The University of Mohaghegh Ardabili (UMA), located in Ardabil, Iran, was established in 1978. Initially, it began as a branch of the University of Tabriz, primarily offering agricultural courses. In 1996, it became an independent university and was named after the great Islamic scholar, Mohaghegh Ardabili, who was originally from the Ardabil region.
UMA has since expanded and now offers a wide range of academic programs, including engineering, sciences, humanities, social sciences, and more, across its multiple faculties. The university is known for its commitment to research and development, particularly in fields relevant to the region, such as agriculture and natural resources.
Faculty |
Undergraduate Programs |
Master's Programs |
PhD Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Agriculture and Natural Resources |
Agronomy and Plant Breeding |
Plant Pathology |
Agronomy |
|
|
Animal Science |
Agricultural Economics |
Horticulture |
|
|
Horticulture |
Soil Science |
Plant Pathology |
|
|
Plant Protection |
Agronomy and Plant Breeding |
Animal Science |
|
Engineering |
Civil Engineering |
Mechanical Engineering |
Civil Engineering |
|
|
Electrical Engineering |
Civil Engineering |
Electrical Engineering |
|
|
Mechanical Engineering |
Electrical Engineering |
Mechanical Engineering |
|
|
Computer Engineering |
Computer Engineering |
Computer Engineering |
|
Basic Sciences |
Mathematics |
Physics |
Mathematics |
|
|
Physics |
Chemistry |
Physics |
|
|
Chemistry |
Applied Mathematics |
Chemistry |
|
|
Statistics |
Statistics |
Statistics |
|
Humanities and Social Sciences |
Law |
Persian Literature |
Law |
|
|
Psychology |
Islamic Studies |
Psychology |
|
|
Persian Literature |
History |
Persian Literature |
|
|
Islamic Studies |
Social Sciences |
Islamic Studies |
|
Educational Sciences and Psychology |
Educational Sciences |
Educational Psychology |
Educational Sciences |
|
Physical Education |
Physical Education |
Sport Management |
Sport Management |
Course Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees (Per Year in USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Agronomy and Plant Breeding |
4 years |
$1,200 - $1,500 |
|
Animal Science |
4 years |
$1,200 - $1,500 |
|
Horticulture |
4 years |
$1,200 - $1,500 |
|
Plant Protection |
4 years |
$1,200 - $1,500 |
|
Civil Engineering |
4 years |
$1,500 - $2,000 |
|
Electrical Engineering |
4 years |
$1,500 - $2,000 |
|
Mechanical Engineering |
4 years |
$1,500 - $2,000 |
|
Computer Engineering |
4 years |
$1,500 - $2,000 |
|
Mathematics |
4 years |
$1,200 - $1,500 |
|
Physics |
4 years |
$1,200 - $1,500 |
|
Chemistry |
4 years |
$1,200 - $1,500 |
|
Statistics |
4 years |
$1,200 - $1,500 |
|
Law |
4 years |
$1,200 - $1,500 |
|
Psychology |
4 years |
$1,200 - $1,500 |
|
Persian Literature |
4 years |
$1,200 - $1,500 |
|
Islamic Studies |
4 years |
$1,200 - $1,500 |
|
Physical Education |
4 years |
$1,200 - $1,500 |
Course Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees (Per Year in USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Agronomy |
2 years |
$1,500 - $2,000 |
|
Horticulture |
2 years |
$1,500 - $2,000 |
|
Plant Pathology |
2 years |
$1,500 - $2,000 |
|
Animal Science |
2 years |
$1,500 - $2,000 |
|
Soil Science |
2 years |
$1,500 - $2,000 |
|
Agricultural Economics |
2 years |
$1,500 - $2,000 |
|
Civil Engineering |
2 years |
$2,000 - $2,500 |
|
Mechanical Engineering |
2 years |
$2,000 - $2,500 |
|
Electrical Engineering |
2 years |
$2,000 - $2,500 |
|
Computer Engineering |
2 years |
$2,000 - $2,500 |
|
Mathematics |
2 years |
$1,500 - $2,000 |
|
Physics |
2 years |
$1,500 - $2,000 |
|
Chemistry |
2 years |
$1,500 - $2,000 |
|
Statistics |
2 years |
$1,500 - $2,000 |
|
Law |
2 years |
$1,500 - $2,000 |
|
Islamic Studies |
2 years |
$1,500 - $2,000 |
|
Persian Literature |
2 years |
$1,500 - $2,000 |
|
Psychology |
2 years |
$1,500 - $2,000 |
|
Educational Psychology |
2 years |
$1,500 - $2,000 |
|
Sport Management |
2 years |
$1,500 - $2,000 |
Course Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees (Per Year in USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Agronomy |
4 years |
$2,000 - $2,500 |
|
Horticulture |
4 years |
$2,000 - $2,500 |
|
Plant Pathology |
4 years |
$2,000 - $2,500 |
|
Animal Science |
4 years |
$2,000 - $2,500 |
|
Soil Science |
4 years |
$2,000 - $2,500 |
|
Agricultural Economics |
4 years |
$2,000 - $2,500 |
|
Civil Engineering |
4 years |
$2,500 - $3,000 |
|
Mechanical Engineering |
4 years |
$2,500 - $3,000 |
|
Electrical Engineering |
4 years |
$2,500 - $3,000 |
|
Computer Engineering |
4 years |
$2,500 - $3,000 |
|
Mathematics |
4 years |
$2,000 - $2,500 |
|
Physics |
4 years |
$2,000 - $2,500 |
|
Chemistry |
4 years |
$2,000 - $2,500 |
|
Statistics |
4 years |
$2,000 - $2,500 |
|
Law |
4 years |
$2,000 - $2,500 |
|
Islamic Studies |
4 years |
$2,000 - $2,500 |
|
Persian Literature |
4 years |
$2,000 - $2,500 |
|
Psychology |
4 years |
$2,000 - $2,500 |
|
Sport Management |
4 years |
$2,000 - $2,500 |
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Programs Offered |
Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programs in fields like Engineering, Sciences, Agriculture, Humanities, and Social Sciences. |
|
Language of Instruction |
Primarily Persian (Farsi); some programs may offer English courses. International students are encouraged to take a Persian language course for better integration. |
|
Admission Requirements |
High school diploma for undergraduate, bachelor's degree for master's, master's degree for PhD. English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL) for programs taught in English. |
|
Tuition Fees |
Bachelor's: $1,200 - $2,000 per year. Master's: $1,500 - $2,500 per year. PhD: $2,000 - $3,000 per year. |
|
Scholarships |
Scholarships available for international students based on academic merit, particularly for postgraduate programs. |
|
Accommodation |
On-campus dormitories are available at affordable rates. Monthly cost ranges from $100 to $200 depending on the type of accommodation. |
|
Living Costs |
Average living costs (excluding tuition) are around $200 - $300 per month. This includes housing, food, transportation, and other personal expenses. |
|
Student Support Services |
International Office provides assistance with visa, registration, and general support. Persian language courses, counseling services, and cultural integration programs are offered. |
|
Visa and Work |
A student visa is required. International students are allowed to work part-time during their studies. |
|
Application Deadlines |
Varies by program. Generally, application deadlines are in June for the fall semester and December for the spring semester. |
Admission Step |
Details |
|---|---|
|
1. Choose a Program |
Browse available Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD programs offered by UMA. Check the specific entry requirements for each program. |
|
2. Submit Application |
Complete the online application form available on the UMA website or International Office portal. Ensure all documents are submitted before the deadline. |
|
3. Required Documents |
Academic transcripts (high school diploma for undergraduate, bachelor’s degree for master’s, master’s degree for PhD) |
|
4. Language Proficiency |
Programs taught in Persian require proficiency in Farsi; English-taught programs may require IELTS/TOEFL. International students may need to take a Persian language course if not proficient in Farsi. |
|
5. Application Fee |
A non-refundable application fee is required. Fee details vary by program and are typically between $50 - $100. |
|
6. Review and Acceptance |
The admissions committee reviews the application and documents. This may take 2-4 weeks. Applicants will receive an acceptance letter if they meet the criteria. |
|
7. Visa Application |
Upon acceptance, students will receive a letter of admission which is required for the student visa application. Students must apply for a student visa at the nearest Iranian embassy or consulate. |
|
8. Tuition Payment |
Accepted students must pay the tuition fees for the first year before enrollment. Payment instructions will be provided by the university. |
|
9. Arrival and Registration |
Students must arrive in Iran before the start of the academic year (usually September) and complete the final registration process on campus. They must also register with the International Office. |
|
10. Orientation Program |
International students are required to attend an orientation session organized by the university to help with integration, cultural understanding, and academic regulations. |
Level of Study |
Intake Period |
|---|---|
|
Bachelor's Programs |
Fall Semester (September) |
|
Master's Programs |
Fall Semester (September) |
|
PhD Programs |
Fall Semester (September) |
Program Level |
Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|
|
Bachelor's Programs |
High school diploma or equivalent qualification. |
|
Master's Programs |
Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution in a relevant field. |
|
PhD Programs |
Master’s degree in a related field from a recognized institution. |
Ranking Source |
Global Ranking |
Regional Ranking (Asia/ Iran) |
Category |
|---|---|---|---|
|
QS World University Rankings |
801-1000 |
Top 50 in Iran |
Overall University Ranking |
|
US News - Best Global Universities |
1020-1200 |
Top 30 in Iran |
Overall University Ranking |
|
US News - Subject Rankings |
Not specifically ranked |
Top 20 in Iran |
Agricultural Sciences, Engineering |
|
QS by Subject (Agriculture) |
Not specifically ranked |
Top 15 in Iran |
Agriculture and Natural Resources |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Coverage |
Application Process |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Merit-Based Scholarships |
High academic performance in previous studies (minimum GPA requirements). |
Full or partial tuition fee waiver. |
Submit during admission application or through International Office. |
|
Need-Based Scholarships |
Financial need demonstrated through financial documents and supporting evidence. |
Partial tuition fee waiver and/or living allowance. |
Apply through the International Office with financial documents. |
|
UMA International Student Scholarships |
Open to international students with outstanding academic records. |
Full or partial tuition fee coverage. |
Apply directly through the UMA International Office. |
|
Postgraduate Research Scholarships |
Available to PhD and Master’s students involved in research projects. |
Research funding, tuition fee waivers, and stipends. |
Submit research proposal and apply through the respective department. |
|
Government Scholarships |
Offered through Iranian government for students from specific countries. |
Full or partial tuition coverage, monthly stipend. |
Apply through the Iranian embassy or Ministry of Education. |
|
Farsi Language Scholarship |
For students enrolling in Persian language courses. |
Tuition fee waiver for language course. |
Apply directly through the Language Center of UMA. |
|
Faculty-Specific Scholarships |
Available to students in specific faculties such as Engineering, Agriculture, etc. |
Partial tuition fee waivers. |
Apply through the specific faculty or department. |
Category |
Details |
Cost (Per Month in USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Campus Location |
Main campus located in Ardabil, Iran, with faculties spread across different campuses including Agriculture, Engineering, Science, and Humanities. |
N/A |
|
On-Campus Dormitories |
Dormitories available for both male and female students, offering shared rooms (2-4 students per room) with basic facilities like a bed, desk, and closet. |
$100 - $150 |
|
Private Dormitory Options |
Available for students preferring more privacy; single rooms with enhanced facilities and private bathrooms. |
$150 - $200 |
|
Off-Campus Housing |
Apartments and shared housing available in Ardabil city, providing more independence. Rental rates vary based on location and apartment size. |
$200 - $300 |
|
Meals and Dining Facilities |
On-campus dining halls and cafeterias serve meals at affordable rates. Students can also access kitchens in dormitories for self-catering. |
Meal cost: $1 - $3 per meal |
|
Study Rooms and Libraries |
The campus includes several libraries and study rooms open for all students. |
Free of charge |
|
Recreational Facilities |
Sports facilities including gym, football field, swimming pool, and courts for basketball and volleyball. Available to students at subsidized rates. |
Free or nominal fees for access |
|
Internet and Wi-Fi Access |
Wi-Fi and internet access available in dormitories, libraries, and academic buildings. |
Included in accommodation fee |
|
Laundry Facilities |
On-campus laundry facilities available for students staying in dormitories. |
Free or small fee for usage |
|
Health and Counseling Services |
On-campus medical center and counseling services available for students. |
Free for students |
Strong Academic Support: UMA is known for its focus on research and academics, especially in fields such as agriculture, engineering, and natural sciences. Students have access to well-equipped libraries, modern labs, and research facilities.
Language Learning: International students are offered Persian (Farsi) language courses, which are essential for integration into the academic community and local culture.
Active Research Participation: Postgraduate students can engage in cutting-edge research projects and receive scholarships for their research contributions.
Student Associations: UMA offers various student clubs and associations that cater to different interests, including academic, cultural, and social activities. These associations often organize workshops, conferences, and seminars.
Cultural Events: The university hosts cultural festivals, exhibitions, and traditional Iranian celebrations that provide international students with a chance to experience local culture.
International Student Community: The presence of an international student body creates a multicultural environment where students from different backgrounds can share their experiences and cultures.
Sports Facilities: UMA has well-equipped sports facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, football fields, and courts for volleyball, basketball, and tennis. The university encourages students to participate in sports and physical activities to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Recreational Clubs: The university also offers recreational clubs for hiking, mountaineering, and other outdoor activities. The nearby Sabalan Mountain provides opportunities for adventure sports and hiking.
Student Competitions: Various inter-university sports and academic competitions are held, encouraging students to excel outside the classroom.
Libraries and Study Areas: UMA has multiple libraries that provide students with access to a vast collection of academic resources, journals, and study spaces for research and learning.
Wi-Fi and Internet Access: High-speed internet access is available across campus and in dormitories, facilitating academic work and communication.
Medical and Counseling Services: The university provides on-campus health services, including medical care, mental health support, and counseling services to promote students' well-being.
On-Campus Dormitories: International and domestic students can live in dormitories, which offer basic amenities such as Wi-Fi, shared kitchens, and laundry services. Dormitory life encourages a sense of community among students.
Affordable Living: Ardabil is a relatively affordable city in Iran, and living costs for students (including accommodation, food, and transportation) are quite low compared to other major cities in the country.
Ardabil City: Known for its historical significance and natural beauty, Ardabil provides a calm and peaceful environment for students. The city's cool climate, cultural sites (such as the Sheikh Safi al-Din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble), and proximity to natural attractions (like Mount Sabalan) make it an enriching place to live and study.
Local Markets and Cafes: Students can explore Ardabil’s local markets, shops, cafes, and restaurants, which offer traditional Iranian food and experiences at affordable prices.
Student Support Services: UMA’s International Office provides guidance and support to international students from the time of their application to their arrival and throughout their stay. They assist with visa processes, registration, and adapting to life in Iran.
Orientation Programs: At the beginning of each semester, the university organizes orientation programs for new international students, helping them settle into university life and adjust to the new environment.
International students are allowed to work part-time during their studies, typically in campus-based jobs like tutoring, administrative assistance, or research support.
Vibrant Community: UMA offers a well-rounded university experience with a balance of academics, culture, and recreation. The vibrant student community, affordable living, and access to academic and recreational resources ensure students have a fulfilling and enjoyable university life.
Career Counseling: The university provides career counseling services to help students identify their career goals, understand industry demands, and align their academic pursuits with future job prospects.
Workshops and Seminars: UMA regularly organizes career-related workshops, job fairs, and seminars, often inviting professionals from various industries to share insights into the current job market and offer career guidance to students.
Resume and Interview Preparation: The career services office helps students develop professional resumes, cover letters, and prepare for interviews through mock sessions and expert advice.
Internship Programs: UMA encourages students, especially in engineering, agriculture, and science-related fields, to undertake internships during their studies. These internships are typically facilitated through partnerships with local and national industries, research institutes, and governmental organizations.
Industrial Collaboration: The university has collaborations with various industries in Iran, especially in fields such as agriculture, civil engineering, and mechanical engineering, providing students with the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships and project-based work.
Research-Based Careers: UMA has strong connections with research institutes in Iran, particularly in agriculture, engineering, and environmental sciences. Many graduates pursue research-based careers, either continuing with PhD programs or joining research institutions.
Agriculture and Natural Resources: Given UMA's strength in agriculture and natural resources, many students find opportunities in governmental and private sector organizations working in these fields. Graduates often secure roles in agricultural research, food production, environmental management, and natural resource conservation.
Engineering Fields: Engineering graduates, particularly in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering, have access to job opportunities in construction companies, infrastructure development projects, and the manufacturing sector.
Academic and Research Opportunities: Many postgraduate students, especially PhD graduates, continue in academia or research roles. UMA offers pathways for exceptional students to transition into academic careers, with some graduates securing positions as lecturers or researchers within the university or other academic institutions in Iran.
Job Fairs and Networking Events: UMA hosts job fairs and networking events where students can interact with employers from various industries. These events provide opportunities to explore job openings, internships, and build professional connections.
High Employment Rate in Agriculture and Engineering: Graduates from fields like agriculture, engineering, and natural sciences often have high employability due to the demand for skilled professionals in these areas in Iran. Many alumni find positions in government agencies, research centers, or private enterprises soon after completing their degrees.
Entrepreneurial Support: UMA supports students who are interested in entrepreneurship, especially in sectors related to agriculture and technology. The university provides resources, mentorship, and sometimes seed funding for innovative student-led projects.
Local Job Market: While UMA provides resources to help international students, finding jobs in Iran can be more challenging due to language barriers and visa restrictions. However, international students in specialized fields like engineering and agriculture may find opportunities in research, academia, or international organizations operating in Iran.
Strong Alumni Network: UMA maintains a network of alumni who provide mentorship, guidance, and sometimes job opportunities for current students. Alumni working in prominent positions in government, industry, and academia often return to share their experiences and offer career support to students.
City: Ardabil, Iran
Province: Ardabil Province
Campus Address: University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Daneshgah Street, Ardabil, Iran
Mount Sabalan: A popular destination for hiking and skiing, located close to the university.
Sheikh Safi al-Din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble: A UNESCO World Heritage site in Ardabil.
Shorabil Lake: A scenic lake offering recreational activities and situated near the university.
