University of Tabriz at a Glance The history of the higher education in Tabriz, well known for being cradle of civilization for centuries, goes back to around 720 years ago, when Rab' l-Rashidi complex was founded and renowned scientists gathered together from different parts of the world at this academic center. Inheriting this historic background, the University of Tabriz is the second oldest university in Iran and its academic activities started in 1947 with two faculties of Literature and Medicine. Over the years, it has grown into a well-developed high-ranking university on national and regional scales. It has 21 faculties, 10 research institutions and centers and six centers of excellence. Approximately, 770 faculty members currently are instructing 22000 students from which around 10000 are postgraduates. Researchers enjoy well-equipped laboratories, scientific facilities, libraries, sport centers, etc. The university has also one international campus. University of Tabriz has active role in international and regional associations, e.g. International Universities Council (IUC), Eurasian Silk Road Universities Consortium (ESRUC), and Association of Caucasian Universities (KUNIB). Furthermore, University of Tabriz acted as the full member of the Administrative Board of International Association of Universities (IAU) from 2008-2012. Moreover, it holds academic relationships with different universities in the world and has signed 90 MOU to conduct joint research and run joint academic programs. University of Tabriz, was ranked 6th among the top comprehensive universities in Iran in 2015. Six faculty members of this university have been selected as outstanding scientists of the Islamic World and five others were among one percent top scientists of the world in 2015. According to Leiden Ranking in 2014, the University of Tabriz, ranked 492 in the world and 2nd in Iran. Furthermore, based on Thomson Reuters report, it ranked 531 among the influential universities of the world and 4th in Iran.