Islamic Azad University


The Islamic Azad University is a private university system in Iran. It is one of the largest comprehensive systems of universities, colleges, and community colleges in the world.

History

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. It has an enrollment of 1 million students. 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. Over the years, the university has accumulated assets estimated to be worth $20–25 billion.
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.
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. The university admits students through the National Wide Entrance Examination held by the National Organization of Educational Testing.

Endowment controversy

has declared the financial endowment of Islamic Azad University to be "religiously illegitimate and unlawful", prompting a change within the administration of the institution.

Governance

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

Board of Trustees

Members include:
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

Organization and administration

Central Organization :
The Islamic Azad University has two independent 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.
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.
BranchTypeFoundedEnrollment
Science and ResearchIndependent Comprehensive1984~ 50,000
NajafabadIndependent Comprehensive1985~ 25,000
Central TehranComprehensive, Head of Tehran state universities1982~ 60,000
South TehranComprehensive1985~ 35,000
North TehranComprehensive1985~ 30,000
Tehran MedicalComprehensive1985~ 15,000
KarajComprehensive1984~ 35,000
TabrizComprehensive1982~ 21,000
QazvinComprehensive1992~ 28,000
MashhadComprehensive1982~ 30,000
IsfahanComprehensive1983~ 15,000

Campuses in the City of Tehran

Two-year institutions

Vice Presidency for General Education and Skills Training :
Vice Presidency for General Education and Skills Training :
The Azad University in Oxford 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 centres, the AUO providesservices to the students and staff of IAU as well as other students and organisations around the world.
In 1995, a branch was opened in Dubai.

International offices

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

State universities

IAU has 31 state universities located throughout the provinces of Iran:
The university accepts nearly 250,000 students annually.

Distribution of students

In the academic year 2019–2020:
Field of studyPercent
Engineering40%
Humanities44.11%
Art6.84%
Science2.68%
Agriculture and veterinary1.41%
Medical science4.96%
Total100%

Enrollment

In the academic year of 2015-2016
In the academic year 2014–2015:
Field of studyPercent
Engineering43.54%
Humanities40.71%
Art4.99%
Science5.47%
Agriculture and veterinary4.64%
Medical science0.65%
Total100%

Level of study Percent
Associate25.97%
Bachelor's64.76%
Master's9.08%
Ph.D.0.13%
M.D.0.06%
Total100%

Medical centers

IAU' medical centers include:
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:

''[U.S. News & World Report]'' rankings

2018 Best Global Universities Ranking
2017: International rank: 938, National rank: 5, Regional Rank: 24

[SCImago] rankings

2013: International rank: 87, National rank: 1, Regional Rank: 1
2012: International rank: 231, National rank: 1, Regional Rank: 2

[CWTS Leiden Ranking]

2014: World rank: 252, Country rank: 11, Regional rank: 194

URAP – [University Ranking by Academic Performance]

2013: World rank: 161, Country rank: 1, Regional rank: 25
2012: World rank: 226, Country rank: 2, Regional rank: 34

ISC">Islamic World Science Citation Database">ISC rankings

RankBranchScore
1Tabriz4.27
2Mashhad3.51
3Central Tehran3.06
4Karaj2.61
5North Tehran2.48
6Najafabad1.37
7Isfahan 1.35
8Shahrekord1.30
9Quchan1.26
10Ardabil1.19

RankBranchScore
1Science and Research100
2Mashhad23.75
3Karaj18.53
4South Tehran18.21
5Isfahan 13.5
6North TehranNA
7NajafabadNA
8QazvinNA
9Central TehranNA
10YazdNA

RankBranchScore
1Science and Research100
2Karaj99.85
3Mashhad99.58
4Tabriz99.33
5Isfahan 98.58
6Arak96.82
7North Tehran95.51
8Saveh95.10
9Shahreza94.58
10South Tehran94.06

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