Established 1982 Budget $3.0 billion (2016) | Endowment 140,955,000 USD | |
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Motto in English Iranian Aspirations for Globalization Subsidiaries Islamic Azad University Central Tehran Branch | ||
The Islamic Azad University (IAU; Persian: دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی, Dāneshgāh-e Āzād-e Eslāmi), commonly referred to as Azad University, is a private university system in Iran. It is one of the largest comprehensive system of universities, colleges, and community colleges in the world.
Contents
- Iran qazvin azad university
- History
- Endowment controversy
- Governance
- Board of Founders
- Board of Trustees
- Board of Directors
- Branches and campuses
- Two year institutions
- Educational institutions
- Overseas branches
- International offices
- State Universities
- Distribution of students
- Distribution of graduates
- Medical centers
- ISC rankings
- SCImago rankings
- References
Iran qazvin azad university
History
Headquartered in Tehran, Iran, the Islamic Azad University is the world's third-largest university which was approved and ratified by Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution in 1982 and was founded in 1982 and established by Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, currently has an enrollment of 1.7 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: branches in U.A.E., 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. Azad 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.
Governance
Board of Founders
It is 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.
Branches and campuses
The Islamic Azad University has two independent and 31 state university branches with 400 campuses and research centers in Iran, and four branches overseas, scattered over an area exceeding 20 million square meters, together with a range of hospitals, laboratories, workshops, sports facilities, recreational areas and ITC facilities, IAU now welcomes many applicants locally and internationally. All this together with 621 Sama high schools affiliated to the university, along with 124 technical and vocational colleges. These campuses are under the direct control of the Bord of Trustees and the President. Only eleven best and famous branches are listed below. Some branches are well-known, most distinguished, most highly ranked and most prestigious specially Central Tehran and Science and Research
Two-year institutions
Educational institutions
Sama Schools (primary schools, secondary schools, elementary schools, high schools and university-preparatory schools)
Overseas branches
The Azad University in Oxford (AUO) is one of the IAU overseas branches located at the outskirts of Oxford city in the UK. It has been established in 2004 to support the IAU international collaboration activities. Through its links with the UK universities and research centres, the AUO provides a number of services 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, UK, UAE, Lebanon and Afghanistan.
State Universities
IAU has 31 state universities (provincial universities) in each province of Iran that are listed below:
Distribution of students
In academic year 2014–2015:
Distribution of graduates
In academic year of 2014–2015:
Medical centers
IAU offers assistance in many hospitals and has also obtained the necessary approvals to establish new hospitals with nearly a capacity of 1000 beds. More details:
Over 1500 active beds in 11 hospitals in Iran. Each medical center serves as the primary teaching site for that campus's medical school. Some hospitals are listed below:
ISC rankings
In early 2011, Islamic World Science Citation Database declared the first official ranking of higher education and research institutes of Iran, including a ranking of Islamic Azad University branches:
SCImago rankings
2013: International rank: 87, National rank: 1, Regional Rank: 1
2012: International rank: 231, National rank: 1, Regional Rank: 2
Leiden Ranking – 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