Shiraz University

Iran's Shiraz University is one of the country’s most internationally renowned institutions, and also a leader in terms of research. The university was established in 1946 as a medical school, the High Institute of Health. This was later called Pahlavi University in Shiraz, and finally named Shiraz University after the fall of the Pahlavi dynasty. The university is the only education institution in Iran modelled on the American higher education system. Its development was a collaborative effort with the University of Pennsylvania, which continues to influence Shiraz today. Some 80 Bachelor’s, 180 Master’s and 120 Doctoral programmes are available to study at the university. Shiraz University strives to be pioneering, and has broken new ground in Iran by introducing e-learning, promoting international cooperation and developing new doctoral programmes. The decadent Eram Botanical Garden, a stunning example of a Persian ornamental garden dating back to 1372, is owned and maintained by the university. The garden and its elaborate buildings are one of the top tourist sites in Shiraz. The city of Shiraz is best known for producing one of the world’s most popular varieties of red wine. While Iran no longer produces Shiraz wine, the delicious grapes are still eaten fresh. Shiraz has a fascinating array of heritage sites, including ancient tombs, mosques and shrines. The city is also notable for having one of the largest Jewish populations in Iran, with several synagogues, as well as two Christian churches.