Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS) is a principal public medical school located in Tehran, Iran, near Milad Tower. Established in 1974, with the license to set up the Iran Medical Center issued in 1975, IUMS has been administered by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education since 1986. It is recognized as a leading academic medical center within Iran and the surrounding region. Students at IUMS are noted to place within the top 1% of Iranian students who take the national university admission exam.
IUMS is accredited by various national and international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medical Council of India (MCI). It has been awarded premier status by the Accreditation Service for International Colleges (ASIC), an accreditation acknowledged by the UK Office for Standards in Education and the UK Department for Education and Skills. The university aims to serve the community and advance healthcare objectives on national and global scales through exceptional service and educational initiatives.
The university provides academic and health-care services to approximately 5.2% of Iran’s total population, encompassing staff, students, researchers, professors, and the general public. Situated at the Hemmat Highway Campus in Tehran, IUMS accepts international students into nearly all of its degree programs, including professional healthcare degrees such as medicine, pharmacy, and nursing.
Institutional Structure and Facilities
Iran University of Medical Sciences comprises a significant infrastructure to support its academic and healthcare missions. The university in Tehran includes ten schools, two centers, two institutes, twenty-nine research centers, seventeen teaching hospitals, and fifteen non-teaching hospitals. The schools encompass various health-related disciplines, such as Medicine, Nursing & Midwifery, Public Health, Health Management and Information Sciences, Mental Health & Behavioral Sciences, Rehabilitation Sciences, Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Allied Medical Sciences, and Medicine and Pharmacy within its International Campus.
The School of Medicine, a foundational component, was formed through the merger of Ayatollah Taleghani Medical Complex and Iran Medical Center in 1986. It includes twelve basic science education departments and approximately one hundred faculty members dedicated to teaching basic science. Additionally, 28 clinical training groups with over 550 faculty members provide training across various levels in educational and treatment centers. The university’s campuses feature state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms, extensive libraries housing study resources, and high-tech facilities that support instruction and clinical training, including internships. Hospitals affiliated with the university are well-equipped for clinical training.
Academic Programs
IUMS offers a wide range of health and medical science programs. The School of Medicine alone educates over 1,600 students in general medicine, 1,150 in specialty programs, 100 in subspecialty programs, and 132 at the fellowship levels.
The Master of Medicine (MBBS/MD) program is particularly notable for international students. While some sources state the program duration as 6 years, others specify a duration of 5 years plus a 1-year internship, or 5 – 5.5 years for international students. The medium of instruction for the MBBS program is English.
The MBBS curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive medical education. It typically includes:
- Pre-Clinical Phase (1st and 2nd Year): Focusing on fundamental medical sciences like Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry.
- Para-Clinical Phase (3rd Year): Covering subjects such as Pathology, Pharmacology, and Microbiology.
- Clinical Phase (4th and 5th Year): Involving major medical disciplines including Internal Medicine, Surgery, and Pediatrics, with extensive hospital visits and patient interactions.
- Internship (Final Year): A mandatory period providing hands-on experience in affiliated hospitals across various specialties like General Medicine, Surgery, and Emergency Medicine.
The university employs highly skilled and experienced tutors to provide instruction.
Admissions Process
The admission process for international students at IUMS is generally considered straightforward. A typical process involves:
- Choosing a program and completing the application form.
- Filling out the visa invitation inquiry form.
- Gathering required documents and submitting them along with the forms.
- Potentially undergoing an online interview with the Faculty of Medicine.
- Receiving an invitation letter or admission letter upon approval.
- Applying for a student visa.
- Upon arrival at the university, students may need to pass an entrance exam for final admission.
- Signing a contract with the university.
- Paying the required tuition and other fees.
Some sources suggest a sequence involving checking eligibility first, receiving an eligibility letter, submitting documents and fees to the university, followed by visa application and arrival. The visa approval process may take 45 to 60 days, with a total processing time of 7-10 business days once submitted to the embassy. It is recommended to begin the application process early, ideally at least 6 months before the deadline.
Eligibility Criteria
Specific eligibility criteria are required for admission:
- Applicants must have completed high school (12th grade) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects.
- A minimum aggregate score in PCB subjects is required, cited as 65% for General or 50%, with variations possible depending on the university.
- For Indian students, qualifying the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) exam is mandatory for eligibility to study medicine abroad. There is no specific entrance exam for IUMS admission beyond the NEET requirement for Indian students.
- The minimum age for application is 17 years by December 31st of the admission year. While some sources note no maximum age limit, others suggest a general limit of 25 years for Iran’s medical universities.
- Proof of English proficiency may be required by some universities offering English-taught programs. However, some sources indicate IELTS/TOEFL are not required.
- Candidates must possess a valid passport (with a minimum validity of 2.5 years or at least 6 months after intended stay), and obtain a medical fitness certificate confirming good health, including tests for infectious diseases.
- Additional required documents typically include academic transcripts/certificates, the NEET score card (for Indian students), a student visa, passport-sized photographs, and potentially HIV and Covid-19 certificates. Documents may need to be legalized and translated.
Fees and Financial Considerations
The cost of studying MBBS at IUMS is considered relatively affordable. Annual tuition fees for international students are cited as approximately 6,500 USD or 4,000 USD for the first year. The actual tuition fee per year is listed as 10,000 US$, with a potentially lower fee of 6,000 US$ per year after scholarships. Overall, tuition fees for MBBS in Iran are cited to range from 2,300 USD to 10,000 USD per year.
Living costs are also considered affordable. Living costs are approximately 15-20K INR, around $500 to $900 per month, or around 100 USD per month aside from tuition fees. Accommodation costs in university hostels can range from $100 to $300 monthly ($1,200 to $3,600 annually), while private accommodation might range from $200 to $500 monthly ($2,400 to $6,000 annually). Transportation costs are low, around $2 per trip on public transport.
Scholarships are available for international students, often merit-based or need-based, and can cover tuition fees and potentially living allowances. There are no unstated costs or requirement for gifts.
Recognition and Accreditation
IUMS and its degrees hold significant national and international recognition. The university is approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Medical Commission (NMC), formerly the Medical Council of India (MCI). Its degrees are accepted by international organizations. Further accreditations and recognitions include the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER), South African Qualification Authority (SAQA), Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP), Licentiate of the Medical College of Canada (LMCC), The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), Educational Commission For Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), Tertiary Education Commission Mauritius (TEC), International Medical Education Directory (IMED), Global Alliance for Medical Education (GAME), and UNESCO. Graduates are eligible to sit for subsequent licensing tests such as the PLAB, PMDC, and NMC tests.
Rankings
Iran University of Medical Sciences is listed in various international rankings:
- QS World University Rankings by Subject: #151-225.
- QS World University Rankings: Ranked #651-670 in 2024, #501-550 in 2024, #451-500 in 2025, and #601-650 in 2025 (specific ranking type within QS WUR is not consistently specified across sources).
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings: #500-600 in 2022 and currently #600-800 according to the latest rankings.
- THE Impact Rankings 2022: Ranked 1st in “Good Health and Well-being” and 6th in “Quality Education” indicators.
- World Ranking (General): #4583 and #932.
- Iran Ranking (General): #6 and 4th among Iranian universities.
Campus and Student Life
The university provides on-campus housing facilities for students, with separate hostels for boys and girls. Dorm rooms typically accommodate two to three students. Hostel facilities include comprehensive air conditioning, centralized heating, cold and hot water supply, fast internet access, laundry facilities, and access to a shared kitchen for students wishing to cook their own meals. Indian cuisine is available in the dorms, and Indian holidays are observed. Three meals are offered daily at the hostel cafeteria. The hostels maintain a strict no-ragging policy.
Life in Iran for international students is characterized by warm hospitality and a blend of Persian heritage and modern urban life. Iran is considered a safe and peaceful country with a low crime rate, particularly in university areas, and benefits from a consistent police presence. Students can experience a multicultural setting and engage in the local culture through historical sites, festivals, and social venues like cafes and parks. While the official language is Persian (Farsi), the availability of English-medium MBBS programs facilitates study for international students. The cost of living is relatively low.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MBBS program from IUMS receive a medical degree recognized globally and accepted by international organizations. This recognition enables graduates to pursue careers in numerous countries.
For graduates wishing to practice medicine in India, clearing the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or the National Exit Test (NEXT) is mandatory, as Iranian medical universities are recognized by the NMC (MCI). IUMS graduates are eligible to sit for various international licensing exams, including PLAB (UK), PMDC, NMC, MCI, USMLE (USA), and LMCC (Canada).
Career avenues for graduates include medical practice in India and abroad, pursuing postgraduate studies (MD/MS/DNB) or specializations, engaging in medical research and teaching, hospital administration, healthcare management, medical writing, and roles in the pharmaceutical industry.
Challenges and Support
International students may encounter challenges such as language and cultural barriers, adapting to the education system, homesickness, social integration, and financial/accommodation issues.
IUMS provides support services to address these challenges. The availability of English-medium programs mitigates language barriers. Connecting with other international students and joining student organizations can aid social integration and reduce homesickness. University hostels offer a cost-effective accommodation solution. Universities often provide support centers, helplines, campus security, counseling, and guidance on safety and cultural sensitivity to assist international students in adjusting to life in Iran.