Which Iranian universities accept international students?

Pars Today – Iran, a country with a rich heritage of civilization, science, and art, has today become one of the most attractive destinations for international students.

Iran, a land with deep roots in science, literature, and culture, has now become not only a destination for tourists but also a home for eager students from around the world. Reputable universities, diverse scholarship opportunities, a dynamic academic environment, and Iranian hospitality have made this country one of the most appealing options for study in the West Asia region.
According to published statistics, there are currently about 35,000 foreign students studying at universities in Iran. This number includes state universities, Islamic Azad University, universities affiliated with the Ministry of Health, and higher education institutes.
In this Pars Today article, we take a look at the educational facilities and opportunities available in Iran.

Educational opportunities
Studying in Iran is primarily offered in two main forms: scholarship and non-scholarship programs. Scholarship students can study at Iranian universities without paying tuition fees and benefit from facilities such as free dormitories, health insurance, and living allowances. These scholarships are provided through Iranian embassies, cultural institutions, universities, international academic agreements, and collaborations between Iran’s Ministry of Science and other countries.

Types of scholarships
In Iran, scholarships are offered in three types:

Type A: Free tuition, free dormitory, living allowance, and health insurance.
Type B: Free tuition and dormitory, without a living allowance.
Type C: Free tuition, with other expenses borne by the student.

This variety in scholarships allows students with different conditions to take advantage of the opportunity to study in Iran.

Admission requirements for international students
To enter Iranian universities, applicants must meet both general and specific requirements. The general requirements include having no legal restrictions, being approved by an Iranian representative office, and providing a certificate of physical and mental health. Specific requirements include possessing valid academic credentials, maintaining an appropriate grade point average, receiving acceptance from a university, and adhering to age limits for each level of study. Students who have completed previous study levels in Iran are exempt from age restrictions.

Persian language
Since instruction at Iranian universities is conducted in Persian, international students are expected to be familiar with the language. Reputable educational centers, such as the “International Center for Persian Language Education,” offer a variety of courses in language, literature, art, and Iranian culture, providing an experience that goes beyond traditional classroom learning.

Prominent universities in Iran
Tehran, the capital of Iran, can be considered the country’s most important educational hub. The University of Tehran, one of the oldest universities in Iran and one of the most prestigious in West Asia, is recognized as one of the best academic centers in the country. Tehran University of Medical Sciences is also the first medical education center in Iran, admitting a number of international students each year. Other universities and higher education institutions in the city are also active in attracting foreign students and compete with each other.

According to published data, around 1,000 international students are currently studying at universities in Tehran, with approximately 66% male and 34% female. These students come from various countries, including Turkey, Japan, China, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Armenia, Pakistan, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Ukraine, the Netherlands, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Italy, Canada, France, Bahrain, and others.

The city of Mashhad and Ferdowsi University rank second on this list. Shiraz University and the University of Gilan also follow in attracting international students. Another university with a significant number of foreign students is Alzahra University in Tehran. Alzahra University is exclusively for female students and admits only women.

Qom, one of the most important centers of Islamic scholarship in the world, hosts numerous schools, seminaries, and research centers. These institutions teach subjects related to religions, sects, rites, religious movements, Western thought, and more to interested students. Considering these features, Qom can be regarded as the religious capital of Iran, playing a major role in admitting students and seminary participants interested in religious studies.

• Tabriz University
• Tarbiat Modares University
• Shahid Beheshti University
• Isfahan University of Technology
• Amirkabir University of Technology
• Khajeh Nasir al-Din Tusi University
• Sharif University of Technology
• Allameh Tabataba’i University
• Iran University of Science and Technology
• Urmia University
• Bu-Ali Sina University
• Birjand University
• Kharazmi University
• Razi University (Kermanshah)
• Zanjan University
• University of Sistan and Baluchestan
• Shahid Chamran University (Ahvaz)
• University of Kashan
• University of Mazandaran
• Yazd University
• Sahand University of Technology (Tabriz)
• Babol Noshirvani University of Technology
• Shahrood University

Other universities in Iran that attract international students include:
Shiraz University of Technology, Zanjan University of Basic Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, University of Art, Arak University, Ilam University, Bojnord University, Imam Khomeini International University (Qazvin), Hakim Sabzevari University, Persian Gulf University, Damghan University, University of Zabol, Shahrekord University, Shahid Madani University, University of Kordestan, Golestan University, Lorestan University, Valiasr University of Rafsanjan, Hormozgan University, and Yasuj University.