau.ir. Archived from the original on 2015-07-03. Retrieved 2015-07-02.
  15. "At a glance - Islamic azad university U.A.E Branch". iau.ae. Archived from the original on 2016-10-07. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
  16. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2019-04-21. Retrieved 2020-10-07.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  17. "Farhikhtegan Hospital at SRBIAU near completion in near future , Development Vice President announces - Islamic Azad University،Science And Research Branch". Islamic Azad University،Science And Research Branch. Archived from the original on 2018-03-18. Retrieved 2018-03-17.
  18. "U.S. News & World Report Ranking".
  19. "SciVisions". www.scivisions.com. Archived from the original on 2018-03-17. Retrieved 2018-03-17.
  20. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-09-21. Retrieved 2013-09-15.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  21. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-09-21. Retrieved 2013-09-15.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  22. (CWTS), Centre for Science and Technology Studies. "CWTS Leiden Ranking 2016". leidenranking.com. Archived from the original on 11 May 2015. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
  23. "URAP - University Ranking by Academic Performance". Archived from the original on 31 May 2015. Retrieved 16 July 2015.
  24. "URAP - University Ranking by Academic Performance". Archived from the original on 31 May 2015. Retrieved 16 July 2015.
  25. "نخستین رتبه‌بندی رسمی دانشگاه‌ها و مراکز تحقیقاتی کشور اعلام شد". Archived from the original on 23 July 2015. Retrieved 16 July 2015.
  26. "رتبه بندی دانشگاه ها و موسسات پژوهشی ایران و کشورهای اسلامی". isc.gov.ir. Archived from the original on 24 November 2016. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
  27. "Ranking of Iran Universities and Research Institution". isc.gov.ir. Archived from the original on 23 December 2016. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
  28. "Rank Iran Azad University". ur.isc.gov.ir. Archived from the original on 28 August 2017. Retrieved 1 January 2017.

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