Opportunities, Challenges and Solutions for Applying Artificial Intelligence in Iranian Higher Education from the Perspective of Experts

Articles in Press

Document Type : research article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Research in management, Faculty of Statae Mamnagement Training Center, Tehran, Iran

2 Ph.D. in higher education governance, TehranUniversity, Tehran, Iran

10.22080/eps.2025.29736.2359

Abstract

Aim: In recent decades, the expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has created new opportunities for transformation in higher education curriculum planning. Despite the growing importance of this technology in enhancing teaching and learning quality, its effective utilization in Iran’s higher education system faces various structural, cultural, and policy barriers. This research aims to identify the opportunities, challenges, and strategies for the application of AI in higher education curriculum planning in Iran from the perspective of experts.
Methodology: This qualitative study employs thematic analysis to identify opportunities, challenges, and strategies for applying AI in Iranian higher education. Participants included professionals with at least five years of relevant experience in higher education and educational planning. Purposive sampling was used to ensure diverse representation across public and private universities and various disciplines. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve experts until theoretical saturation was reached. Data analysis followed a six-phase thematic analysis model, ensuring credibility through member checking and peer debriefing.
Results: Findings reveal that opportunities for AI application in Iranian higher education include enhancing the learning experience through personalized learning and improving educational processes via intelligent monitoring. However, challenges were identified across several dimensions: infrastructure-related limitations, inconsistencies in faculty training, ethical concerns, and issues of accountability and supervision. Proposed strategies for effective AI integration encompass rapid infrastructure development, fostering academic integrity, creating personalized learning platforms, and ensuring ethical deployment of AI.
Conclusions and suggestions: The study concludes that AI presents diverse opportunities and challenges for Iran’s higher education system. Addressing these requires comprehensive policy revisions and strategic adaptation by stakeholders. Adequate resource allocation and cross-sector collaboration are essential for the successful integration of AI.
Innovation and originality: The originality of this study lies in its qualitative design, expert involvement, and integration of theoretical literature with empirical findings to provide practical solutions.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Educational Planning Studies

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 08 December 2025

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  • Receive Date: 28 July 2025
  • Revise Date: 08 November 2025
  • Accept Date: 08 December 2025

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