Iranian Universities Showcase Innovation at Edu TraC Oman Expo

In recent developments in higher education, representatives from Sharif University of Technology, Shiraz University, and Tarbiat Modares University have participated in the highly anticipated Edu TraC Oman 2025. This education and career expo took place from September 29 to October 1 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, attracting universities and students from around the globe.

EduTraC Oman is organized under the auspices of several governmental bodies, including Oman’s Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Civil Service, Ministry of Manpower, Ministry of Education, and the National Career Guidance Center. The event is designed to facilitate recruitment across various sectors for higher education, training, and human resource development. It offers an invaluable platform for students, graduates, and HR professionals to connect with both local and international universities, meet admission officers, and receive career guidance.

More than 60 universities from 19 countries, including Iran, Oman, Spain, Russia, Qatar, Japan, the United States, Germany, France, England, India, and Saudi Arabia, participated in the Edu TraC Oman 2025, as reported by Mehr news agency. This diverse representation highlights the global interest in educational collaboration and student exchange.

During this three-day event, Iranian universities took the opportunity to showcase their academic strengths and programs. Notably, Sharif University of Technology represented the UT5 convention, which was established in December 2009. This convention aims to foster collaboration among several prominent Iranian institutions, including:

• Sharif University of Technology
• Amirkabir University of Technology
• Iran University of Science and Technology
• Isfahan University of Technology
• Khajeh Nasir Toosi University of Technology

This initiative is particularly focused on enhancing international partnerships and opportunities for Iranian universities.

Growth of Foreign Students in Iran

In a significant trend, the number of foreign students in Iranian universities has nearly doubled, reaching 60,000 this academic year, compared to 35,000 in the previous year that began on September 22, 2024. Despite ongoing challenges, Iran has successfully attracted students from 101 countries, according to Saeed Habiba, the head of the Organization of Student Affairs.

Habiba emphasized that the scientific capacity of Iran’s universities and their commendable record in international collaboration present a valuable opportunity to strengthen the presence of foreign students. The country is aiming to increase the number of international students to approximately 320,000 by 2026.

The majority of foreign students in Iran hail from:

• Afghanistan
• India
• Iraq
• Pakistan

World University Rankings

The latest 2024 World University Rankings (WUR) report by the Islamic World Science Citation Center (ISC) has recognized 72 Iranian universities, an increase from 69 in 2023. In total, the ranking lists 426 universities from 31 Islamic countries, with Turkey leading with 102 universities, followed by Iran and Pakistan.

Some noteworthy changes in university rankings include:

• Tehran University: Improved from 501-600 in 2023 to 401-500 in 2024, ranking first in Iran.
• Tehran University of Medical Sciences: Ranks second with a global position of 501-600, up from 601-700.
• Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences: Climbed from 801-900 in 2023 to 601-700 in 2024.
• Sharif University of Technology: Now ranks fourth.
• Tarbiat Modares University: Holds the fifth position.

In the 2025 Shanghai University ranking, six Iranian universities made it to the top 1,000 globally, a decline from nine in 2024. Notably, Tehran University of Medical Sciences and the University of Tehran rank within the top 500, specifically at 401-500 globally. Additionally:

• Tarbiat Modares University: Ranks 701-800.
• Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences: Ranks 801-900.
• Sharif University of Technology: Also ranks 801-900.
• Iran University of Medical Sciences: Ranks 901-1000.

The July edition of the Webometrics world ranking featured 64 medical universities from Iran, maintaining the same count as in January. However, 11 of these universities have made notable advancements in their rankings. Notably, Tehran University of Medical Sciences is the only Iranian university to be listed among the top 500 institutions worldwide.

Several universities have shown remarkable improvements in their standings, including:

• Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences: Improved by 1002 positions.
• Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences: Improved by 961 positions.
• Yazd University of Medical Sciences: Improved by 948 positions.

Other universities that have significantly enhanced their rankings include:

• Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences
• Urmia University of Medical Sciences
• Ilam University of Medical Sciences
• Kashan University of Medical Sciences
• Alborz University of Medical Sciences
• Kordestan University of Medical Sciences
• Gonabad University of Medical Sciences
• Maraghe University of Medical Sciences

This continuous improvement in university rankings reflects the growing emphasis on quality education and international collaboration within Iran’s higher education system.