Presented by: Soheyl M.Ahmadi Managing Director, TKDanesh Institute

Presented by: Soheyl M.Ahmadi Managing Director, TKDanesh Institute

Objectives 1. Why Iran? 2. Better understanding of the Iranian market 3. How to get the best out of the Iranian market 4. Who are the formal agents in Iran 5. Introducing agents obstacles 6. What can be done to support an Iranian agent 7. Your questions

Iran s potentials

Facts & Figures Iran s population: 77,176,930 Adults between 20-24 : 9,317,122 Adults between 25-29 : 8,626,880 Adults between 30-34: 7.330.587 3.790.000 total No. of students Number of Konkoor exam applicants in 2013: 1.223.444 students

Top State Universities in IRAN Ranking in Iran University Capacity 1 University of Tehran 33.672 2 Sharif Industrial University 10.502 3 Amirkabir Industrial University 10.600 4 Tarbiat Modarres University 7.970 5 Science and Technology University of Iran 12.391 6 University of Shiraz 20.000 7 Industrial University of Isfahan 10.000 8 Ferdowsi Mashad University 26.000 9 Shahid Beheshti University 11.547 10 Tabriz University 19.000 Total : 161.682

Other Universities in Iran Islamic Azad University Payam e Noor University Elmi Karbordi University

Conclusions 90 percent don t get the chance to enter quality Universities Less chance of gaining better opportunities, being local Little chance of accreditation by foreign educators Lack of diverse fields of study (MBA, Arts, etc.) Lack of international programs Impossibility of transfers

Based on reports from the MSRT

Focus of the student mobility report by MSRT: Direct Enrol at Universities Language Programs Exchange Mobility Custom made programmes Certificate programs

Snapshot of Iranian Student Market Academic Student Numbers in 2013 (Except Language programs etc.) number of students in Bachelor (or language programs/ Foundation / Certficate), level 91.004 number of students in Master level 23.996 number of students in PhD level 22.586 Total Number of students 137.586

Snapshot of Iranian Student Market According to the data received from Iran s media over 2013 The most sought-after University majors by Iranian students in MASTER & PHD level Engineering programs (for higher scholarship chances) 29.222 Humanities 12.333 Basic sciences 8.534 Arts 3.739 Agricultural sciences 1.304

Snapshot of Iranian Student Market According to the data received from Iran s media over 2013 Number of Male & Female students in Masters and PhD Males 36.267 Females 19.419

Top study destinations by Iranian students in MASTER & PHD level No. Destination Student Numbers 1 Malaysia 9.077 2 USA 7.830 3 Canada 5.976 4 Germany 3.356 5 UK 3.152 6 Turkey 3.060 7 Italy 3.009 8 India 2.650 9 Australia 2.469 10 Sweden 1.822 11 North Cyprus 1.532 12 France 1.314 13 Tajikstan 1.103 14 Austria 965 15 Azerbaijan 952

Average Tuition fees paid No. Country Average 1 Malaysia 4000-8000 $ 2 USA 15000-18000 $ 3 Canada 15000-20000 $ 4 Germany 500-2000 $ 5 UK 12000-18000 $ 6 Turkey 6000-9000 $ 7 Italy 2000-5000 $

Estimate of business worth Average tuition fee paid : 7.850 $ 7850 * 55686 (students) = 437.135.100 $

gains for Iran Cultural & Scientific improvement Transfer of knowledge gains for host countries Financial profit Jobs Internationalization

Make a comprehensive business plan on Iran Dedicated scholarships for Iranians Advertisement campaigns Satellite & National TV & Newspaper ads Seminars Farsi Mini sites, Fliers, Brochures Agent support Incentives FamTours Being Accredited by MSRT (higher education)

Table of accreditation by MSRT Group Accreditation Ranking Basis Group A Group B Group C Group D Group E Top Universities Good Universities Average Universities Weak Universities Unacceptable Top ranking State Universities in QS & Times high-standing private Universities Political relations Controlling policies on the number of students sent MBA schools Private Universities Unlisted Universities Other types of educators

Benefits of Being accredited for educators Legal access to Iranian student market Marketable by agents through all types of media National and Satellite TV Seminars Public newspapers More students as a result of subsidised currency rates Joint programs Better employment prospects in Iran for graduates of accredited educators

How to become accredited? 1. Write a formal letter to your country s foreign affairs ministry. 2. The foreign affairs ministry will follow up with its local embassy in Iran. 3. The local embassy will follow up with Iran s MSRT. OR 1. Write a formal letter to the appointed regional expert at the MSRT. (http://scholarship.msrt.gov.ir/component/joomap/ )

191 registered agencies in Iran Authorized to recruit to 1-3 specific countries of work Members of the SSRI (Iranian Society of Student Recruitment Institutes)

Benefits of working with Authorized Agents Reduction of costs because of great knowledge of the market Contribution to better and longer-lasting branding Permission to recruit students without any legal limitations Permission to advertise formally Reliable agencies that have already been selected by MSRT Being responsible for unforeseen legal issues with students

- The currency crisis after sanctions (graph) - limited countries of work - Limited marketing tools permitted - Accreditation of Universities by MSRT - Military Service for boys - Unauthorized agencies & Legal issues

Obstacles & Limitations on certain visas for Iranians Student visas on language programs from USA, Canada and the EU. (F1, study permit, D) Visas on non-degree courses Schengen visa (up to 90 days) for short courses, conferences, etc. Visa for dependants Student visitor visas for the UK Visa on degree programs in Europe (Like Germany), UK, Australia, Canada and USA.

Good Examples: Malaysia - Ease of student visas - Accredited Universities - MOUs with Iranian Universities - Decent support of agents in Iran - Farsi Brochures - Training of agency s staff - Direct Satellite network adverts - Marketing investments - FamTours in the summer for Iranian families - A few agents, yet very active ones - Use of special commission incentives for more than a certain number of students

Good Examples: Language school X (Now, known as a top brand) Great advertisements on Satellite TV Specialized brochures Right planning Trained staff Great commission package for agent