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Moving Beyond the Traditional Internationalization Model Is Essential to Address Empty University Seats
| Last update: 2026/06/21 |
The President of the Student Affairs Organization emphasized that leading universities must serve as the primary drivers of international student recruitment, warning that Iran’s higher education system will face a growing challenge of empty seats in the coming years. He underscored that smart infrastructure development and a shift away from traditional internationalization paradigms are essential to preserving institutional capacity and strengthening the global competitiveness of Iranian universities.According to the Public Relations Office of Amirkabir University of Technology (AUT), Dr. Saeed Habiba addressed the National Symposium on the Development and Smart Infrastructure of Internationalization in Iran’s universities, which was hosted by the university. After paying tribute to lost lives in academia during the war on Iran, Dr. Habiba stated that international engagement has become a cornerstone of the country’s higher education. He emphasized that this remains a critical strategic priority for the Ministry of Science, essential both for advancing scientific diplomacy and for advancing the country’s scientific standing.Referring to the Organization’s mandate in international student recruitment, he noted that more than a year of expert assessments and policy reviews has identified two foundational approaches that must guide future policymaking.First, he argued that major national universities must take the lead in international recruitment efforts. ‘Regrettably, in previous years, this burden fell disproportionately on smaller institutions, which negatively impacted the national brand and credibility of our higher education system. Major universities, leveraging their strong academic standing, are now expected to assume a more proactive role.’Stating that traditional models of internationalization are no longer sufficient, Dr. Habiba emphasized the need for a paradigm shift. ‘Adopting new waves of internationalization, specifically the digital transformation of recruitment and admissions processes, is an urgent necessity today.’ He noted that the symposium was organized with this specific goal in mind. He continued, ‘Over the past 18 months, our policies and programs have been centered on this technological modernization; it is now the turn of universities to drive serious progress by bolstering their digital infrastructure.’
Warning of a decline in domestic demand for higher education, Dr. Habiba stated that the system will soon confront a serious challenge of vacant seats. The number of national entrance exam applicants, which once reached 1.7 million, declined to approximately 900,000 last year. Even some programs at reputable universities are now experiencing shortages of applicants.At the same time, he pointed to the global landscape, noting that more than five million students worldwide seek to pursue higher education abroad. “This represents a significant opportunity. Despite Iran’s position among the world’s top 18 scientific systems, our share of the international education market does not reflect our academic capabilities.”Referring to regional experiences, Dr. Habiba observed that countries such as Turkey have successfully attracted hundreds of thousands of international students through targeted policy frameworks. “We must similarly capitalize on this capacity to strengthen our higher education system.”He also outlined key measures undertaken to remove barriers to internationalization, including resolving inter-agency challenges; facilitating entry and mobility for international students; granting residency permits valid for the duration of study; exempting international students from restricted-area limitations; regulating recruitment agencies; authorizing 30 leading universities to offer programs in a second language; granting six universities permission to deliver electronic programs; launching the “PARSIC” Persian Language Proficiency Test; introducing new scholarship guidelines for outstanding international students; and enabling their participation in the country’s innovation ecosystem.In conclusion, Dr. Habiba highlighted the establishment of a National Task Force on International Student Recruitment, composed of representatives from 19 leading universities. He described the task force as a successful model of participatory policymaking—incorporating university input and executive collaboration—and noted that it can play a significant role in advancing the internationalization of Iran’s higher education system.
Warning of a decline in domestic demand for higher education, Dr. Habiba stated that the system will soon confront a serious challenge of vacant seats. The number of national entrance exam applicants, which once reached 1.7 million, declined to approximately 900,000 last year. Even some programs at reputable universities are now experiencing shortages of applicants.At the same time, he pointed to the global landscape, noting that more than five million students worldwide seek to pursue higher education abroad. “This represents a significant opportunity. Despite Iran’s position among the world’s top 18 scientific systems, our share of the international education market does not reflect our academic capabilities.”Referring to regional experiences, Dr. Habiba observed that countries such as Turkey have successfully attracted hundreds of thousands of international students through targeted policy frameworks. “We must similarly capitalize on this capacity to strengthen our higher education system.”He also outlined key measures undertaken to remove barriers to internationalization, including resolving inter-agency challenges; facilitating entry and mobility for international students; granting residency permits valid for the duration of study; exempting international students from restricted-area limitations; regulating recruitment agencies; authorizing 30 leading universities to offer programs in a second language; granting six universities permission to deliver electronic programs; launching the “PARSIC” Persian Language Proficiency Test; introducing new scholarship guidelines for outstanding international students; and enabling their participation in the country’s innovation ecosystem.In conclusion, Dr. Habiba highlighted the establishment of a National Task Force on International Student Recruitment, composed of representatives from 19 leading universities. He described the task force as a successful model of participatory policymaking—incorporating university input and executive collaboration—and noted that it can play a significant role in advancing the internationalization of Iran’s higher education system.
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