Pursuing an MBBS in Iranhas steadily risen in popularity among Indian students seeking affordable and quality medical education abroad. With globally recognized degrees, English-medium instruction, and world-class medical infrastructure, Iran has become a prominent hub for aspiring doctors from South Asia, especially India. As competition intensifies for limited government MBBS seats in India and private institutions remain unaffordable for many, studying MBBS in Iran in 2025 emerges as a practical and rewarding choice.
This article provides an in-depth look at thetop medical universities to study MBBS in Iran in 2025, covering key aspects such as academic quality, clinical exposure, language of instruction, recognitions, and why these institutions are considered among the best in the region.
Why Choose Iran for MBBS?
Iran offers a rich blend of academic excellence, modern hospital training, and cultural compatibility for Indian students. The country'smedical universitiesare under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, and several of them are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. Iranian universities are also recognized by global institutions like the World Health Organization (WHO), the Medical Council of India (now NMC), and UNESCO.
Medical universities in Iran provide an MBBS-equivalent degree that spans six years, with the final year being a compulsory internship in teaching hospitals affiliated with the university. Most top-tier universities also offer MBBS programs in English, ensuring Indian students dont face language barriers during their study.
1. Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) is widely regarded as the top medical university in Iran. Established in 1934, TUMS is the largest and most prestigious medical institution in the country. It operates under the direct supervision of Irans Ministry of Health and Medical Education and is ranked among the top 500 universities globally for medical sciences.
TUMS has eight schools, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, and allied health sciences. The university hosts a large number of international students, including many from India. It offers the MD program (equivalent to MBBS) in English for foreign students. With over a dozen affiliated hospitals, students benefit from extensive clinical exposure during their final years.
In terms of research output, infrastructure, and quality of teaching, TUMS is the gold standard in Iran. The universitys international campus caters specifically to non-Iranian students, ensuring they receive support with academics, housing, and adaptation.
2. Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS) is one of Irans oldest and most distinguished medical universities. Located in the cultural city of Shiraz, SUMS has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality medical professionals and researchers. It was among the first institutions in Iran to offer English-taught medical programs to international students.
The university is especially known for its strong focus on research and modern laboratory facilities. With over 10 affiliated hospitals and numerous healthcare centers, students receive hands-on clinical training from the third year of the program. SUMS maintains international collaborations with universities in Europe and Asia, giving students opportunities to engage in research and exchange programs.
Its medical school offers the MD program with updated curriculum guidelines aligned with international standards and the NMCs new regulations. The faculty is highly experienced, with several professors holding international degrees and fellowships.
3. Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences
Situated in the capital city of Tehran, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU) is another top-ranking institution known for academic excellence and extensive research facilities. SBMU was established in 1961 and has since evolved into one of the leading medical universities in Iran, producing thousands of doctors, surgeons, and specialists.
SBMU has numerous teaching hospitals, making it a highly clinical-intensive medical school. It offers the MBBS-equivalent MD program in English for international students. The curriculum is designed to blend foundational sciences with early clinical exposure, allowing students to interact with patients and healthcare systems from the early stages of their education.
One of the standout features of SBMU is its state-of-the-art medical simulation centers and its partnerships with global institutions for joint research and academic programs.
4. Iran University of Medical Sciences
Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), also based in Tehran, is another government-funded and well-recognized institution that attracts a large number of international students every year. It is known for its emphasis on innovation, interdisciplinary learning, and clinical training.
The university comprises several faculties, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, and advanced technologies in medicine. IUMS operates multiple hospitals and specialty clinics that serve as teaching facilities for medical students. The faculty is internationally trained, and the university provides extensive support for English-medium education, especially for students from India, Pakistan, and Arab countries.
IUMS maintains a strong focus on research and publishes several indexed journals in medicine and healthcare. The universitys commitment to global standards has made it a popular choice for students aiming to qualify for licensing exams like NEXT (India), USMLE (USA), or PLAB (UK).
5. Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
Located in the northeastern part of Iran, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS) is one of the countrys oldest and most reputed medical universities. The university is known for its robust infrastructure, research orientation, and high FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Exam) success rate among Indian students.
MUMS offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in medicine and allied sciences. The MBBS-equivalent MD program for international students is structured to meet WHO and NMC standards. Clinical rotations are conducted at university hospitals with large patient inflow, allowing students to gain real-world experience under the supervision of skilled physicians.
Indian students studying here benefit from the presence of an established international office that handles queries, accommodation, and academic counseling.
6. Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (IUMS) is one of the top 10 medical universities in Iran. Known for its beautiful campus and advanced medical research, the university provides high-quality education to both Iranian and international students. It operates numerous teaching hospitals, clinics, and research centers.
The MBBS-equivalent MD course at Isfahan is comprehensive and focused on competency-based education. Students are trained in both theory and practical aspects of medicine, and clinical postings start early in the course. The universitys partnerships with other global institutions make it a well-rounded place for aspiring international medical graduates.
Conclusion
As the demand for quality medical education continues to rise in India, international destinations like Iran offer a promising alternative. With their high educational standards, experienced faculty, modern hospital infrastructure, and globally recognized degrees, Iranian medical universities are becoming increasingly popular among Indian aspirants.
The institutions listed aboveTehran University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz University, Shahid Beheshti University, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad University, and Isfahan Universityrepresent the very best that Iran has to offer in medical education. Each university provides Indian students with a pathway to a globally respected MBBS degree, extensive clinical training, and the opportunity to build an international career in medicine.
Students planning to study MBBS in Iran in 2025 should start early, gather detailed information about the universities, ensure their NEET qualification is in place, and seek guidance from reliable study-abroad consultants to ensure a smooth admission and relocation process.
