Establishment and History: Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU) was founded in 1961 with the establishment of its School of Medicine. Following the merger of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education in 1988, the university became responsible for providing, maintaining, and promoting the health of residents in Tehran and neighboring cities. This integration aimed to unify medical education and health services.
Status and Structure: SBMU is a government-funded institution and one of the three medical universities located in Tehran, the capital of Iran. The university’s governance structure includes fundamental cornerstones such as the Board of Trustees, the chancellor, and the University Council. Operational tasks are managed through eight vice-chancellors overseeing various areas, including Academic and Education, Research and Technology, Health, Treatment, Food and Drug, Administration and Resources Development, Cultural and Students affairs, and International Affairs.
Size and Scale: SBMU is recognized as the second-largest medical institution in Iran. In 2022, the university educated and trained 12,057 students, currently accommodating over 12,500 medical students, including international students. The academic staff comprised 1533 members in 2022, with a total of over 1,500 or 1,410 academic teaching staff. This includes 234 professors, 473 associate professors, 724 assistant professors, and 26 lecturers as of 2022.
Mission: The mission of SBMU is to provide high-quality education and training for future healthcare professionals while simultaneously promoting health and medical research and focusing on community health.
Academics
Faculties and Schools: The university operates 12 schools that admit students across a diverse range of fields. These include the Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Public Health, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Education Sciences, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Safety, and Environment, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, and Faculty of Nutrition Sciences & Food Technology. Other listed faculties are the Faculty of Health, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, and Faculty of Medical Sciences.
Programs Offered: SBMU offers a wide selection of programs across different levels. This includes 26 sub-specialties, 48 fellowships, 35 specialties, 49 PhD programs, and 15 MPH degrees. Basic general medical fields offered are medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. The university also provides 67 majors at the MSC and BSC disciplines. In total, SBMU offers 36 degrees in various medical and health-related fields.
Faculty Expertise: The university faculty comprises members with diverse expertise across multiple fields, supporting a high-quality learning environment. Specializations include Anatomy of Limbs, Endocrine and Metabolism, Medical Physics, Family Health, and Eye Health. Faculty members are described as highly qualified and professional.
Research
Research Infrastructure: SBMU benefits from 5 research institutes and more than 78 research centers (also cited as over 76 research centers), supporting a robust research network. These institutions cover a diverse range of fields.
WHO Collaboration: Seven of the university’s research centers collaborate with the World Health Organization (WHO) and are designated as WHO collaborating centers. Areas of collaboration include dental sciences, endocrine research, tuberculosis, nutrition, tobacco control, educational development, and eye health and blindness prevention.
Research Opportunities: The university provides ample research opportunities for students. Students are encouraged to engage in research and have the chance to participate in international public health projects and research through WHO collaborations. Advanced academic programs, including PhD and fellowship programs, position SBMU as a suitable choice for students pursuing advanced research careers.
Rankings
National Standing: Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences is recognized as one of the top three medical universities in Iran. It holds a national ranking of 6.
International Standing: Sources provide varying international rankings for SBMU, placing it at 885, 932, and within the 601-800 range globally. The university is considered a reputable institution internationally and consistently ranks well in international assessments.
Admissions Process
Eligibility Criteria: Admission to SBMU requires applicants to meet specific criteria:
- Academic Requirements: Completion of secondary education (12 years) with a focus on science subjects (biology, chemistry, physics) is mandatory. A minimum aggregate score of 60% in science subjects is generally required, or a minimum of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in 10+2.
- Entrance Examination: An entrance examination may be required, with a typical passing score of 50%. For Indian students, qualification in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) is necessary. Specific minimum NEET UG 2025 scores are provided for different categories.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in the Persian language is stated as essential due to it being the primary medium of instruction. However, some sources indicate English is the medium of instruction for MBBS and that the MBBS program language for international students includes English options. Non-native English speakers may need to demonstrate proficiency with standardized tests (e.g., TOEFL min 80, IELTS min 6.5).
- Age Limit: Candidates are typically required to be between 17 and 25 years of age at the time of admission. The minimum age is 17, and there is no specified maximum age limit.
- Other Requirements: Applicants must hold a valid passport and obtain the necessary student visa. A medical fitness certificate may be required. Evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses must be provided.
Required Documents: Essential documents for application include a High School Diploma and Transcripts (reflecting 12 years of schooling with science subjects), a valid Passport copy, Entrance Exam Score (such as NEET for Indian applicants), a Medical Certificate, a Letter of Motivation, and at least two Recommendation Letters, preferably from science teachers. Proof of application fee payment is also required. Additional documents listed are a copy of the birth certificate, ten passport-sized photos, and a letter of invitation from the university. All documents may require authorization by relevant ministries/embassies.
Document Verification and Translation: Documents not in English or Persian must be translated by an official translator. Original documents and their translations must be notarized. Academic documents should be verified by the respective education board or ministry.
Application Process: The admission process is designed to be comprehensive and transparent. It typically begins with online application submission and payment of a non-refundable application fee. This is followed by academic evaluation, including transcripts and entrance exam scores. A health check and submission of financial documentation are required. An interview may be part of the process for some applicants. Upon receiving an admission decision notification, accepted students proceed with enrollment procedures and attend an orientation program. The process is described as simple and straightforward. Specific administrative steps involving bank introductions for fees and account opening, educational visa achievement, dormitory introduction, placement tests for languages, and subsequent language courses are also outlined.
Fees and Living Costs
Tuition Fees: Tuition fees for international students vary across sources. They are cited as approximately $2,500 USD, $5,000 USD annually, $6,000-$7,000 per year, and $4,000 USD per year (after scholarship) with an actual tuition fee of $6,000 USD per year. Domestic students’ tuition is listed as 0 USD. The fee structure is considered reasonable and affordable, noted as more economical than many private colleges in India or universities in countries like the Philippines or Ukraine. For Indian students, estimated annual fees range from ₹8,00,000 – ₹10,00,000 or approximately ₹5,00,000 to ₹7,00,000. There are no hidden fees mentioned.
Cost of Living: Living expenses in Tehran are relatively lower compared to many Western countries. The cost of living is considered low and affordable. Estimated monthly living expenses for students range from ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 or around $500 to $900 per month. A detailed breakdown of estimated monthly expenses in INR indicates a total range of ₹38,500 – ₹63,000. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, internet, study materials, health insurance, and miscellaneous expenses.
Health Insurance: Health insurance is essential for all students. Estimated costs range from ₹2,500 – ₹3,500 for basic coverage and ₹3,500 – ₹4,500 for comprehensive coverage. Students must have valid insurance.
Facilities and Accommodation
On-Campus Accommodation: Shahid Beheshti University provides on-campus accommodation facilities located in northern Tehran. Hostels are equipped with amenities and are designed to provide a comfortable living environment. Facilities include single and shared rooms, study areas, recreational facilities, and proximity to university health services. The university provides accommodation for international students upon application approval, with the cost paid by the student. There are twelve dormitories with a total capacity of 3650 students, including two complexes specifically for foreign students. Security personnel are appointed to ensure student safety.
Off-Campus Housing: For students preferring off-campus living, options are available in the surrounding areas of Tehran, including shared apartments, private studios, and homestays. These options are noted as affordable and often located near public transportation.
Other Facilities: The university provides access to various facilities, including sports, fitness, and cultural amenities. Modern libraries, laboratories, and research facilities are available. Students have access to study materials within the university’s extensive library. Food services are provided at student restaurants in schools and hospitals, offering warm meals with an intranet-based reservation system.
Student Life
Environment: Studying at SBMU is situated in Tehran, a bustling metropolis with a population of 14 million, offering a vibrant urban environment. The city provides diverse cultural experiences. Iranians are known for being warm, friendly, and welcoming, contributing to a safe and peaceful atmosphere. The student community is described as vibrant and diverse.
Activities: The university supports an active lifestyle through facilities and events. Annual activities include sports competitions, cultural events, and festivals. Students are encouraged to participate in clubs and extracurricular activities to explore talents and interests. Opportunities exist for social engagement in public spaces like cafes, galleries, and parks.
Affiliations and Recognition
Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences holds recognition from various national and international bodies, ensuring its degrees are globally accepted.
National Recognition: Key national recognitions include the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Iran, the National Medical Commission (NMC), and the Ministry of Education, Iran.
International Recognition: International recognitions include the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), the International Medical Education Directory (IMED), the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME), and the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). Additional recognitions include FAIMER, MRCP, LMCC, USMLE, TEC Mauritius, and GAME.
MBBS Program
Duration: Sources provide conflicting information regarding the duration of the MBBS program at SBMU. Some state the program duration is 7 years, including the internship period. Others indicate a total duration of 6 years, which includes both theoretical studies and practical training. This 6-year structure is described as comprising a 2-year pre-clinical phase, a 3-year clinical phase, and a 1-year internship year. The duration is also listed as a 5-year full-time program. A general duration for MBBS abroad is noted as 6 years (5 years + 1 year internship). A comparison table lists SBMU duration as 6 Years.
Curriculum: The MBBS curriculum is designed to be comprehensive, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical training. Core subjects include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and forensic medicine. The syllabus emphasizes essential areas such as public health, medical terminology, and clinical practice fundamentals. A detailed breakdown of subjects across different years/semesters is available.
Clinical Training: Clinical training is a critical component of the program, providing hands-on experience in affiliated hospitals and healthcare facilities. Students undertake rotations through various departments to gain diverse clinical exposure. Training during the internship year is supervised by experienced professionals. The university’s responsibility for the health of a large population in Tehran provides significant opportunities for student training and exposure to a wide range of medical cases and clinical settings.
Advantages of Studying at SBMU
Studying at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences offers numerous benefits, particularly for international students. Key advantages include access to high-quality medical education delivered by experienced faculty, advanced clinical training opportunities, and modern facilities. The university confers globally recognized degrees, accepted by international organizations. The fee structure is notably affordable compared to many alternative destinations for medical education.
SBMU is recognized for its research excellence, housing numerous research centers, including several WHO collaborating centers, which provide significant opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research and global health initiatives. Its strategic location in Tehran, a major urban center, exposes students to diverse clinical cases and offers a vibrant cultural environment. Specific benefits for Indian students include NMC approval for degrees, availability of English language instruction in some programs (though primary language is Persian), and preparation for global licensing exams like FMGE and USMLE.
Additional advantages cited include a pleasant climate influenced by Tehran’s altitude, a safe and peaceful atmosphere with friendly local people, and the opportunity to study in a country with a rich history, culture, and diverse culinary scene. The university also notes common cultural aspects with India as a potential USP.