MBBS in Iran is an excellent choice for students who want to build a strong medical career with global recognition. Choosing the right medical university abroad can shape your entire professional journey, and Iran, one of the most academically advanced nations in the Middle East, offers world-class medical education through its public universities. These institutions are not only government-funded but also known for their robust teaching hospitals, research culture, and extensive clinical exposure. For Indian students aiming for a globally recognized yet affordable degree, Iranian public universities provide the perfect mix of academic quality, cultural comfort, and financial practicality.

This article gives you a complete guide on the top public universities to study MBBS in Iran, including their entry criteria, hospital affiliations, research ecosystem, and internship framework.

1. Why Choose Public Universities in Iran for MBBS?

Public universities in Iran operate directly under the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, ensuring standardized medical curricula, advanced infrastructure, and quality-controlled teaching systems. They are globally recognized and hold positions in international rankings like QS and Scimago.

Key Advantages:

• Affordable tuition fees compared to Western and some Asian countries.

• English-taught MBBS programs available for international students.

• State-owned hospitals with extensive patient inflow for hands-on training.

• Strong emphasis on medical research and innovation.

• Safe environment with cultural familiarity for Indian students.

2. Top Public Universities to Study MBBS in Iran

1. Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS)

• Established: 1934

• Location: Tehran

• Overview: The oldest and most prestigious public medical university in Iran, TUMS hosts thousands of domestic and international medical students annually.

• Affiliated Hospitals: Over 17 teaching hospitals, including Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex and Sina Hospital, offering broad clinical exposure.

• Research Culture: Houses 70+ research centers across disciplines like cardiology, oncology, and neuroscience.

• Internship Design: Final-year rotations across multiple hospitals covering all major specializations.

2. Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU)

• Established: 1959

• Location: Tehran

• Overview: Known for its excellence in clinical sciences, SBMU ranks among the top public universities for healthcare research and postgraduate specialization.

• Affiliated Hospitals: More than 12 hospitals, including Loghman Hakim and Taleghani hospitals, dedicated to advanced patient care and teaching.

• Research Strength: Focus on public health, pharmacology, and surgical innovations.

• Internship: Structured one-year clinical rotation under senior consultants and specialists.

3. Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS)

• Established: 1974

• Location: Tehran

• Overview: A research-intensive public medical university recognized for modern medical technology and strong global collaborations.

• Hospital Network: Over 10 hospitals, including Hazrat Rasool and Firouzgar Teaching Hospitals.

• Research Ecosystem: Houses medical research institutes in biotechnology, infectious diseases, and healthcare management.

• Internship Program: 12–18 months of supervised training with a focus on multidisciplinary patient management.

4. Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS)

• Established: 1946

• Location: Shiraz

• Overview: Famous for introducing modern medical education in Iran. SUMS emphasizes English-medium instruction for foreign students.

• Teaching Hospitals: Namazi and Faghihi Hospitals with large-scale patient exposure in cardiology, surgery, pediatrics, and gynecology.

• Research: Operates specialized centers in organ transplantation, dental sciences, and molecular biology.

• Internship Framework: Well-supervised program with department-wise clinical responsibilities and evaluation-based progression.

5. Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (TBZMED)

• Established: 1946

• Location: Tabriz

• Overview: A pioneer in community health and preventive medicine, TBZMED’s curriculum blends traditional clinical medicine with public health systems.

• Hospitals: Over 10 affiliated hospitals including Imam Reza and Sina Teaching Hospitals.

• Research Areas: Biotechnology, cancer therapy, and advanced diagnostics.

• Internship System: Divided into rotations and assessments; active participation in patient rounds and case documentation required.

6. Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS)

• Established: 1949

• Location: Mashhad

• Overview: Known for producing top-performing clinicians and surgeons, MUMS is a preferred choice for its balanced academic and practical training approach.

• Affiliations: 15 teaching hospitals serving as major clinical hubs.

• Research: Emphasizes pharmaceutical sciences, epidemiology, and tropical medicine.

• Internship: Based on continuous evaluation and case performance, with electives in specialty fields.

7. Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (IUMS – Isfahan)

• Established: 1946

• Location: Isfahan

• Overview: Offers modern laboratories and simulation centers for clinical skill development.

• Hospitals: Includes Alzahra and Kashani Hospitals among others.

• Research Focus: Cardiology, endocrinology, reproductive medicine, and biomedical engineering.

• Internship: 12-month structured rotation across hospitals under senior physicians.

8. Babol University of Medical Sciences (BUMS)

• Established: 1983

• Location: Babol

• Overview: Smaller but research-driven public university with a practical curriculum ideal for international students.

• Hospitals: 7 teaching hospitals covering surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, and psychiatry.

• Research: Noted for public health and dental research.

• Internship: Focused on applied community medicine and hospital-based training.

3. General Entry Criteria for MBBS in Iran

Tip: Always verify NMC/WDOMS recognition of the university before final admission confirmation.

4. Research Culture and Innovation

Iran’s public universities are among the most research-active in Asia.

• TUMS and Shahid Beheshti lead in publications in medicine and surgery.

• Universities maintain research councils where students collaborate with professors on clinical trials, case reports, and medical papers.

• Most universities host annual scientific congresses to encourage early research participation.

• Facilities like biotech labs, digital anatomy halls, and simulation centers ensure students learn through experimentation and observation.

5. Internship Structure and Clinical Exposure

The internship program, usually 12–18 months, is a mandatory part of the MBBS curriculum. It includes:

• Departmental Rotations: Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Orthopedics, ENT, Psychiatry, and Emergency Medicine.

• Workload: 8–10 on-call shifts per month, supervised by senior consultants.

• Evaluation: Based on attendance, patient case logs, performance in procedures, and final viva.

• Outcome: After successful completion, students receive eligibility for degree conferment and can proceed for licensing exams like FMGE/NExT or USMLE/PLAB as per their goals.

6. Student Life and Support

Public universities in Iran provide:

• Separate hostels for international students.

• Affordable dining and meal services.

• Language support centers for Farsi training.

• Student associations for cultural exchange and events.

• Health insurance coverage for all registered medical students.

7. Key Takeaways

• Public universities in Iran offer low-cost, globally recognized MBBS degrees.

• Clinical training is integrated and hospital-based, starting from the early years.

• Iran’s medical system emphasizes evidence-based medicine, ethics, and cultural sensitivity.

• Post-MBBS graduates can appear for FMGE/NExT in India or apply for international licensing exams abroad.

Conclusion

To pursue an MBBS in Iran means joining a medical education ecosystem that values scientific excellence, clinical discipline, and cultural inclusivity. Public universities like Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Tabriz, and Mashhad stand as proof that world-class education doesn’t require exorbitant fees.

For aspiring doctors who seek real hospital exposure, global recognition, and structured internships, Iran’s public medical universities are the perfect balance of quality, affordability, and opportunity.