University of Birjand: The Eastern Star of Knowledge and the Jewel of Wisdom in South Khorasan

History: A Legacy of Growth

University of Birjand was founded on June 3, 1975, following the approval of the Council for the Expansion of Higher Education in Iran. The university’s journey began as an institute of higher education under the leadership of the late Professor Mohammad Hassan Ganji, a distinguished alumnus of the historic Shokatieh or Shokati School and widely regarded as the father of modern geography in Iran.

The university officially commenced its academic activities in October 1977, welcoming its inaugural class of 120 students for three undergraduate programs: Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.

Following the Islamic Revolution, the institution was elevated to a Higher Education Complex, accelerating its path of growth and development. By 1989, it had advanced to become a University Complex, and in recognition of its outstanding scientific standing, it was officially chartered as University of Birjand in March 1993.

The University Today: A Hub of Excellence

As the largest and oldest institution of higher education in the South Khorasan province, University of Birjand is now as a scientific and educational powerhouse in eastern Iran. With over 46 years of dedicated service, it has cultivated more than 30,000 specialized and skilled graduates who contribute to the Iranian society.

The university is a complete and autonomous institution, governed by its own independent board of trustees and academic assessment committee.

At a Glance:

Student Body: Home to approximately 13,300 students.
Academic Programs: Offering 340 distinct fields of study across doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s, and associate’s degree levels.
Postgraduate Focus: Over 30% of our students are pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees.
Faculty: With 350 distinguished academics, University of Birjand is the province’s premier hub for research and scientific expertise.
Staff: Supported by 354 administrative and technical staff who ensure the seamless operation of our academic, support and welfare services.
International Community: Hosting 580 international students as a key part of our global engagement strategy.

Campus and Facilities: University of Birjand spans three vibrant campuses, Shokat Abad, Amirabad, and Pardis-e Shohada, which include 11 faculties:

•  Faculty of Sciences
•  Faculty of Agriculture
•  Faculty of Engineering
•  Faculty of Literature and Humanities
•  Faculty of Arts
•  Faculty of Sports Sciences
•  Faculty of Education and Psychology
•  Faculty of Mathematical Sciences and Statistics
•  Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment
•  Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering
•  Faculty of Engineering of Ferdows

The university’s reach extends throughout the province with satellite campuses, including the Ferdows Faculty of Engineering, Sarayan College of Agriculture, Sarbisheh College of Agriculture, and the Nehbandan College of Mining.

The university’s infrastructure provides 53,000 m² of specialized educational facilities and 113,000 m² of contemporary welfare and support spaces.

Research and Global Vision

University of Birjand is a dynamic research hub. The faculty members and students have successfully completed over 300 research projects, published hundreds of research articles in prestigious journals, registered patents, and authored and translated numerous books. This commitment to research has earned the university the second-highest national ranking for research contract acquisitions.

University of Birjand’s global outlook is strong. In the last three years alone, it has signed 21 memorandums of understanding with renowned international universities to foster scientific collaboration.

Rankings and Recognition:

Times Higher Education: Recognized among the top 1,102 universities in the world.
Ministry of Science, Research and Technology: Classified as a Level 2 Comprehensive University, tasked with a national mission to advance education, research, and technology to help solve national challenges.
UI GreenMetric: Listed among the world’s leading green universities for the commitment to sustainable development.

The University’s Overall Mission

University of Birjand’s mission is to:

Advance Knowledge: Push the frontiers of science, adapting and applying cutting-edge discoveries to address regional and national challenges.
Develop Talent: Nurture creative, skilled, and committed individuals prepared to lead and contribute effectively.
Serve Society: Drive sustainable national development while celebrating and strengthening our national and Islamic cultural identity.

The University’s 2025 Mission

Guided by effective management, diverse financial resources and strong international collaborations, University of Birjand is solidifying its position among Iran’s top universities. Its 2025 vision is to rank within the top decile nationally and be recognized as the second-leading international university in eastern Iran.