Universities in Iran during the Pahlavi era played a significant role in the scientific, cultural, and international development of the country. The establishment and expansion of higher education were part of the broader efforts to modernize and elevate Iran's academic standards. The history of modern universities in Iran dates back to the reign of Reza Shah Pahlavi, with the most notable milestone being the founding of the University of Tehran in 1934. As the first modern university in Iran, it was established to train skilled professionals and promote scientific research, merging various higher education institutions, including the School of Medicine and Dar ul-Funun, and became the main center for higher education in the country.

During Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi's reign, the development of higher education accelerated further, leading to the establishment of several major universities, such as Aryamehr Technical University (now Sharif University), the National University of Iran (now Shahid Beheshti University), and Pahlavi University (now Shiraz University). These universities became internationally recognized institutions through collaborations with reputable global universities, the recruitment of prominent scholars, and student exchange programs. Iranian universities of this era gained significant recognition regionally and globally for their high educational standards and scientific research, achieving notable advancements, especially in engineering, medicine, and basic sciences.

A remarkable feature of the Pahlavi era was the abundance of job opportunities for university graduates. The issue of migration or "brain drain," which has become a significant challenge in recent years, did not exist at that time. The reason was the availability of job opportunities and job security. Graduates were able to enter the job market immediately after completing their studies and work in their fields of expertise. These opportunities enabled them to establish families and live comfortably. This situation discouraged people from leaving the country, ensuring that skilled and educated human resources remained in Iran and contributed to the nation's development and progress.

Additionally, universities during the Pahlavi era not only played a role in training skilled personnel but also served as primary centers for scientific research and innovation, contributing significantly to national projects and the development of scientific and industrial infrastructure. This commitment demonstrated the government's investment in human capital and the importance it placed on education and employment in its development policies, leading to Iran's scientific, cultural, and economic growth and laying a strong foundation for future progress.