The deputy head of the Union of Non-Governmental Universities and Higher Education Institutions has announced a proposed 60% increase in variable tuition fees for the upcoming academic year.
In an interview with Mehr News Agency, Gholamreza Belali stated that the proposal was formulated taking into account prevailing inflation rates, wage and salary hikes, and rising operational, educational, and support costs across higher education institutions.
Under the proposal, variable tuition for non-governmental universities could rise by 50% to 70%. Belali claimed that because fixed tuition for current students will remain unchanged, their total tuition increase will remain below 35%.
The union official emphasized that the 60% rate is not mandatory for all institutions, as final tuition levels rest with the board of trustees of each university. Local economic conditions in each province and specific institutional operating costs will determine final rates.
While returning students are exempt from fixed tuition hikes, their variable tuition fees will increase. Newly enrolled students, however, will face higher rates across both fixed and variable components, as approved by individual university boards.
