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.
A Steady Downward Trend
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:
- Isfahan University of Technology: Dropped 1,019 places.
- Shiraz University: Dropped 923 places.
- Tarbiat Modares University: Dropped 737 places.
- University of Science and Technology: Dropped 582 places.
- Sharif University of Technology: Dropped 524 places.
Case Studies: A Deeper Look at Iran’s Leading Universities
A closer analysis of Iran’s most prestigious universities further highlights the severity of this decline:
- University of Tehran: Ranked 735th in 2022, fell to 739th in 2023, 827th in 2024, and plummeted to 1,030th in 2025.
- Tarbiat Modares University: Ranked 1,545th in 2022, then dropped to 1,795th in 2023, 2,015th in 2024, and further down to 2,752nd in 2025.
- Sharif University of Technology: Once a hub for Iranian elites, fell from 2,146th in 2022 to 2,542nd in 2023, and then dramatically to 3,614th in 2025.
- Amirkabir University of Technology: Declined from 2,301st in 2022 to 2,823rd in 2025.
- Shahid Beheshti University: Dropped from 3,953rd in 2022 to 4,732nd in 2025.
Key Factors Behind the Decline
Experts attribute this worrying trend to several interrelated factors:
- Brain Drain: The large-scale emigration of students, researchers, and faculty members has severely impacted Iran’s academic standing.
- Funding Shortages: A shrinking research budget has limited access to essential laboratory equipment and resources.
- Reduced International Collaboration: Sanctions and political isolation have hampered partnerships with top global universities.
- Mismanagement and Instability: Frequent changes in leadership and non-scientific appointments have weakened institutional effectiveness.
- Lack of Strategic Planning: The absence of coherent policies to support scientific and research development has prevented Iranian universities from competing with leading global institutions.
Financial Constraints and Their Impact
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.”
The Rising Tide of Academic Emigration
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 Decline in Research Output
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.
Addressing the Crisis: Potential Solutions
Education experts propose several measures to halt and reverse the decline:
- Strengthening international cooperation.
- Creating incentives for researchers and students to remain in Iran.
- Enhancing research quality and aligning universities with global ranking criteria.
- Improving the faculty-to-student ratio.
- Increasing research funding and modernizing research facilities.
- Reforming university leadership and prioritizing merit-based appointments.
The Broader Socioeconomic Context
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.
Conclusion
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.
