فارسیHow to study in Iran
Iran offers many study opportunities for international students at more than 170 public universities and 700 private institutions of your choice. The study system is very similar to the Bologna model and is divided into Kashenasi (bachelor’s), Karhenasi-arshad (master’s) and doctorate.
Iran’s Higher Education System in International Comparison
In this section, we highlight the overall performance of Iran universities on the institutional level per U-Multirank dimension. The table below shows the national breakdown of Iran universities and how they stand across the spectrum of above average (receiving a score of ‘A’ (very good) or ‘B’ (good)), versus below average (receiving a score of ‘D’ (below average) or ‘E’ (weak)). In doing so, U-Multirank offers a clear picture on the country’s strengths and areas for improvement.
It becomes apparent that in general Iran’s higher education institutions perform strongest in U-Multirank’s regional engagement and research dimensions.
National performance: Iran
Percent of all Universities100%80%60%40%< belowAverageabove >40%60%80%100%Teaching & Learning53%28%Research36%35%Knowledge Transfer79%14%International Orientation82%2%Regional Engagement24%50%
How much does it cost to study in Iran?
There are no tuition fees for Iranian citizens at state universities. An exception is the Islamic Azad Universities, where tuition fees of €250 to €2,500 are charged. There are differences between the subjects, for example, humanities are less expensive than medicine or architecture.
Non-nationals have to pay tuition fees, with the amount depending on the tudy subject. Again, some subjects are less expensive than others – tuition fees vary between €2,000 and €6,000 per semester. At this point, individual research is necessary. In addition, scholarships are offered by the state for Farsi language courses.
What are the entry requirements for Iranian universities?
To study at an Iranian university, one must take an entrance examination (Konkour-e Sarasari). This entrance exam applies to both state and private institutions.
International students must be proficient in Farsi, otherwise they cannot participate in undergraduate programmes. English-language master’s programmes have been offered at some public universities for some years. This means that no knowledge of Farsi is required for these programmes.
How to get a Stipend/Scholarship in Iran?
No matter the reason, paying high tuition fees can be a source of stress for many. However, there are many options for financing your studies, including the use of scholarships. There are various scholarship opportunities available for international students looking to study in Iran. Depending on your country of origin and the level of studies, there are different options for funding. To explore what scholarship options are available, check this scholarship database.
Do I need a student Visa for Iran?
Academics and students must have an invitation from an Iranian university, as they must apply for a reference number from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which enables them to study in Iran. This reference number is then required to apply for a student visa at an Iranian embassy. In the meantime, this is also possible online.
You can find more information about the residence requirements on Iranian government websites or on pages of your foreign ministry.