Introduction to Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Tehran University of Medical Sciences is the oldest and most renowned medical education center in Iran and ranks among the country’s most prestigious research universities. It admits top students and hosts the largest faculties of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, rehabilitation, allied medical sciences, public health, advanced medical technologies, nutrition sciences, and nursing and midwifery in Iran. Additionally, the university operates a virtual faculty.
The university oversees more than a hundred specialized research centers focusing on fields such as medical technology and sciences, rheumatology, audiology, gastrointestinal diseases, dermatology and leprosy, trauma, hematology and oncology, cardiovascular diseases, endocrinology and metabolism, reproductive health, urology, immunology, asthma, and allergy. These centers operate under the direct supervision of the university.
History of Tehran University of Medical Sciences
In 1934, the National Consultative Assembly of Iran approved the establishment of the University of Tehran to bring together higher education institutions. The government purchased a 200,000 square meter land in Tehran. The University of Tehran began its activities with six faculties: Medicine, Law, Political Science, Basic Sciences, Literature, Engineering, and Theology. At that time, the main disciplines of the Faculty of Medicine were defined as Medicine, Pharmacy, and Dentistry. On February 4, 1934, the Department of Anatomy was inaugurated as the first step toward establishing the Faculty of Medicine on the main campus of the University of Tehran.
In 1939, the university began awarding doctoral degrees in Pharmacy and Dentistry, and the following year, all hospitals in Tehran became affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine. Eventually, in 1956, the Faculties of Pharmacy and Dentistry gained scientific independence.
In 1986, the Islamic Consultative Assembly passed a law establishing the Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education. Since then, the education of medical fields, previously under the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology, was transferred to the Ministry of Health. In line with this policy, medical universities were established, and Tehran University of Medical Sciences separated from the University of Tehran to continue independently.
Tehran University of Medical Sciences Rankings
Tehran University of Medical Sciences is one of Iran’s top universities. According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, it ranks between 101 and 170.
Academic Programs at Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Tehran University of Medical Sciences offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs for students, which include the following:
Undergraduate Programs
- MBBS (General Medicine) – 6 to 7 years
- D.D.S (General Dentistry) – 6 to 6.5 years
- Pharm.D (Pharmacy) – 6 years
- B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Sciences
- B.Sc. in Nursing and Midwifery
- B.Sc. in Public Health
- B.Sc. in Rehabilitation Sciences (e.g., Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Orthopedics, etc.)
- B.Sc. in Nutrition and Dietetics
- B.Sc. in Pharmacy
Graduate Programs
- Clinical Medicine (e.g., Nuclear Medicine, Medical Biophysics, Immunology)
- Medical Bioelectronics
- Medical Education and Learning Technologies
- Clinical Nutrition and Community Nutrition
- Medical Imaging Technology (MRI)
- Physiology and Stem Cells
- Immunology
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Technology
- Clinical Pharmacy and Drug Management
- Health Services Management and Environmental Safety
- Epidemiology
- Disaster and Emergency Health
- Occupational Health Engineering and Safety
Tehran University of Medical Sciences Faculties
- Faculty of Medicine: The oldest and most prestigious medical faculty in Iran, with roots dating back to 1851. It includes 39 academic departments in basic and clinical sciences and offers a wide range of programs including general medicine, specialty, subspecialty, fellowship, and graduate studies (Master’s, MPH, PhD).
- Faculty of Dentistry: A leading center in dental sciences in Iran, actively engaged in extensive clinical and biomedical research.
- Faculty of Pharmacy: Offers undergraduate and graduate pharmacy programs focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
- Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery: Provides education and training in nursing and midwifery with diverse departments and programs.
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences: Offers various rehabilitation disciplines such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
- Faculty of Public Health: Focuses on education and research in public health, including programs in urban health planning and management.
- Faculty of Laboratory Sciences: Provides education related to medical laboratory sciences.
- Faculty of Traditional Medicine: Specializes in Iranian traditional medicine and traditional pharmacy.
- Faculty of Advanced Medical Technologies: Applies modern technologies in medical fields.
- Faculty of Nutrition and Dietetics: Studies and teaches nutrition science and diet therapy.
- Virtual School: Offers online education in various medical and health sciences fields.
Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tuition and Fees
- Registration Fee: $50 (one-time)
- Furnished Dormitory: Variable cost (upon request)
- Health Insurance: Annual, based on base rates
- Persian and English Language Classes (if needed): Approximately $400 to $475
- Monthly Living Expenses: Around $150 to $200
Annual Tuition Fees by Program
- Medicine (M.D.): $5,000 to $7,500 (7 years)
- Dentistry: $3,300 to $4,500 (5–6 years)
- Pharmacy: $2,700 to $6,500 (4–6 years)
- Basic and Biological Sciences: $2,000 to $3,000 (3–4 years)
Graduate Programs
- Master’s: $3,000 (2–3 years)
- Ph.D.: $5,000
- Specialty (Residency): $7,000
- Subspecialty and Fellowship: $10,000
Important Notes
- Minimum IELTS score of 5.5 or enrollment in language classes is mandatory
- Retaking the placement test costs $50
- Online registration is free and recommended to be done 6 months in advance
Tehran University of Medical Sciences — Admission Requirements
How to Apply
- Free and fully online
- Choose your program and degree before filling the form
- After submission, you get a tracking code—if not, your application didn’t go through
- No edits after submitting
What You Need
- Statement of purpose
- Resume (CV)
- Academic transcripts and diplomas
- English test (IELTS 5.5 minimum or equivalent)
- Extra documents depending on your degree level
Review Process
- Admissions office checks first
- You’ll get an email if anything’s missing
- Complete applications go to the faculty, then admissions committee
- Admission can be conditional or final, valid for one semester
Student Visa
- Submit visa form through your student account
- Processing takes 6–8 weeks minimum
Deadlines
- Fall semester starts late September
- Spring semester starts early February
- Submit all documents by June for Fall, October for Spring
Who Can Apply?
- Only international students (no Iranian passport holders, including dual nationals)
Selection Factors
- Academic record
- English skills
- Achievements, creativity, social work
- Awards or special talents
- Leadership and personal qualities
Tehran University of Medical Sciences Facilities
- Campus Life
TUMS offers more than just classes — it provides a vibrant environment for social, cultural, and international interaction, aiming to build a global medical community.
- Student Dorms
There are two modern dorms for international students, separated by gender, with furnished rooms, heating/cooling, high-speed internet, gyms, prayer rooms, kitchens, elevators, security, and insurance. They’re close to the campus and faculties.
- Food
Campus and dorm restaurants serve hot meals for lunch and dinner. Meal choices vary and are reserved via student ID cards. Nutrition counseling is available.
- Sports
Students can use gyms for sports like volleyball, basketball, futsal, and bodybuilding. International dorms have private gyms too. Sports events happen throughout the year.
- Libraries
Each faculty has its own library. The Central Library offers Iran’s largest digital medical collection, including databases, articles, e-books, and journals.
- Student Services
Counseling for mental health, annual medical check-ups, health and sports insurance, help opening bank accounts, campus security, and organized cultural trips inside and outside Tehran.
- International Student Groups
TUMS-ISA: Student-run group organizing cultural, social, and sports activities.
TUMS-ISRC: Student council connecting international students with university officials to address issues and improve conditions.
Final Words
Studying at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, the country’s leading medical university, offers a unique opportunity for learning, research, and growth on an international level. With distinguished faculty, advanced facilities, and a strong global ranking, it is an ideal choice for those interested in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and health sciences. Throughout this journey, Study in Iran will support international students at every step of admission, registration, and academic life, helping to smooth the path to this prestigious university.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the initial registration at TUMS is completely free. There is no charge for submitting the application form.
Yes, international students can apply for undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, specialty, subspecialty, and fellowship programs in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, nursing, and related fields.
Yes, a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent TOEFL score is required. If applicants do not have a certificate, they must take a placement test and attend intensive English courses at the university.
Many programs are offered in English. However, for some fields like general medicine, proficiency in Persian is also mandatory.
Yes, the university provides fully equipped dormitories for male and female international students. There are also rooms available for married couples.
Fees vary by program, for example:
Medicine: $5,000 to $7,500 per year (with discounts)
Dentistry: $3,300 to $4,500 per year (with discounts)
Bachelor of Science programs: approximately $2,000 to $3,000 per year
Master’s: $3,000 per year
Detailed tuition fees are available on the university’s website.
Initial application review takes 1 to 3 months. Student visa processing takes about 6 to 8 weeks.
For the fall semester, apply by June; for the spring semester, by October. It’s recommended to apply at least 5 months before the semester starts.
No, applicants holding an Iranian passport—even with dual citizenship—are not eligible for direct international application and must enter through Iran’s national university entrance exam.
Yes, all TUMS students are automatically covered by the university’s health insurance.
Yes, counseling, psychiatric, and physical and mental health services are available to students throughout their studies.
Yes, TUMS-ISA and TUMS-ISRC actively support international students in social, cultural, and welfare activities.
