The Higher Educational School for Girls was founded in 1964 and began with just 90 students. It became a state-run university in 1976, with four faculties: basic sciences, literature and humanities, management and economics.
Following the Islamic Revolution of Iran in 1979, it was renamed Alzahra University in honour of Fatimah Zahra, daughter of Mohammad (PBUH), the Holy Prophet of Islam.
It is the only comprehensive women’s university in Iran and the Middle East, with the motto of “Learned woman, progressive society”.
Students can choose from 51 undergraduate and 114 graduate programmes, with faculties including art, biological sciences, education and psychology, engineering and technology, literature and languages, mathematical sciences, physical education, physics and chemistry, social and economic sciences and theology.
Located in Vanak, Tehran there are two campuses, the first in the centre of Tehran and the second in Urmia, a 55-minute domestic flight from Tehran. On-campus facilities include laboratories, professional workshops, theatres, a swimming pool, restaurants, gyms, banks, a post office and a kindergarten.
It also has a Technology Incubator Centre to provide all the necessities for small companies and technological centres. Legal and professional aid is available to strengthen and guide these growing companies. All areas are covered, however there is a particular focus on nano technologies, bio-technology, art, IT, engineering and medical facilities and equipment.
As a member of the International Association of Universities (IAU) and the Federation of Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), Alzahra has established links with more than 45 higher education institutions in the Middle East, Asia and Europe.
