Iran

Abstract

Higher learning in Iran extends over 25 centuries. The first schools of higher learning were established by King Darius of Persia in the 6th century B.C. (Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, 1977). The first formal university, the University of Gondishapoor (UG), was founded in the 3rd century A.D. (Hekmat, 1972). The UG became one of the most important centers of higher learning during the period. This status was maintained and extended some 300 years after the introduction of Islam into Persia in the 7th century A.D. (IRPSE, 1973).