The president of Qom University of Technology stated that Qom is situated on the transportation corridor of industrial cities, saying: The goal of establishing Qom University of Technology has been to provide and train specialized human resources in various sectors of industry in the province and other industrial cities across the country.
According to the university’s public relations, Dr. Jalal Rezaei Noori, in a news interview with the Qom provincial television, highlighted the presence of eight industrial parks and four industrial zones in Qom province, stating: The Salafchegan economic region, along with various mines and industries, is located adjacent to the province, providing a good opportunity for those interested in employment in the industry. He added that the university is supporting the industry by supplying specialized human resources, addressing technical and educational needs, fulfilling research requirements, and conducting applied research. He continued: Our students visit factories as part of industry helper teams, identify problems, and offer appropriate recommendations and solutions for productivity to responsible individuals, which in many cases leads to the recruitment of students in these industrial centers as well.
He mentioned that there are 2,000 students studying at this university across three faculties: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and Technical Engineering, with 8 undergraduate programs and 16 master's programs. He added: Every year, talented students with high rankings are admitted to this university through the national entrance exam.
Rezaei Noori pointed out the barriers to admitting students at the doctoral level, saying: With the participation of the main university in the province, we can have admissions for doctoral students in various technical disciplines in the future, which I hope will soon materialize with the negotiations of the Ministry of Science and provincial authorities.
The president of Qom University of Technology indicated that the capacity for student admission is planned based on existing classes and the number of faculty members, and we have the capacity to increase the number of students. He stated: With the approval of the Ministry of Science and an increase in the number of faculty members, we can elevate the number of student admissions. Although, the current policy of higher education is focused on the qualitative development of universities.
He noted that from 2017 until now, 976 students from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 577 students from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, and 764 students from the Faculty of Technical Engineering have graduated in two levels: undergraduate and master's degrees, saying: Qom University of Technology has achieved the highest employment rate of graduates, with 42.81% among 85 universities across the country.
Rezaei Noori pointed out that Qom University of Technology is part of the fourth region of the division of higher education institutions in the country, adding: In this region, there are 13 universities, with our university having the lowest per capita student expenditure at 10.2 million tomans per year compared to other universities in the area.
He referred to the average cost per student among industrial universities, stating that Qom University of Technology ranks fifth in terms of expenditures for students among industrial universities in the country.
He emphasized that with the support of relevant authorities in increasing funding, we will certainly witness greater brilliance of this university on a national level.
The president of Qom University of Technology mentioned the introduction of elective entrepreneurship courses for students, the establishment of an innovation center at the university, and the increase of scientific associations that fill skill gaps as other initiatives of this university in maintaining its top position in graduate employment and continued that: We have increased the number of active scientific associations from 7 in 2018 to 11.
He identified the issue-oriented nature of student research as a priority for this university, stating: Theses at Qom University of Technology are problem-centered and are prepared with the approach of solving issues and challenges in the province by students, with the help of faculty members. This not only aids in resolving industrial problems from a scientific perspective but also leads to direct interactions between students and industrial centers, creating opportunities for their recruitment after graduation.
Rezaei Noori mentioned the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Qom University of Technology and the Technical and Vocational Organization and the Engineers’ Basij, continuing: We aim to address the industrial needs of the province through collaboration with various sectors and institutions associated with the industry, leveraging the expertise of our young and talented faculty.
The president of Qom University of Technology identified the main problem of the university as the lack of appropriate university space and, referencing the support of the governor and respected representatives of the province, called for a serious commitment from provincial authorities to resolve this issue. He also indicated that, given the distinguished position of Qom province in the Muslim world, especially among Shia communities, resolving this issue would facilitate the attraction and admission of international students, and he called for the support of the Ministry of Science in this regard.
