Yazd University

Yazd is one of the historical cities of Iran, which has preserved its traditional structure to a large extent and is known as the land of ancient rituals and traditions. Nevertheless, this city has not lagged behind the growing flow of science and knowledge in any way and the existence of Yazd University, as one of Iran’s comprehensive universities, is proof of this claim.

History of Yazd University

Yazd University was inaugurated in 1989 AD, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran. In the first academic semester, Yazd University admitted 38 undergraduate students. The merger of Yazd Teacher Training College with Yazd University, which took place in 1991, is considered one of the most important events related to the activities of this university.

Now, after about four decades of activities, the number of its students and scientific level have improved significantly. According to the statistics available on the university’s website, in 2024, the number of students and graduates of this university exceeded 13,000 and 54,000 respectively.

The Academic and Research Status of Yazd University

A survey of the number of students studying at Yazd University shows that 56% of students are female and 44% of them are male. Also, 65% of students are studying at the undergraduate level, 27% at the master’s level, and 8% at the doctoral level. As a comprehensive university, Yazd University has 17 active faculties, which offer basic sciences, technical engineering, art and architecture, and humanities to students. These faculties are:

1. Economics, management and accounting

2. Theology

3. Law, political science and history

4. Psychology and educational sciences

5. Language and Literature

6. Chemistry

7. Social sciences

8. Mathematical sciences

9. Physics

10. Natural Resources and Desert Studies

11. Electrical engineering

12. Civil engineering

13. Computer engineering

14. Mining and metallurgy engineering

15. Mechanical engineering

16. Textile engineering

17. Art and architecture

The University also has the following 8 research centers:

1. Human Development
2. Ceramic Research
3. WIRC (Wind Catcher Research Center)
4. Sustainable Logistics
5. Sustainable Energy
6. Social Welfare Studies
7. Science and Technology Studies
8. Quality and Productivity in Construction

474 faculty members are engaged in providing scientific and educational services in the educational groups of this university. Five independent educational groups (geography, geology, biology, chemical and polymer engineering, and industrial engineering) are also active in this complex. This university teaches 55 majors at the Ph.D. level, 115 majors at the post-graduate level, and 47 majors at the undergraduate level. Abarkoh Campus (established in 2011 AD) and Mehriz Campus (established in 2015 AD) are two educational centers affiliated with this university.

The scientific, educational, and research capacities of Yazd University have made this center one of the growing universities in Iran. such that it ranked 19th in the year 2023 in the internal ranking of Iranian universities. In 2024, the university was ranked 1001-1200 in the world by the Times Institute, while it was ranked 1201-1500 in the previous two rankings.

International Activities of Yazd University

Increasing academic and educational services for international students is one of the long-term goals of Yazd University. This university hosted 431 foreign students in 2024. The establishment of the Persian language training center (AZFA) for non-Persian speaking students is one of the services of the university to support them.

Taking into consideration the educational records of non-Iranian students, this university reviews their scholarship applications and grants scholarship to those who qualify for it. Holding short-term research and study courses is another possibility that Yazd University has prepared for the expansion of international cooperation. Yazd University’s scientific relations and exchanges with Hungarian universities have been impressive in recent years a center under the title of “Leading House of Iran-Hungarian Scientific Cooperation” has been established at this university.