SUMS Vice Chancellor for Global Strategies and International Affairs (GSIA), Dr. Seyed Hassan Seradj, issued an update on his office’s efforts to realize the University’s internationalization objectives. Speaking to reporters, Dr. Seradj enumerated GSIA’s achievements in recruiting international students, creating English content, doing international marketing, developing international academic relations, improving the University’s ranking status, and signing agreements and contracts with overseas universities, institutions and partners.

The Vice Chancellor pointed to SUMS endeavors in educational planning, which have transformed the University into a scientific hub in the Middle East, drawing students from the region as well as other countries in Asia. He added that after a year of COVID-19 restrictions and travel disruptions, a cohort of 70 international students were granted admission in 2021, and presently about 200 international medical students are studying in person at SUMS; in addition, seven international students are currently receiving residency, fellowship and specialty training, while 7 have already graduated from these programs.

While noting the high demand among international applicants to study in the field of medicine, Dr. Seradj stressed GSIA’s efforts to admit international students in pharmacy; he added, “Necessary plans have been put in place and we hope to achieve this goal in the next academic year”. He referred to the presence of competent and experienced faculty members as one of the principal reasons for SUMS success in various fronts, especially in recruiting international students.