History of the University of Birjand: Pioneering Education in the East

The University of Birjand stands as a beacon of knowledge and innovation in the eastern region of the country, nestled in the capital of South Khorasan province, Birjand. The roots of this venerable institution date back to a significant moment in Iranian educational history.

Founding Years and Early Growth

The license to establish the University of Birjand was issued on June 13, 1975 (1354 in the Iranian calendar), marking the inception of a remarkable educational journey. In Mehr 1356 (October 1977), the university welcomed its first cohort of students in the fields of mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Mohammad Hasan Ganji, often celebrated as the "Father of Modern Geography in Iran," the university embarked on its academic mission.

Campuses Across Birjand

The University of Birjand is a multi-campus institution, with each campus contributing to its academic tapestry. The Shaukat Abad campus, situated 5 km from Zahedan Road, serves as the central hub, housing key university units and faculties. Here, faculties encompassing science, engineering, literature and humanities, educational sciences and psychology, sports sciences, statistics and mathematics, art, electricity, and computer studies thrive.

The Amirabad campus, located at kilometer 5 of the Kerman road, is home to the faculties of agriculture and environment. Meanwhile, the Shahada University campus, located in the heart of the city, hosts the museum and center of documents and honors, college, open courses, and the innovation factory of the university.

Catalyst for Educational Growth

The University of Birjand has played a pivotal role in the development of higher education in Birjand and South Khorasan province. Following the Islamic revolution, other universities in the region, including Medical Sciences, Payam Noor, Islamic Azad, and The University of Birjand of Applied Sciences, were established, owing to the visionary efforts of the managers and faculty members of The University of Birjand.

Notably, Bozormehr Qaenat University, which originated as a satellite faculty of The University of Birjand, gained independence in 2012. The core of The University of Birjand of Technology also traces its roots back to The University of Birjand's initiatives. Additionally, the Nehbandan Mining faculty, Ferdows Engineering faculty, Sarbisheh Agriculture faculty, and Sarayan Agriculture faculty are among the current satellite faculties affiliated with the University of Birjand.

Academic Excellence and Global Recognition

Today, the University of Birjand stands as a powerhouse of education, responsible for nurturing the minds of over 13,000 students across 12 faculties and five campuses throughout the province. Its commitment to academic excellence has not gone unnoticed. In 2017, the University of Birjand earned a place among the top 1100 universities in the world according to the Times ranking system, securing the 15th position nationally. In the latest ranking of the world's top young universities in 2019, it proudly claimed the 10th spot among 13 Iranian universities.

From its early days as the Amir Shaukat-ul-Mulk Alam Institute of Higher Education to its current stature as the University of Birjand, this institution has been a symbol of progress, knowledge, and dedication to education in the eastern region of Iran. Its legacy continues to shape the future of countless students and the entire community it serves.