Aspect |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Program Name |
MBBS (Doctor of Medicine) in Iran |
|
Duration |
7 years (including 1-year internship) |
|
Medium of Instruction |
English (in most universities offering programs for international students) |
|
Eligibility Criteria |
10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology; minimum 60% aggregate; valid passport |
|
Entrance Exam |
Usually no entrance exam for international students; admission based on academic performance |
|
Tuition Fees |
Approx. USD 3,000 – 7,000 per year (varies by university) |
|
Top Universities |
Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences |
|
Recognition |
Approved by WHO, UNESCO, and recognized by the Medical Council of several countries |
|
Living Cost |
Around USD 200 – 400 per month (affordable accommodation and food) |
|
Internship |
Mandatory 12-month clinical internship included in the program |
|
Teaching Method |
Combination of theoretical lectures, practical lab sessions, and hospital-based clinical training |
|
Career Opportunities |
Eligible to appear for screening tests like USMLE, PLAB, FMGE, etc. |
|
Advantages |
Affordable tuition, globally recognized degree, high-quality education, modern hospitals, and cultural exposure |
High-Quality Medical Education – Iran is known for its strong medical education system, advanced teaching hospitals, and research-driven curriculum. The country’s universities emphasize both theoretical knowledge and practical clinical experience.
Affordable Tuition and Living Costs – Compared to Western and even some Asian countries, the cost of studying and living in Iran is significantly lower, making it a budget-friendly destination for international students.
Globally Recognized Degrees – Iranian medical universities are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), UNESCO, and various medical councils, allowing graduates to pursue careers or postgraduate studies worldwide.
English-Medium Programs – Many top universities offer MBBS courses in English, eliminating language barriers for international students and making adaptation smoother.
Modern Infrastructure and Clinical Exposure – Students train in technologically advanced hospitals and medical centers, gaining hands-on experience in real healthcare settings from the early years of study.
Cultural Diversity and Safe Environment – Iran provides a safe, welcoming environment with rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality, and a diverse international student community, ensuring a comfortable and enriching educational experience.
Rank |
University Name |
Location |
Approx. Annual Tuition Fees (USD) |
Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Tehran |
6,000 – 7,000 |
Iran’s top-ranked medical university, WHO-recognized, excellent research facilities |
|
|
2 |
Shiraz |
4,500 – 6,000 |
Known for modern teaching hospitals and English-medium MBBS programs |
|
|
3 |
Isfahan |
4,000 – 6,000 |
Offers high-quality clinical training and diverse student population |
|
|
4 |
Mashhad |
4,000 – 5,500 |
Renowned for advanced research and affordable living costs |
|
|
5 |
Tabriz |
4,000 – 5,000 |
Strong focus on innovation, international collaboration, and practical learning |
|
|
6 |
Tehran |
5,000 – 6,000 |
Globally recognized for research and modern facilities |
|
|
7 |
Kerman |
3,500 – 4,500 |
Offers affordable fees and good student support services |
|
|
8 |
Ahvaz |
3,000 – 4,500 |
Oldest medical university, strong academic and clinical programs |
|
|
9 |
Qazvin |
3,000 – 4,000 |
English-taught courses, modern infrastructure |
|
|
10 |
Zanjan |
3,000 – 4,000 |
Affordable, WHO-recognized, student-friendly environment |
Expense Category |
Estimated Annual Cost (USD) |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuition Fees |
3,000 – 7,000 |
Varies by university and program; English-medium courses cost slightly more. |
|
Accommodation |
600 – 1,200 |
On-campus hostels and shared apartments available at affordable rates. |
|
Food & Meals |
800 – 1,200 |
Low-cost dining options and student cafeterias make living expenses reasonable. |
|
Transportation |
150 – 300 |
Public transport is cheap and reliable in most cities. |
|
Health Insurance |
100 – 200 |
Mandatory for all international students, covers basic medical needs. |
|
Miscellaneous (Books, Personal Expenses) |
300 – 500 |
Includes study materials, clothing, and other daily needs. |
|
Total Estimated Annual Cost |
5,000 – 10,000 |
Average annual cost for studying and living in Iran for MBBS students. |
Globally Recognized Medical Education – Iranian medical universities are recognized by WHO, UNESCO, and the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India, allowing Indian students to pursue global medical careers or appear for licensing exams such as FMGE, USMLE, and PLAB.
Affordable and Quality Education – Compared to private medical colleges in India, Iran offers high-quality education at lower tuition fees (USD 3,000–7,000 per year). Living expenses are also economical, making Iran a cost-effective study destination.
English-Medium Programs – Many top Iranian universities offer MBBS courses in English, ensuring smooth learning for international students without language barriers.
Safe and Culturally Welcoming Environment – Iran provides a safe, student-friendly atmosphere with warm hospitality, cultural similarities, and respect for Indian traditions, which helps Indian students adapt comfortably.
Strong Clinical Exposure and Modern Infrastructure – Students gain hands-on experience in well-equipped hospitals and research centers, ensuring practical skill development and readiness for real-world medical practice.
Event / Process |
Tentative Timeline |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Application Start Date |
January – March |
Universities begin accepting applications for the MBBS program. Early application is recommended. |
|
Application Deadline |
May – July |
Final date to submit all required documents and application forms. |
|
Offer Letter Issuance |
June – August |
Selected students receive admission or offer letters from universities. |
|
Visa Application Process |
July – September |
Students apply for a student visa after receiving the admission letter. |
|
Academic Session Begins |
September – October |
Classes for the new academic year officially commence. |
|
Late Admissions (if available) |
November – December |
Some universities may accept late applicants based on seat availability. |
Category |
Requirements / Details |
|---|---|
|
Academic Qualification |
Completion of 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as main subjects. |
|
Minimum Marks |
At least 60% aggregate in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology); some universities may accept 50%. |
|
Age Limit |
Minimum 17 years at the time of admission; no upper age limit in most universities. |
|
Language Requirement |
English proficiency is required. Some universities may ask for IELTS/TOEFL, while others conduct internal language tests. |
|
Entrance Exam |
No national entrance exam for Indian students; admission is generally based on academic performance and interview (if applicable). |
|
NEET Qualification (India) |
Indian students must be NEET-qualified to be eligible for admission and to practice in India after graduation. |
|
Documents Required |
10th & 12th mark sheets, passport, NEET scorecard, medical certificate, and passport-sized photos. |
Document |
Description / Purpose |
|---|---|
|
10th Mark Sheet & Certificate |
Proof of secondary education and date of birth. |
|
12th Mark Sheet & Certificate |
Confirms eligibility in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects. |
|
NEET Scorecard |
Mandatory for Indian students to validate eligibility for medical studies abroad. |
|
Passport (Valid) |
Required for international travel and visa application. |
|
Birth Certificate |
Verifies age and identity of the applicant. |
|
Passport-Sized Photographs |
Recent colored photos for application and ID purposes (usually 6–8 copies). |
|
Medical Fitness Certificate |
Proof of physical and mental fitness for medical studies. |
|
HIV Test Report |
Required as part of health clearance for visa and admission. |
|
Admission/Offer Letter |
Issued by the Iranian university confirming acceptance. |
|
Visa Application Documents |
Include university invitation letter, passport copy, and financial proof. |
The MBBS admission process in Iran is simple and student-friendly. Indian students must first ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, including 10+2 qualification with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and a valid NEET score. Students begin by selecting a recognized Iranian medical university and submitting an online application along with required documents such as academic transcripts, passport copy, and photographs.
Once the application is reviewed, eligible candidates receive a provisional admission or offer letter from the university. After acceptance, students must pay the initial tuition fee and apply for a student visa through the Iranian Embassy using the offer letter and other supporting documents.
After visa approval, students can travel to Iran, complete the registration process at the university, and attend orientation before the academic session begins.
Intake Season |
Month / Duration |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Main Intake (Fall Semester) |
September – October |
Primary admission period for most Iranian medical universities; majority of MBBS programs begin during this intake. |
|
Secondary Intake (Spring Semester) |
February – March |
Available in select universities for limited seats; suitable for students who missed the main intake. |
|
Application Period |
January – July |
Students should apply early to secure admission, as processing and visa approvals may take several weeks. |
|
Orientation & Classes Begin |
September / February |
Orientation for new students followed by commencement of classes. |
Course Component |
Duration |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Total Course Duration |
7 years |
Includes pre-clinical, para-clinical, clinical training, and internship. |
|
Pre-Clinical Phase |
1–2 years |
Focus on basic sciences such as Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry. |
|
Para-Clinical Phase |
2 years |
Covers Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, and related subjects. |
|
Clinical Phase |
2 years |
Hospital-based training in Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, and other specialties. |
|
Internship / Practical Training |
1 year |
Compulsory clinical internship providing real-world medical experience. |
|
Medium of Instruction |
English |
Courses for international students are taught in English. |
Parameter |
MBBS in Iran |
MBBS in India |
|---|---|---|
|
Course Duration |
7 years (including 1-year internship) |
5.5 years (including 1-year internship) |
|
Medium of Instruction |
English for international students |
English / Regional languages |
|
Tuition Fees |
USD 3,000 – 7,000 per year |
5–25 lakhs per year (private colleges); lower in government colleges |
|
Admission Process |
Based on 10+2 marks and NEET qualification |
Strictly through NEET scores and counseling rounds |
|
Seat Availability |
Ample seats for international students |
Limited seats; highly competitive |
|
Global Recognition |
WHO, UNESCO, and NMC-recognized universities |
NMC-approved; recognized mainly within India |
|
Clinical Exposure |
Early hospital training with modern facilities |
Strong patient exposure but varies by college |
|
Cost of Living |
Affordable (USD 200–400/month) |
Moderate to high depending on city |
|
Overall Advantage |
Affordable, globally recognized, and diverse exposure |
Familiar environment and easier post-graduation practice in India |
Technically, some Iranian universities may accept international students without NEET for admission; however, for Indian students, NEET qualification is mandatory as per NMC (National Medical Commission) guidelines to study MBBS abroad and later practice in India. Students without NEET can still apply and pursue MBBS in Iran, but they won’t be eligible to appear for the FMGE/NExT screening test required to practice medicine in India. Therefore, students planning to return to India must clear NEET, while those aiming for an international medical career may apply directly based on academic performance.
Year |
Course Phase |
Subjects / Focus Areas |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1st Year |
Pre-Clinical |
Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry |
Focus on foundational medical sciences and human body structure. |
|
2nd Year |
Pre-Clinical |
Histology, Genetics, Embryology, Behavioral Sciences |
Deep understanding of human development and cellular biology. |
|
3rd Year |
Para-Clinical |
Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Community Medicine |
Emphasis on disease mechanisms, drugs, and public health. |
|
4th Year |
Para-Clinical / Clinical |
Forensic Medicine, Introduction to Clinical Methods |
Transition from theory to hospital-based training. |
|
5th Year |
Clinical |
Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology |
Core clinical training through hospital rotations. |
|
6th Year |
Clinical |
ENT, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Psychiatry |
Specialized clinical practice and patient management. |
|
7th Year |
Internship |
Compulsory Rotatory Internship |
One-year practical training in hospitals and healthcare centers. |
Iran offers several scholarships and financial aid programs to attract international students, including Indians. Major options include the Government of Iran Scholarship, which covers tuition fees, accommodation, and living expensesfor high-achieving students. Some top universities like Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Shiraz University of Medical Sciences offer merit-based and need-based scholarships for outstanding academic performance. Additionally, international students can apply for partial tuition waivers or university-specific grants after the first year based on grades. These scholarships aim to make MBBS education in Iran affordable and accessible for talented Indian students.
After completing MBBS in Iran, graduates have diverse and promising career opportunities both in Iran and abroad. Iranian medical universities are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and National Medical Commission (NMC) of India, allowing graduates to pursue medical practice or higher studies internationally.
Indian students who wish to practice in India must qualify for the FMGE/NExT exam conducted by the NMC. Those aiming to work abroad can appear for USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), or other country-specific licensing exams. Graduates can also pursue postgraduate medical programs (MD/MS or equivalent) in Iran or other nations to specialize in fields like surgery, pediatrics, cardiology, or radiology.
Many international graduates find opportunities in research, hospital administration, public health, and medical education. Iran’s growing healthcare sector also offers positions in clinics, hospitals, and NGOs for those wishing to stay and work locally.
In summary, an MBBS from Iran opens global career pathways, enabling students to build successful medical careers through advanced study, clinical practice, or research—both in India and internationally.
After completing an MBBS in Iran, students have multiple postgraduate (PG) pathways to advance their medical careers. Graduates can pursue MD/MS or specialty programs in Iran itself, as many Iranian universities offer advanced medical training in fields like Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cardiology, Radiology, and Orthopedics. Admission to these programs is typically merit-based, with a focus on academic performance and clinical experience.
Indian students may also choose to return to India and appear for the FMGE/NExT exam to qualify for postgraduate studies or medical practice there. Alternatively, students can apply for international PG programs in countries such as the USA (USMLE), UK (PLAB), Canada (MCCQE), or Australia (AMC exams), depending on their career goals.
Another option is to pursue research-oriented postgraduate degrees like M.Phil. or Ph.D. in biomedical sciences or public health, which open doors to academic and research careers globally.
Overall, Iranian MBBS graduates enjoy flexibility to continue higher education in Iran, India, or abroad—allowing them to specialize, enhance clinical expertise, and build successful careers in medicine, academia, or research.
After completing MBBS from Iran, a doctor’s salary varies depending on the country of employment, specialization, and experience. In Iran, a medical graduate typically earns between USD 10,000 – 20,000 per year as a general practitioner. Indian students who return and clear the FMGE/NExT exam can earn around 6–12 lakhs per year in India, depending on the hospital and location. Those working abroad after passing exams like USMLE (USA) or PLAB (UK) can earn significantly higher—up to USD 60,000 – 100,000 annually. Overall, MBBS from Iran offers strong earning potential globally.
Indian students seeking to pursue MBBS in Iran must obtain a Student Visa (Type S) issued by the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India. The visa process begins after receiving the official admission or offer letter from a recognized Iranian medical university. Students must submit an online visa application along with necessary documents, including a valid passport (minimum 1-year validity), passport-sized photographs, university invitation letter, academic transcripts (10th & 12th certificates), NEET scorecard, and a medical fitness certificate.
Additionally, applicants must provide proof of financial stability (bank statements or sponsorship letters) and pay the required visa processing fee. Some universities assist students in securing the visa by coordinating directly with the Iranian Ministry of Science and Education.
Once approved, the student visa is typically valid for one year and can be extended annually through the university’s international student office. Upon arrival, students must complete residency registration and health insurance formalities.
The Iranian student visa process is generally straightforward, and with proper documentation, Indian students can easily secure entry for their MBBS studies in Iran.
Yes, an MBBS degree from Iran is valid in India, provided the university is recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and meets all the requirements outlined in the NMC’s Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG) Regulations, 2021. Indian students who obtain an MBBS degree from Iran must ensure the course includes 54 months of academic study and 12 months of internship, taught in English medium.
After completing the program, graduates are required to qualify for the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) or the upcoming NExT (National Exit Test) to obtain a license to practice medicine in India. Once they clear this exam, they can register with the NMC or respective State Medical Council and legally work as doctors in India.
Therefore, if pursued from an NMC-approved Iranian medical university, an MBBS degree is fully recognized and valid in India.
Standyou provides complete guidance and end-to-end support for Indian students aspiring to pursue MBBS in Iran. The process begins with university shortlisting, where experts assess your academic background, budget, and preferences to recommend the best NMC- and WHO-recognized Iranian universities.
Next, Standyou assists with application documentation, helping you prepare and verify all required papers—academic transcripts, passport, NEET scorecard, medical reports, and photographs—ensuring error-free submission. The team also supports exam preparation by providing resources, counseling, and study plans for NEET and university-level assessments if required.
Standyou manages the university application process efficiently, communicating directly with institutions to track admission status and secure offer letters. For eligible students, the platform guides in scholarship identification and application, helping reduce tuition costs through merit- or need-based financial aid.
Finally, Standyou offers complete support in visa documentation and processing, including embassy coordination and interview guidance, ensuring a smooth transition to Iran.
In short, Standyou simplifies the entire journey—from counseling to campus arrival—making MBBS admission in Iran stress-free and transparent for Indian students.
Question |
Answer |
|---|---|
|
1. Is an MBBS degree from Iran valid in India? |
Yes, if the university is NMC-recognized. Graduates must pass the FMGE/NExT exam to practice in India. |
|
2. What is the duration of MBBS in Iran? |
The MBBS course in Iran lasts 7 years, including 1 year of internship. |
|
3. What is the medium of instruction? |
Most universities offer English-medium MBBS programs for international students. |
|
4. Is NEET required for admission? |
Yes, NEET qualification is mandatory for Indian students as per NMC regulations. |
|
5. What is the average tuition fee for MBBS in Iran? |
Fees range from USD 3,000 to 7,000 per year, depending on the university. |
|
6. Are scholarships available for Indian students? |
Yes, many universities and the Iranian government offer merit-based or need-based scholarships. |
|
7. Is Iran safe for Indian students? |
Yes, Iran is considered safe, culturally friendly, and welcoming to international students. |
|
8. Can I work in India after completing MBBS in Iran? |
Yes, after clearing FMGE/NExT, you can register with NMC and practice in India. |
