Educational progress: Iranians' interest in getting an education in Russia has grown by a third

Iranian applicants have become more likely to choose Russian universities. The number of applications for free education in the Russian Federation in 2026 increased by almost a third, Rossotrudnichestvo told Izvestia. Experts attribute this trend to affordable tuition fees, high-quality training in key specialties, and Tehran's general policy of rapprochement with Moscow. At the same time, universities in the two countries are expanding exchange programs, and new educational plans are being discussed at BRICS venues. In the future, this will provide Iran with Russian-speaking specialists for joint economic and technical projects.

More and more Iranians want to study in Russia

Russia and Iran actively cooperate in energy, transport, trade, industry and agriculture. Education is becoming another long-term focus of this partnership.

The interest of young Iranians in studying in Russia is growing noticeably. The number of applications for free tuition in 2026 increased by 27%, from 1,226 to 1,554, Rossotrudnichestvo told Izvestia. At the same time, the quota of seats was expanded slightly — from 300 to 310. As a result, the competition grew from four to five people per place.

— This year's selection took place in difficult conditions, when hostilities began. Registration has been extended especially for Iran so that everyone can apply for training in the current conditions. Despite the lack of technical capabilities, when there was practically no communication and Internet, the Russian House in Tehran managed to carry out the selection, Rossotrudnichestvo reported.

RUDN University has become the most popular university among Iranian applicants. Patrice Lumumba, Pirogov Russian National Research University and Moscow State Medical University. Evdokimova. The top five also included the Higher School of Economics and St. Petersburg State University.

The demand for medical education is most noticeable. Iranian applicants are more likely to choose dentistry, medical practice, surgical dentistry and orthodontics. Management is also one of the popular areas. A year earlier, pharmacy, computer science and computer technology were in demand.

The popularity of medical specialties is directly related to Iran's internal problems. Media reports say that there are not enough doctors in the country, and most doctors work in several major provinces. Because of this, the shortage of personnel is acutely felt in small towns and remote areas.

Affordable tuition remains the main reason for the popularity of Russian universities, says Vladimir Sazhin, senior researcher at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Paid programs in Russia are cheaper than in many Western or Asian countries.

The financial issue is critically important due to the difficult economic situation in Iran. According to the World Bank, in 2026, about 39% of Iranians may be below the poverty line for countries with above-average incomes. Due to the consequences of the military escalation, the UN allows for an increase in this indicator to 41-41.5%. In addition, according to Sazhin, Russian universities occupy leading positions in many areas, so they have become the best available option for Iranian applicants.

Admission to Western universities has become an extremely difficult task for Iranians. The main obstacle is the strict visa restrictions, due to which the United States and European countries massively refuse applicants from this country. An additional barrier is harsh Western sanctions.: they block the operation of international payment systems in the Islamic Republic. As a result, Iranian families simply cannot legally pay for their studies and accommodation in Europe or America.

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Universities of Iran and Russia expand ties

In parallel with the growing number of applications, direct contacts between universities of the two countries are also expanding. BRICS can give an additional impetus to these ties: on August 5, the 13th meeting of the Ministers of education of the union countries began in the Indian state of Odisha under the chairmanship of New Delhi.

The participants discuss the mutual recognition of diplomas, joint training of specialists and the development of university ties. Such agreements will simplify the launch of new exchange and training programs for Russia and Iran.

Shahid Beheshti University, one of Iran's leading universities, is actively involved in student exchanges with Russia. Rector Seyed Mahmudreza Agamiri confirmed to Izvestia his intention to expand this practice and informed about the ongoing negotiations with his Russian colleagues. Interuniversity relations between Russia and Iran cover dozens of organizations. Shahid Beheshti University cooperates with DSU, the University of Tehran — with the National Research University of Higher School of Economics, and the Iranian University of Science and Technology — with SPbPU. Exchanges operate between KFU and the Tabriz University of Islamic Art. RGGU cooperates with several leading universities in Iran at once.

During the five to six years of study, Iranian students master the Russian language, get acquainted with the culture and social environment of our country, said Vladimir Sazhin. After returning to their homeland, they will be able to apply this knowledge in working with Russian companies, universities and government agencies.

So far, demand is increasing significantly faster than the number of available places. The further development of this area will depend on whether educational quotas and exchange programs can grow following the number of applicants to study in Russia.