In a significant educational development, the Islamic Republic of Iran has awarded sixteen fully funded scholarships to Sierra Leonean students for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. The recipients will have the opportunity to pursue degrees in various fields, including medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, engineering, and international relations.
The scholarship program covers vital fields such as Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Pharmacy, dental surgery, medical laboratory science, midwifery, radiology, chemical engineering, mining engineering, agricultural engineering, industrial engineering, metallurgy and materials engineering, and international relations. These scholarships mark a historic milestone in the relationship between Iran and Sierra Leone, reflecting Iran’s commitment to enhancing the human capital development efforts initiated by President Julius Maada Bio’s administration under the “Big Five Game Changers” initiative.
His Excellency Seyed Khalil Sadati Amiri, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Sierra Leone, reminded the selected students of their role as representatives of Sierra Leone in Iran. He encouraged them to make the most of this life-changing opportunity by excelling in their respective fields and contributing to Sierra Leone’s development upon their return.
This scholarship initiative is the first of its kind, marking the Iranian government’s largest investment in educational support for Sierra Leone. The rigorous selection process began last year with a large pool of applicants, further highlighting the competitive nature of this prestigious program. It offers full financial support, ensuring that the recipients can focus on their studies without financial concerns.
The program underscores the long-standing friendship between Iran and Sierra Leone, demonstrating Iran’s dedication to fostering education and development in the West African nation. The scholarship recipients are expected to enhance their knowledge and skills in Iran and bring back valuable expertise to contribute to Sierra Leone’s national development goals.
This initiative reflects both nations’ shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and investing in the future leaders of Sierra Leone.