“Azad” is the word for freedom. It is the spirit of free inquiry, coupled with the goal of academic excellence, that first gave rise to the concept of founding the mother institution IAU.

When Azad was founded in 1982 in Iran, there were also practical circumstances that made this non-profit-making, non-governmental institution a pressing need for the nation. Iran, with one of the world’s largest young populations, was also witnessing an increasing demand for specialized manpower to meet the country’s ambitious development plans.

Driven by a dynamic policy and energetic management and staff at all levels, Azad University has expanded steadily since then, as can be seen from the large number and wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses it offers. More than 96 study courses are offered in its 336 campuses and centres both inside and outside the country. Over 1,500,000 students are currently enrolled world-wide.

The University’s international profile and its participation in global academic activities is mirrored by its membership in world associations such as: the International Association of Universities (IAU), the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP), Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW).