Fars Province is one of Iran's premier educational and scientific hubs, particularly centered in its capital, Shiraz.
* **Literacy Rate:** Historically aligns with the national average, with urban centers like Shiraz boasting literacy rates above 90% for the population aged 10 to 49 (based on the latest national census data). * **Higher Education:** The province is home to several prestigious institutions. * **Shiraz University:** Formerly known as Pahlavi University, it is consistently ranked among the top comprehensive universities in Iran and appears in global rankings like the QS World University Rankings. * **Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS):** One of the oldest and most highly regarded medical universities in the Middle East, making Fars a major destination for medical tourism and research. * **Islamic Azad University (Fars Branches):** Operates multiple campuses across the province, contributing significantly to regional higher education access.