The spokesperson for the Parliament’s Education Commission announced the Ministry of Science’s High Court of Appeal’s serious intervention in the case of Payame Noor international students. He stated that Parliament fully supports these students.
According to Jaddeh Makhsoos Information Base, Ehsan Azimirad, spokesperson for the Parliament’s Education and Research Commission, referred to new decisions they made at their recent meeting concerning Payame Noor University’s international students. Officials from the Ministry of Science, the Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution, Payame Noor University, and other relevant bodies attended this session. They held important discussions about the students’ status.
The representative for Mashhad and Kalat in the Islamic Consultative Assembly highlighted problems that emerged in the admission and education process for these students in 2022. He added that some documents indicate the Council for the Expansion of Sciences, the National Organization for Educational Testing, and the Ministry of Science issued approvals. This created issues for international academic authorities in determining responsibilities. Non-compliance with legal procedures within the Ministry of Science and certain Payame Noor University units caused these mistakes. They are currently investigating the issue, and the matter remains under review.
Azimirad emphasized a crucial point: the students bear no fault or mistake. They simply registered and began their studies following university instructions. All Education Commission members stressed that authorities must not harm these students.
According to Jaddeh Makhsoos, the spokesperson for the Parliament’s Education Commission provided figures on these students. Approximately 6,000 students face issues: 600 at the bachelor’s level, 700 at the doctoral level, and the remainder at the master’s level. Most have completed their studies, but authorities have halted their degree issuance. Furthermore, they should have held a comprehensive exam for doctoral students, but problems emerged.
He continued, stating that all session members emphasized the urgent need to resolve these students’ problems. They also stressed the importance of issuing necessary permits for them to continue their education.
Azimirad also added that to solve these problems, they decided the Ministry of Science’s High Court of Appeal should convene a meeting. This body serves as the highest authority for addressing complaints and issues concerning Ministry of Science personnel and universities. With the Minister of Science present, they will review and resolve these international students’ problems. Consequently, they will send the names of Payame Noor University students from international units to the Ministry of Science for review and approval at the High Court of Appeal meeting.
He concluded by expressing hope that the President of Payame Noor University’s cooperation and presence at the High Court of Appeal meeting will fully resolve this problem. This will allow the students to confidently continue their education.