The University of Tehran (Persian: دانشگاه تهران‎), also known as Tehran University and UT, is Iran's oldest modern university. Based on its historical, socio-cultural and political pedigree, as well as its research and teaching profile, UT has been nicknamed "The mother university of Iran" (Persian: دانشگاه مادر‎) and it is the symbol of higher education in Iran. It is almost always ranked as the best university in Iran in national and international rankings. It is also the premier knowledge producing institute among all OIC countries. The university offers 111 bachelor degree programs, 177 master's degree programs, and 156 Ph.D. programs.