QAHE Insights

In Iran, there is a comprehensive system of educational institutions ranging from pre-primary to higher education. Primary and secondary schools, whether public or private, follow the same curriculum and operate as non-profit organizations. These schools have the autonomy to conduct their own examination procedures to identify the most capable students, but they must adhere to strict standards.

To ensure the quality of education at all levels, Iran has established accreditation and quality assurance authorities. These entities play crucial roles in maintaining educational standards. Let’s take a closer look at the key organizations involved:

1. Ministry of Education:
   The Ministry of Education oversees all public educational institutions in Iran. It is responsible for managing and financing primary and secondary education. Policies and regulations related to primary and secondary education are approved by the Supreme Council of Education, which holds the highest legislative authority in this domain. The Ministry works in collaboration with Provincial Organizations and District Offices to carry out its educational duties. The Provincial Organizations, led by directors appointed by the Ministry, guide the District Offices.
2. Ministry of Science, Research and Technology:
   The Ministry of Science, Research and Technology supervises higher education institutions specializing in science, art, and technology. State-run universities offering non-medical programs fall under its direct supervision. Medical schools and universities are overseen by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, which is also responsible for training medical practitioners.
3. Technical and Vocational Training Organization (TVTO):
   Iran provides technical and vocational education to equip learners with skills for the job market. The TVTO, operating under the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, administers non-formal vocational training courses. Additionally, the Literacy Movement Organization focuses on improving the country’s literacy rate and providing basic non-formal education.
4. Specialized Higher Education:
   For specialized fields of higher education, ministries such as Agriculture, Industry, and Petroleum collaborate closely with the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology. These ministries, in coordination with the Ministry, offer courses and award diplomas.
5. Other Educational Authorities:
   Iran has various national bodies responsible for specific educational areas. For instance, the Ministry of Culture and Higher Education’s Foreign Graduate Affairs assesses and recognizes foreign credentials. Major national bodies also oversee international cooperation and exchanges in higher education.

The administration and management of education in Iran demonstrate a strong emphasis on control and supervision to ensure the quality of training and knowledge received by students.

For more detailed information, please refer to the official website of the Ministry of Education in Iran: https://irangov.ir/cat/547

The Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (MSRT) is the governmental body responsible for science, research, and technology in the Islamic Republic of Iran. It directly supervises state-run universities in non-medical fields. The ministry was established in 2000 when the previous Ministry of Culture and Higher Education underwent a name change. In the same year, the Aerospace Research Institute was established under the ministry’s umbrella.

The Ministry of Science, Research and Technology is responsible for overseeing higher education institutions, approving study programs, and accrediting universities and other higher education institutions. Medical education is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education. The Ministry of Science, Research and Technology’s website provides a list of recognized universities, institutes of higher education, and private institutions in Iran. The country has a diverse range of private, public, and state-affiliated universities offering higher education degrees. State-run universities, both non-medical and medical, are supervised respectively by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology and the Ministry of Health and Medical Education.

According to Article 3 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the country guarantees free education and physical training for all citizens at all levels, with a focus on facilitating and expanding higher education. However, it should be noted that some academics in Iran are ultimately directed by the government and military in specific research areas. Certain research domains may be influenced by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and may have surveillance or military purposes, according to statements from individuals with experience in Iranian universities.