WANA (Jun 07) – A senior Russian official has praised Iran’s growing attractiveness as an academic destination, citing increasing interest among Russian students to study in the Islamic Republic. The remarks come amid deepening cultural and educational ties between the two countries, highlighted by ongoing bilateral cultural weeks in Tehran and Moscow.

 

The Deputy Head of Rossotrudnichestvo—the Russian Federal Agency for International Humanitarian Cooperation—described Iran as a “dynamically developing country making notable progress in technology.”

 

Speaking on the sidelines of Russian Cultural Week events in Iran, he said that this progress has caught the attention of Russian youth, with a growing number now exploring academic opportunities in Iran.

 

“The capabilities Iran is showcasing today are truly fascinating to Russian students. We are seeing a visible trend of both young men and women considering Iran for higher education,” he said.

 

At the same time, he noted that Iranian students are increasingly present at Russian universities, particularly in medical fields, which remain the most sought-after programs. “Although government scholarships are available, many Iranian students choose to study in Russia independently,” he added.

 

Unofficial estimates suggest that more than 9,000 Iranian students are currently studying in Russia. However, there is no publicly available data on the number of Russian students currently enrolled in Iranian universities.

 

Cultural Diplomacy in Action

Asked about the goals of Russian Cultural Week in Iran, the official emphasized that such events foster deeper mutual understanding. “The relationship between Tehran and Moscow is developing energetically. Cultural exchanges like these help our nations understand each other better—not just in terms of culture, but also in science and education,” he said.

 

He added that both Iran and Russia possess ancient civilizations and rich cultural legacies, providing them with unique opportunities to present their heritage to one another. “Our countries are culturally rich and proud. Each exchange opens a new window into that richness.”

 

The Russian Cultural Week, held in both Tehran and Isfahan, features artistic performances and exhibitions from various Russian regions, each with distinct religious, cultural, and traditional identities. The official expressed confidence that Iranian audiences would warmly welcome these events.

 

Earlier, Iran’s head of the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization, Mohammad-Mehdi Imanipour, announced that a prominent Russian artistic delegation would visit Iran from June 9 to 13, 2025. Iran’s Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Dr. Seyed Abbas Salehi, had formally invited his Russian counterpart to strengthen cultural dialogue.

 

This comes after Iran’s own cultural week was held in Moscow and St. Petersburg in July 2023, signaling a growing appetite for cultural diplomacy between the two nations.

Shahid Beheshti University students’ graduation ceremony, Social media/ WANA News Agency