Iranian journal of management sciences

Iranian journal of management sciences

Developing a Model for Implementing Internationalization Policies of Higher Education in Iran with a Focus on Attracting International Students

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Hajar Shams Derakhshan 1
Abolhassan Faghihi 2
Mojtaba Kiaei 3
1 PhD Student, Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management and Economics, Science & Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 Professor, Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management and Economics, Science & Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
3 Assistant Professor , Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management and Economics, Science & Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
100/jiams.2025.9021.7866
Abstract
Internationalization of higher education has become a significant term in the academic lexicon over the past few decades, playing a crucial role as part of the globalization process. This process offers commercial benefits, acquisition of knowledge and language, and addresses the global job market demands. Statistics indicate a substantial increase in the enrollment of international students in developed countries. However, Iran faces various challenges in this regard. This study aims to identify and analyze the factors influencing the implementation of internationalization policies in higher education in Iran, with an emphasis on attracting international students. Using a qualitative approach and thematic analysis, this research was conducted through in-depth interviews with 15 experts and executive managers in the field of higher education. Purposeful and snowball sampling methods were employed. The results show that the main dimensions affecting the attraction of international students include planning and management of student recruitment (including elements such as improving the recruitment process of talents and tech teams, designing comprehensive targeted programs for attracting international students, reforming the educational structure, and administrative structure), developing infrastructure and international interactions (including elements such as developing educational and research infrastructure, enhancing the scientific capabilities of universities, focusing on the role of scientific diplomacy, and developing international interactions) and developing financial support and university capabilities (including elements such as providing financial support to international students and financial support to universities hosting international students). Utilizing these results can be effective in planning and determining strategies to increase the attraction of international students.
Keywords
Public policy implementation
Internationalization
International students
Higher education
Subjects
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Iranian journal of management sciences
Volume 19, Issue 76
Summer 2024
Pages 1-26