Background and Objective: Science and technology diplomacy, as one of the key development tools in the current century, plays a pivotal role in advancing countries' scientific and political objectives. International student recruitment, as one of the fundamental pillars of this field, has been emphasized in Iran's Seventh Development Plan with the goal of increasing the number of foreign students to 320,000. This research was conducted to identify the main challenges in achieving this goal and to present operational strategies.
Method: This study was conducted using a mixed approach based on two main methods: first, documentary study including analysis of national development plans, relevant laws and regulations, and scientific sources; second, expert panel comprising 15 specialists from university international affairs directors, faculty members, and Ministry of Science experts, held in 3 sessions. The theoretical framework of the research was based on the theory of internationalization of higher education and science and technology diplomacy.
Findings: The results showed that the current situation with 47,400 international students has a significant gap to the set target. The main identified challenges were categorized at three levels: international (sanctions, financial and banking restrictions, diplomatic issues), national (lack of institutional coordination, shortage of financial resources, infrastructure weaknesses), and sub-national (university limitations, educational and cultural issues). The geographical composition of students indicates excessive concentration on neighboring countries, with 63.8% belonging to Iraq.
Conclusion: Achieving the goal of 320,000 international students requires adopting a comprehensive and multi-level strategy that includes legal reforms, infrastructure development, improvement of student services, .