Statistics released by the Iranian government in 2023 indicate that a number as high as 90,000 Iranian students attended universities abroad in 2022. With new reforms in education and a more inclusive international environment, more countries are opening up options for Iranians to get admission to their institutions.
However, this isn’t a simple procedure, so students should do some research before jumping to the initially suggested institution that comes into sight. When deciding where to study abroad, Iranian students must select a location that will assist them to thrive academically and provide them with substantial intellectual development.
This article provides information on the preferred countries and institutions for Iranian students.
What factors should Iranian students consider when choosing a study abroad destination?
The decision to pursue higher education abroad may have profound effects on one’s personal and professional growth. Before choosing a study abroad program, Iranian students must give careful consideration to several different factors, such as the ones listed below.
- Study abroad destination’s academic reputation
- Global recognition of the qualification obtained from the institute and the country
- Destination’s educational structure preference (Theoretical to Practical)
- The country’s cultural values align with the student’s
- Future scope of the chosen course and degree from that Country
- Culturally diverse community
- Fulfillment of entry requirements
- Easy visa availability
- Comfortable living standards along with a low crime rate
- The total cost of tuition and living in the respective country
- Minimum / No language barrier
Top Countries to Study for Iranian Students
Depending on the above-mentioned factors, we have rounded up some of the most academically ahead and welcoming countries with easy visa accessibility below.
1. Canada
In our list of recommendations, Canada holds the #1 spot because of the country’s progressive policies, which encourage migration possibilities and provide ample research prospects. Canada’s reputation as a nation of opportunity stems from its 31 globally acclaimed educational institutes with more than 15,000 study programs. Another plus point is that applicants from Iran can get a Post-Visa work permit to explore their career options in Canada after graduation. Some of the universities with a wide range of under-grad, post-grad, and diploma fields are the University of British Columbia, York University, University of Toronto, and the University of Ottawa.
Besides tuition costs, If we talk about living expenses in Canada for overseas students those are between CAD 15,000 to 20,000. Moreover, undergraduates, graduates, and postgraduates from Iran are all eligible to apply for Canadian government scholarships. The government along with various educational institutions’ student funding opportunities spans almost every discipline.
2. USA
The next top study-abroad destination is the U.S. because of being the global focal point for exceptional educational institutions and ranking #1 in the world regarding education. It also benefits from ample funding for scientific research, which previously also generated 403 Nobel laureates.
It also has the world’s largest student population of about 1 Million due to its inclusive community and right to freedom. The following are a few institutions that provide a variety of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, Harvard University, and Columbia University.
The overall cost of living in the U.S. is $10,000 to $18,000 per year. However, the government as well as the universities there offer grants and fully-funded scholarships to Iranian students through programs like Iranian-American Scholarship Fund. U.S. student visas may be difficult to get because of detailed background checks conducted owing to security concerns.
3. Australia
Next on our list is Australia, with its 3rd rank in the world regarding its educational system. Iranian students may take advantage of the country’s reputable educational institutions, excellent standards of living, plenty of employment prospects, and courses in English. Yet, the chance to participate in a multicultural setting sets Australia apart as a desirable study-abroad location.
Some of the famous universities of Australia with respect to undergraduate and post-graduate programs ideal for Iranian students are the University of Sydney, Monash University, the University of Melbourne, and the University of New South Wales, Sydney.
Considering the cost of living per year in Australia is A$21,000. To ease the educational costs, institutes offer various grants and scholarships for students. An example of this is scholarships covering the entire cost of attendance available for fresh Iranian undergraduates and graduate students at Monash University.
4. United Kingdom
With its diverse population and outstanding educational institutions, the United Kingdom is an attractive educational destination option for students globally. Students from Iran often choose to study in the UK because of its sizable Islamic diaspora and flourishing Islamic societies. University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University College London (UCL), and Imperial College London are some of the most prestigious institutions in the UK for undergraduate and graduate study in fields of interest to Iranian students.
The living cost in the UK for Iranian students is £10,800 to 16,800 per annum. Students can research and check the university, government, and foundation websites to learn about financing opportunities, such as scholarships, for undergrad Iranian foreigners studying in the UK.
5. Germany
For Iranian students, Germany is a top choice for higher education since it provides exceptional educational opportunities at little cost or even free at numerous top institutions. The ability to combine academics with practical experience constitutes just one of the many strengths of the German education system.
There is a seamless integration of research and teaching in institutes of scientific disciplines. There are also several that allow you to combine employment and education. A student’s safety and mobility are not compromised here. Some of the ideal universities for Iranians in Germany are as follows: Technical University of Munich (TUM), Freie Universität Berlin, RWTH Aachen University, and the Technical University of Berlin.
In Germany, the average annual cost of living is €30,084, and many universities here also offer scholarships.
Studying abroad for Iranians is adopted by many as various countries are offering study opportunities with easy visa availability. Moreover, the countries mentioned above are the home of globally recognized institutes with valuable degrees for Iranians.
We hope this article offered you all the necessary information you need. Check out our Scholarships Page for different information on scholarships and universities across the globe!
