The Decline of Iranian Universities in Global Rankings: Causes and Consequences – Iran News Update

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The latest SCImago 2025 ranking has confirmed the continued decline in the global standing of Iranian universities and educational institutions. SCImago, one of the three major university ranking systems, evaluates academic institutions worldwide based on research output, innovation, and international collaboration. These rankings rely on indicators such as the number of published articles, scientific citations, international research partnerships, and the overall impact of academic work.
Over the past four years, Iranian universities have experienced a significant decline in their rankings. Among the top 20 universities in Iran, only Tehran Islamic Azad University of Medical Sciences has seen a slight improvement, while all other institutions have suffered a drop in position.
The most severe declines include:
A closer analysis of Iran’s most prestigious universities further highlights the severity of this decline:
Experts attribute this worrying trend to several interrelated factors:
Yousef Hojat, rector of Tarbiat Modares University, emphasized the dire financial situation of Iranian universities, stating that most funds are allocated to operational expenses such as salaries, dormitories, and food. He noted that “the remaining budget for research has significantly decreased compared to past decades.”
Another major challenge is the increasing number of Iranian students and academics leaving the country. The number of Iranian students in the top 10 study-abroad destinations rose to 110,000 in 2024, an 82% increase from 2020. Moreover, a study on the emigration of top-ranking students in mathematics and physics from 2008 to 2016 found that around 80% had left Iran. Notably, all top 10 students in the 2008 and 2009 national entrance exams have since emigrated.
The decreasing production of scientific publications is another alarming trend. Limited access to high-quality academic resources, inadequate research infrastructure, and weak integration into international scientific networks have contributed to this decline. As research output is a key criterion in global university rankings, this further exacerbates Iran’s academic downfall.
Education experts propose several measures to halt and reverse the decline:
Beyond academia, the root causes of Iran’s brain drain extend to broader governance and economic challenges. Factors such as political repression, institutionalized corruption, economic instability, inflation, sanctions, and low salaries have made emigration an attractive option for Iran’s brightest minds.
Iran’s declining academic rankings reflect deeper structural issues within the country’s higher education system and governance. Addressing these challenges requires a strategic shift in policy, increased investment in research, and a commitment to fostering an environment where academic talent can thrive. Without meaningful reforms, Iran risks further losing its position in the global academic landscape, accelerating the exodus of its brightest minds to more supportive environments abroad.
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