Islamic Azad University

{{Short description|Private university system in Iran}} {{Infobox university | name = Islamic Azad University | native_name = {{unbulleted list |{{lang|fa|دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی}}}} ''Dāneshgāh-e Āzād-e Eslāmi'' | native_name_lang = fa | image = Islamic_Azad_University_logo_(2).png | image_size = 120px | caption = Seal of the Islamic Azad University | established = {{start date and age|1982|5|21}}<ref name="statistics" /> | founder = Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani | type = Private university system<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/education-vii-general-survey-of-modern-education|title=EDUCATION vii. SURVEY OF MODERN EDUCATION – Encyclopaedia Iranica|website=www.iranicaonline.org|access-date=2012-01-26|archive-date=2012-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126021932/http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/education-vii-general-survey-of-modern-education|url-status=live}}</ref> | motto = Official motto: {{lang|fa|پیشرفت علمی با خودباوری، امید و حرکت}} (2026) (Persian) | mottoeng = No official motto<ref name="statistics" /> Unofficial mottoes include: Seek Knowledge from the Cradle to the Grave Iranian Aspirations for Globalization Learn and Live | endowment = $10 billion (2026)<ref name="statistics" /> | budget = $0.5 billion (2026)<ref name="statistics" /> | president = Bijan Ranjbar<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.iau.ac.ir/fa/News/88333/%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%A8_%D8%B3%D8%B1%D9%BE%D8%B1%D8%B3%D8%AA_%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B4%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%87_%D8%A2%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%AF_%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85%DB%8C|title=انتصاب سرپرست دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی|date=23 April 2017|access-date=23 April 2017|archive-date=26 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426094210/http://www.iau.ac.ir/fa/News/88333/%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%A8_%D8%B3%D8%B1%D9%BE%D8%B1%D8%B3%D8%AA_%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B4%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%87_%D8%A2%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%AF_%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85%DB%8C|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="statistics2">{{cite web|url=https://www.mehrnews.com/news/4957303/%D8%A2%D8%AE%D8%B1%DB%8C%D9%86-%D9%88%D8%B6%D8%B9%DB%8C%D8%AA-%D9%BE%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86%D8%AF%D9%87-%D8%A8%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%B3%DB%8C%D9%87-%D9%87%D8%A7-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B4%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%87-%D8%A2%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%AF|title=IAU General Catalog 2015-2016|date=24 June 2020 |access-date=2020-06-24|archive-date=2020-06-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626215002/https://www.mehrnews.com/news/4957303/%D8%A2%D8%AE%D8%B1%DB%8C%D9%86-%D9%88%D8%B6%D8%B9%DB%8C%D8%AA-%D9%BE%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86%D8%AF%D9%87-%D8%A8%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%B3%DB%8C%D9%87-%D9%87%D8%A7-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B4%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%87-%D8%A2%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%AF|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="statistics">{{cite web|url=https://intl.iau.ir/en/book/4/iau-statistics-2021-2022|title=General Catalog 2021-2022|website=intl.iau.ir|access-date=2022-01-15|archive-date=2022-07-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701211637/https://intl.iau.ir/en/book/4/iau-statistics-2022-2023|url-status=dead}}</ref> | vice-president = Ali Sorouri-majd | chairman = Ali Akbar Velayati | academic_staff = 49,744 { 19,454 (Full-time) & 290 (Part-time) + 30,000 (Visiting, Adjunct and TA) } (2026)<ref name="statistics" /> | administrative_staff = 23,987 (2026)<ref name="statistics" /> | students = 1,377,977 (2026)<ref name="statistics" /> | undergrad = ~1,116,654<ref name="statistics" /> | postgrad = ~199,126<ref name="statistics" /> | doctoral = ~62,197 (including professional doctorate, medicine and residency)<ref name="statistics" /> | city = | state = | province = | country = {{ubl|Iran|United Kingdom|United Arab Emirates|Lebanon|Afghanistan}} | campus = 34 Universities (3 Independent and 31 state university in 330 branches) and 845 Sama Schools under direct administration (2026) | colours = {{Color box|#0051BA}}{{Color box|#99c9ff}} Dark and light blue<ref>{{cite web|url=http://azad.ac.ir/uploads/1_23_Logotype%20usage%20guidelines.pdf|title=Islamic Azad University Logotype usage guidelines|publisher=Islamic Azad University|access-date=January 26, 2012|archive-date=November 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112212806/http://azad.ac.ir/uploads/1_23_Logotype%20usage%20guidelines.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> | academic_affiliations = SCRC MSRT MOHME ASAIHL FUIW | athletics_affiliations = {{ubl|Azad University of Tehran Basketball Club|Azad University of Tehran Cycling Club|Azad University Giant Team}} | other_name = IAU, Azad University | mascot = | free_label = Media | free = Farhikhteghan Newspaper, Azad News Agency (ANA), Isca News Agency | affiliations = SCRC MSRT | website = {{URL|www.iau.ac.ir}} | logo = Islamic Azad University logo.PNG | footnotes = }}

The '''Islamic Azad University''' ('''IAU'''; {{langx|fa|دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی}}, ''Dāneshgāh-e Āzād-e Eslāmi'') is a private university system headquartered in Tehran, Iran. It is one of the largest comprehensive systems of universities in the world.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-03-15|title=The Largest Universities in the World by Enrollment|url=https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/universities-with-the-largest-enrollments-in-the-world.html|access-date=2021-11-03|website=WorldAtlas|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=Staff Writers|date=2009-11-23|title=Top 10 Largest Universities in the World -|url=https://collegestats.org/2009/11/top-10-largest-universities-in-the-world/|access-date=2021-11-03|website=collegestats.org|language=en}}</ref>

==History== Headquartered in Tehran, Iran, the Islamic Azad University is the world's fifth-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.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2011-07-01|title=کنکور سراسری در ایران به محاق می رود؟|url=https://www.bbc.com/persian/iran/2011/07/110701_l06_university_entrance_omission|access-date=2020-10-07|website=BBC News فارسی|language=fa}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=در مورد دانشگاه آزاد در ویکی تابناک بیشتر بخوانید|url=https://www.tabnak.ir/fa/tags/3509/1/%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B4%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%87-%D8%A2%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%AF|access-date=2020-10-07|website=www.tabnak.ir|archive-date=2018-09-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919114646/http://www.tabnak.ir/fa/tags/3509/1/%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B4%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%87-%D8%A2%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%AF|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://nationalinterest.org/commentary/back-the-future-irans-election-8477 |title=Back to the Future in Iran's Election |work=The National Interest |access-date=16 July 2015 |archive-date=26 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426141406/https://nationalinterest.org/commentary/back-the-future-irans-election-8477 |url-status=live }}</ref> The first large-scale private university in the Islamic Republic, Islamic Azad expanded rapidly in the 1990s, overtaking regular state universities in terms of total enrollment by the early 2000s.<ref name=Outline>{{cite journal | title = Neither Dulati nor Khosusi: Islam, Education and Civil Society in Post-1989 Iran | journal = Iranian Studies | volume = 50 | issue = 4 | pages = 575–600 | author = Zep Kalb | year = 2017 | doi = 10.1080/00210862.2017.1295345 }}</ref> IAU has an enrollment of over 1.5 million students.<ref name=Outline/> IAU has promoted 'higher education for all' as its key objective, growing physically and academically to become one of the largest higher education institutions globally. 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.<ref name="IJRB"/> The university has accumulated assets estimated to be worth $20–25 billion.<ref name="statistics" /><ref name="Azadi">{{Cite web |url=http://www.turquoisepartners.com/iraninvestment/IIM-Jul10.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2010-08-01 |archive-date=2016-02-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205173835/http://www.turquoisepartners.com/iraninvestment/IIM-Jul10.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Islamic Azad University's activities quickly expanded throughout the country, so that {{as of|2016}}, thousands of new students were enrolled annually. Not relying on government funding, the university receives charitable donations and charges tuition fees.<ref name="Azadi"/>

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.<ref name="IJRB">{{Cite web |url=http://www.idjrb.com/articlepdf/idjrb9n1p9.pdf |title=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 |access-date=2013-09-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712170221/http://www.idjrb.com/articlepdf/idjrb9n1p9.pdf |archive-date=2012-07-12 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Endowment controversy=== Iran's supreme leader declared the financial endowment of Islamic Azad University was "religiously illegitimate and unlawful", prompting a change within the administration of the institution.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mideast.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/07/12/the_battle_over_islamic_azad_university|title=The battle over Islamic Azad University|work=Foreign Policy|access-date=16 July 2015|archive-date=22 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522212704/http://mideast.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/07/12/the_battle_over_islamic_azad_university|url-status=live}}</ref>

==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, Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, Abdul-Karim Mousavi Ardebili, Hamid Mirzadeh and one vacant position.

===Board of trustees=== Members include: * Three members of full-time associated or higher rank professor faculty of the universities approved by the Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution (Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, Farhad Rahbar, Fereidoun Azizi) * Three members of the founding board, including at least one member of the clergy (Ali Akbar Velayati (Head of Board), Abdollah Jassbi, Hassan Khomeini) * The Ministers of Science, Research and Technology and Health and Medical Education or their representatives * The head of the Supreme Leader's representative in universities or his deputy * The president of the university (Board Secretary)

===Board of directors=== The administration of the university is under the Rector of the University Board of Trustees, and 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.

===Presidents=== {| class="wikitable" |- ! President ! Tenure ! Alma mater ! Speciality |- | Abdollah Jassbi || 1982–2012 || {{flagicon|UK}} Aston University || Industrial Engineering and Management |- | Farhad Daneshjoo || 2012–2013 || {{flagicon|UK}} University of Westminster || Civil and Earthquake Engineering |- | Hamid Mirzadeh || 2013–2017 || {{flagicon|Australia}} University of New South Wales || Polymer Engineering and Biomaterials |- | Ali Mohammad Noorian (acting) || 2017–2017 || {{flagicon|UK}} University of Wales || Electrical Engineering and Physics |- | Farhad Rahbar || 2017–2018 || {{flagicon|Iran}} University of Tehran || Theoretical Economics |- | Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi || 2018–2025 || {{flagicon|Russia}} Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology || Applied Physics and Advanced Materials |- | | |}

==Organization and administration== {{div col|colwidth=30em}} Central Organization (University System): *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 (Academic and Post Graduate Affairs) *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) *Research Institute and Laboratory Networks *Science and Technology Park *Center of Admissions *Center for Martyrs and Veterans Affairs *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 *Knowledge Based Economy and Finance Council *Trading Commission *Research and Technology Fund {{div col end}}

==Branches and campuses== The Islamic Azad University has two independent<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ana.ir/news/39971|title=دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی نجف‌آباد، واحد جامع مستقل شد/ واحد جامع مستقل تابع استان نیست|date=22 September 2015 |access-date=2015-12-14|archive-date=2015-12-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222145322/http://www.ana.ir/news/39971|url-status=live}}</ref> and 31 state university branches with 367 campuses in Iran, and four branches overseas, as well as a range of research centers, hospitals, laboratories, workshops, sports facilities, recreational areas and ICT facilities. It now welcomes not only local but also international students. There are 1051 Sama schools affiliated to the university, along with 118 skill and entrepreneurship colleges.<ref name="statistics" /><ref>[http://iaun.ac.ir/index.php/progressive] {{Dead link|date=September 2018|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>

Branches are listed below.

{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;" |- !Branch !Type !Founded !Enrollment |- |Science and Research |Independent Comprehensive |1984 |~ 50,000 |- |Central Tehran |Comprehensive, Head of Tehran state universities |1982 |~ 50,000 |- |Najafabad |Independent Comprehensive |1985 |~ 20,000 |- |South Tehran |Comprehensive |1985 |~ 40,000 |- |North Tehran |Comprehensive |1985 |~ 40,000 |- |Tehran Medical |Comprehensive |1985 |~ 25,000 |- |Karaj |Comprehensive |1984 |~ 40,000 |- |Tabriz |Comprehensive |1982 |~ 20,000 |- |Qazvin |Comprehensive |1992 |~ 15,000 |- |Mashhad |Comprehensive |1982 |~ 30,000 |- |Isfahan |Comprehensive |1983 |~ 20,000 |- |}

===Campuses in the City of Tehran=== {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;" |- ! 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 |~ 40,000 |- | North Tehran | Comprehensive | 1985 |~ 40,000 |- | West Tehran | Semi Comprehensive | 1994 |~ 20,000 |- | Islamic Azad University East Tehran Branch|East Tehran | Semi Comprehensive | 2001 |~ 10,000 |- | Medical Tehran | Medicine, Dental, Pharmaceutical Science & Biology | 1985 |~ 25,000 |- | Islamic Azad University Electronic Branch|Electronic | Electronic | 2008 |~ 20,000 |- | Islamic Azad University Fereshtegan Internashional Branch|Fereshtegan International | People with special needs | 2019 |~ 1,000 |- | Islamic Azad University Farshchian Islamic Iranian Art Branch|Farshchian Islamic Iranian Art | Islamic Iranian Art | 2018 |~ 1,000 |- |}

===Two-year institutions=== Vice Presidency for General Education and Skills Training: * 118 skill and entrepreneurship colleges * Skills Training Schools

===Educational institutions (K-12)=== Vice Presidency for General Education and Skills Training: * Sama Schools (1051 pre schools, primary schools, secondary schools, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools and university-preparatory schools)

===Overseas branches=== The Azad University in Oxford (AUO) 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://intl.iau.ir/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=214&Itemid=600|title=General Directorate of International Affairs - اداره کل بین الملل دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی - Oxford Campus|last=رزمی|website=intl.iau.ir|access-date=2015-07-02|archive-date=2015-07-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703062141/http://intl.iau.ir/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=214&Itemid=600|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1995, a branch was opened in Dubai.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iau.ae/iau2/at-a-glance/|title=At a glance - Islamic azad university U.A.E Branch|work=iau.ae|access-date=28 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007121402/http://iau.ae/iau2/at-a-glance/|archive-date=2016-10-07|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===International offices=== The Islamic Azad University has international offices in Russia, Italy, Germany, France, the UK, UAE, Lebanon and Afghanistan.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mehrnews.com/news/3835535/%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%87-%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B2%DB%8C-%DB%B1%DB%B6-%D8%AF%D9%81%D8%AA%D8%B1-%D8%A8%DB%8C%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%84%D9%84%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B4%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%87-%D8%A2%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AC-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%DA%A9%D8%B4%D9%88%D8%B1 |title=راه اندازی ۱۶ دفتر بین المللی دانشگاه آزاد در خارج از کشور - خبرگزاری مهر | اخبار ایران و جهان | Mehr News Agency |date=28 November 2016 |access-date=2020-10-07 |archive-date=2019-04-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421080529/https://www.mehrnews.com/news/3835535/%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%87-%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B2%DB%8C-%DB%B1%DB%B6-%D8%AF%D9%81%D8%AA%D8%B1-%D8%A8%DB%8C%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%84%D9%84%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B4%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%87-%D8%A2%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AC-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%DA%A9%D8%B4%D9%88%D8%B1 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===State universities=== IAU has 31 state universities (provincial universities) located throughout the provinces of Iran. Digits in parentheses indicate the number of branches in the current province. {{div col|colwidth=31em}} * Islamic Azad University, Alborz Province (3) * Islamic Azad University, Ardabil Province (8) * Islamic Azad University, East Azerbaijan Province (27) * Islamic Azad University, West Azerbaijan Province (10) * Islamic Azad University, Mazandaran Province (11) * Islamic Azad University, Chahar Mahaal and Bakhtiari Province (3) * Islamic Azad University, Fars Province (30) * Islamic Azad University, Gilan Province (12) * Islamic Azad University, Golestan Province (10) * Islamic Azad University, Hamadan Province (6) * Islamic Azad University, Hormozgan Province (12) * Islamic Azad University, Ilam Province (5) * Islamic Azad University, Isfahan Province (24) * Islamic Azad University, Kerman Province (12) * Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah Province (8) * Islamic Azad University, North Khorasan Province (4) * Islamic Azad University, Razavi Khorasan Province (14) * Islamic Azad University, South Khorasan Province (4) * Islamic Azad University, Khuzestan Province (17) * Islamic Azad University, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province (3) * Islamic Azad University, Kurdistan Province (6) * Islamic Azad University, Lorestan Province (6) * Islamic Azad University, Markazi Province (15) * Islamic Azad University, Mazandaran Province (14) * Islamic Azad University, Qazvin Province (4) * Islamic Azad University, Qom Province (1) * Islamic Azad University, Semnan Province (7) * Islamic Azad University, Sistan and Baluchestan Province (7) * Islamic Azad University, Tehran Province (24) * Islamic Azad University, Yazd Province (10) * Islamic Azad University, Zanjan Province (4) {{div col end}}

==Admissions== From the establishment of Islamic Azad University in 1982 to 2013, the admission process of students was through Islamic Azad University's entrance exam which was designed, held, and scored independently by the private university system. Post-2013, its entrance exam was merged with the Public University System. It holds the national entrance exam and some students who get admitted through this process would be exempt from paying any tuitions. However, Islamic Azad University requires tuition which varies by different factors such as program, degree, and location.<ref name="admissions">{{cite web |url=https://www.yjc.ir/fa/news/4191438/%DA%A9%D9%86%DA%A9%D9%88%D8%B1-%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%B1%DB%8C-%D9%88-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B4%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%87-%D8%A2%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%87%D9%85-%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%BA%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%85%DB%8C-%D8%B4%D9%88%D9%86%D8%AF |title=کنکور سراسری و دانشگاه آزاد باهم ادغام می شوند|date=10 December 2012 |access-date=2021-03-27}}</ref><ref name="tuition">{{cite web |url=https://www.iaun.ac.ir/%D8%A2%D9%85%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%B4/%D8%B4%D9%87%D8%B1%DB%8C%D9%87-%D8%B1%D8%B4%D8%AA%D9%87-%D9%87%D8%A7-%D9%88-%D8%AA%D8%B3%D9%87%DB%8C%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B4%D8%AC%D9%88%DB%8C%DB%8C |title=شهریه رشته ها و تسهیلات دانشجویی |url-status=dead |access-date=2021-03-27 |archive-date=2021-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304122625/https://iaun.ac.ir/%D8%A2%D9%85%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%B4/%D8%B4%D9%87%D8%B1%DB%8C%D9%87-%D8%B1%D8%B4%D8%AA%D9%87-%D9%87%D8%A7-%D9%88-%D8%AA%D8%B3%D9%87%DB%8C%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B4%D8%AC%D9%88%DB%8C%DB%8C }}</ref>

The university accepts nearly 320,000 students annually (10,000 PhD, 3,000 Professional Doctorate and Medicine, 57,000 Masters, 200,000 Bachelors and 50,000 Associates).

===Distribution of students=== In the academic year 2021–2022:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- ! Field of study !! Percent |- ! Humanities and Social Sciences | | 50.11% |- ! Engineering and Technology | | 32.32% |- ! Arts and Architecture | | 8.72% |- ! Medical Science and Veterinary Medicine | | 4.46% |- ! Basic Sciences | | 2.97% |- ! Agriculture and Natural Resources | | 1.42% |- ! Total<ref name="statistics" /> | | 100% |}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- ! Level of study (degree) !! Percent |- ! Associate | | 12.97% |- ! Bachelor's | | 64.23% |- ! Master's | | 16.52% |- ! Professional Doctorate | | 1.67% |- ! Residency (medicine) | | 0.01% |- ! Ph.D. | | 4.58% |- ! Total<ref name="statistics" /> | | 100% |}

===Distribution of graduates=== In the academic year 2021–2022:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- ! Field of study !! Percent |- ! Humanities | | 50.71% |- ! Engineering | | 30.54% |- ! Arts and Architecture | | 8.99% |- ! Basic Sciences | | 2.47% |- ! Agriculture and Natural Resources | | 1.66% |- ! Medical Sciences | | 1.33% |- ! Veterinary | | 1.01% |- ! Applied Sciences, Training and General Majors | | 3.30% |- ! Total<ref name="statistics" /> | | 100% |}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- ! Level of study (degree) !! Percent |- ! Associate | | 28.02% |- ! Bachelor's | | 56.30% |- ! Master's | | 14.87% |- ! Professional Doctorate | | 0.44% |- ! Ph.D. | | 0.35% |- ! Total<ref name="statistics" /> | | 100% |}

==Medical centers== IAU' medical centers include:<ref name="statistics" />

(Not included Veterinary Medicine and Clinical and Health Psychology)

* 107 branches in medical sciences * 1669 faculty members * 43,728 medical sciences students * 72 majors in different levels

There are 825 active beds in 10 hospitals in Iran, and has 1273 approval beds. 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<ref>{{cite web|url=http://srbiau.ac.ir/en/news/3290/farhikhtegan-hospital-at-srbiau-near-completion-in-near-future-development-vice-president-announces-|title=Farhikhtegan Hospital at SRBIAU near completion in near future, Development Vice President announces - Islamic Azad University،Science And Research Branch|website=Islamic Azad University،Science And Research Branch|access-date=2018-03-17|archive-date=2018-03-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318054122/http://srbiau.ac.ir/en/news/3290/farhikhtegan-hospital-at-srbiau-near-completion-in-near-future-development-vice-president-announces-|url-status=live}}</ref> * 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

== Main library == The Islamic Azad University Libraries Affairs manages various libraries for over 360 branches of Islamic Azad Universities nationwide. These libraries provide valuable services to more than 1.2 million students, faculty, and researchers.

== Journals == The IAU branches are publishing 508 scientific journals, of which 145 are in the English Language. [https://centrallib.iau.ir/fa/page/91/%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%B2%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%A8%DB%8C-%D9%86%D8%B4%D8%B1%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%85%DB%8C]

== Rankings == ===''U.S. News & World Report'' rankings===

:'''2023 Best Global Universities Ranking'''<ref name="usnews.com">{{Cite web |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/islamic-azad-university-528829|title=U.S. News & World Report Ranking}}</ref> *Global Ranking: 394 *Regional (Asia) Ranking: 77 *Country Ranking: 2

:Subject ranking *Agricultural Sciences: 117 *Artificial Intelligence: 55 *Biology and Biochemistry: 299 *Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology: 136 *Chemical Engineering: 36 *Chemistry: 136 *Civil Engineering: 14 *Clinical Medicine: 644 *Computer Science: 234 *Condensed Matter Physics: 124 *Electrical and Electronic Engineering: 110 *Energy and Fuels: 40 *Engineering: 37 *Environment/Ecology: 367 *Food Science and Technology: 84 *Geosciences: 385 *Materials Science: 267 *Mathematics: 29 *Mechanical Engineering: 4 *Optics: 83 *Pharmacology and Toxicology: 181 *Physical Chemistry: 90 *Physics: 200 *Plant and Animal Science: 356 *Polymer Science: 9 *Water Resources: 30

:'''2022 Best Global Universities Ranking'''<ref name="usnews.com"/> *Global Ranking: 434 *Regional (Asia) Ranking: 75 *Country Ranking: 2

:Subject ranking *Agricultural Sciences: 114 *Biology and Biochemistry: 379 *Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology: 152 *Chemical Engineering: 36 *Chemistry: 145 *Civil Engineering: 15 *Clinical Medicine: 694 *Computer Science: 160 *Condensed Matter Physics: 116 *Electrical and Electronic Engineering: 115 *Energy and Fuels: 36 *Engineering: 44 *Environment/Ecology: 378 *Food Science and Technology: 77 *Geosciences: 346 *Materials Science: 244 *Mathematics: 45 *Mechanical Engineering: 3 *Nanoscience and Nanotechnology: 247 *Optics: 118 *Pharmacology and Toxicology: 229 *Physical Chemistry: 98 *Physics: 205 *Plant and Animal Science: 389 *Polymer Science: 27

:'''2021 Best Global Universities Ranking'''<ref name="usnews.com"/> *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'''<ref name="usnews.com"/> *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'''<ref name="usnews.com"/> *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

===CWUR - The Center for World University Rankings=== '''2021-2022''' Ranking:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cwur.org/2021-22/Islamic-Azad-University.php|title=CWUR}}</ref> *World Rank: 372 *National Rank: 1 *Quality of Education Rank: NA *Alumni Employment Rank: NA *Quality of Faculty Rank: NA *Research Performance Rank: 342 *Overall Score: 75.7

===SciVisions rankings=== '''2017''': International rank: 938, National rank: 5, Regional Rank: 24 (SRBIAU)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scivisions.com/Ranking.aspx|title=SciVisions|website=www.scivisions.com|access-date=2018-03-17|archive-date=2018-03-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180317233513/http://www.scivisions.com/Ranking.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>

===SCImago rankings=== '''2013''': International rank: 87, National rank: 1, Regional Rank: 1<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scimagoir.com/pdf/SIR%20Global%202013%20O.pdf |title=SIR Global 2013 - Rank: Output |access-date=2013-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921211927/http://scimagoir.com/pdf/SIR%20Global%202013%20O.pdf |archive-date=2013-09-21 }}</ref>

'''2012''': International rank: 231, National rank: 1, Regional Rank: 2<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.scimagoir.com/pdf/SIR%20Global%202012%20O.pdf |title=SIR Global 2012 - Rank: Output |access-date=2013-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921111141/http://scimagoir.com/pdf/SIR%20Global%202012%20O.pdf |archive-date=2013-09-21 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===CWTS Leiden Ranking===

'''2014''': World rank: 252, Country rank: 11, Regional rank: 194<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leidenranking.com/ranking/2014|title=CWTS Leiden Ranking 2016|first=Centre for Science and Technology Studies|last=(CWTS)|work=leidenranking.com|access-date=28 December 2016|archive-date=11 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511220356/http://www.leidenranking.com/ranking/2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

===URAP – University Ranking by Academic Performance===

'''2013''': World rank: 161, Country rank: 1, Regional rank: 25<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.urapcenter.org/2013/university.php?q=Daneshgahe+Azad+Eslami|title=URAP - University Ranking by Academic Performance|access-date=16 July 2015|archive-date=31 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150531093631/http://www.urapcenter.org/2013/university.php?q=Daneshgahe+Azad+Eslami|url-status=live}}</ref>

'''2012''': World rank: 226, Country rank: 2, Regional rank: 34<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.urapcenter.org/2012/university.php?q=Daneshgahe+Azad+Eslami|title=URAP - University Ranking by Academic Performance|access-date=16 July 2015|archive-date=31 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150531141128/http://www.urapcenter.org/2012/university.php?q=Daneshgahe+Azad+Eslami|url-status=live}}</ref>

===ISC rankings=== <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.khabaronline.ir/detail/119311/|title=نخستین رتبه‌بندی رسمی دانشگاه‌ها و مراکز تحقیقاتی کشور اعلام شد|date=28 December 2010 |access-date=16 July 2015|archive-date=23 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723005144/http://khabaronline.ir/detail/119311|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ur.isc.gov.ir|title=رتبه بندی دانشگاه ها و موسسات پژوهشی ایران و کشورهای اسلامی|work=isc.gov.ir|access-date=28 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124234042/http://ur.isc.gov.ir/|archive-date=24 November 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ur.isc.gov.ir/default.aspx?Lan=en|title=Ranking of Iran Universities and Research Institution|work=isc.gov.ir|access-date=28 December 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223005025/http://ur.isc.gov.ir/default.aspx?Lan=en|archive-date=23 December 2016}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left;" |+ '''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 |- |}

{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:left;" |+'''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 |}

{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:left;" |+'''Top 10 branches of the Islamic Azad University in 2012'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ur.isc.gov.ir/Home/RankIranAzadUniv|title=Rank Iran Azad University|access-date=1 January 2017|publisher=ur.isc.gov.ir|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828183537/http://ur.isc.gov.ir/Home/RankIranAzadUniv|archive-date=28 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> !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 |}

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == * {{Commonscatinline}} * {{Official website|http://www.iau.ac.ir/}} {{in lang|fa}} * [http://www.aiau.ir/ Alumni of Islamic Azad University] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113112243/http://www.aiau.ir/ |date=2019-11-13 }} {{in lang|fa}}

{{Islamic Azad University}} {{Tehran Colleges|electronic=http://iauec.ac.ir/en/main/|East Tehran=http://iauet.ac.ir/fa}} {{Authority control}} {{Coord|35.7328|N|51.3889|E|source:kolossus-dewiki|display=title}}

Category:Islamic Azad University Category:1982 establishments in Iran Category:Universities and colleges established in 1982 Category:Engineering universities and colleges in Iran