Top Pharmacy Universities in Iran

Pharmacy is a highly competitive field in Iran, and the country’s leading universities offer strong programs that train students for careers in drug development, pharmaceutical research, and clinical services. The curriculum combines solid scientific foundations with hands-on lab work, giving students practical skills in formulation, quality assurance, distribution, and patient counseling. Competitive tuition, strong academic standards, and solid job prospects make Iran an appealing option for both domestic and international students.

Only a handful of well-established universities currently offer graduate-level admission in pharmacy, which keeps the selection process clear and focused. The growing number of international students also reflects Iran’s active, multicultural campus environment and the opportunities it provides for academic networking. Add to that a range of affordable programs and available scholarships, and Iran becomes an accessible pathway for students interested in pursuing pharmacy.

List of the Top Pharmacy Universities in Iran

Below is an overview of the leading public universities in Iran that offer strong pharmacy programs. As an international student, you can apply for Iranian scholarships and study at these institutions either at a significantly reduced cost or completely tuition-free.

Tarbiat Modares University

Tarbiat Modares University in Tehran is widely recognized as one of the Middle East’s most respected research institutions, consistently earning strong positions in global rankings. In pharmacy, the university holds the 65th spot in Asia and 242nd worldwide—numbers that reflect its significant role in advancing pharmaceutical sciences. Admission is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of about twelve percent, placing incoming students among the academic elite in Iran. With more than nine thousand students and a history dating back to 1982, the university has developed a mature and well-structured academic environment.

The university’s greatest strength lies in its research output. With over fifty-one thousand published papers and nearly one million citations, Tarbiat Modares stands among the most influential scientific centers in the region. Its research spans biology, chemistry, engineering, physics, environmental sciences, and pharmacy, forming the core of its academic contributions. The university has also produced notable work in areas such as organic chemistry, biochemistry, quantum and particle physics, and computer science—showing that it operates far beyond a standard teaching institution. It functions as a major engine of scientific innovation, home to pivotal research projects and advanced labs. This strong research ecosystem directly benefits pharmacy students, giving them access to cutting-edge facilities, modern technologies, and active scientific networks that support their academic and professional growth.

Shahid Beheshti University

Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran is one of Iran’s major academic hubs and holds a strong position in the pharmaceutical sciences as well. In regional and global rankings, its pharmacy program stands at 78th in Asia and 289th worldwide. The university’s acceptance rate, around twenty-five percent, is broader than some peer institutions—still selective, but with a bit more flexibility in admission. With more than eleven thousand five hundred students and a history dating back to 1959, Shahid Beheshti has long established itself as a stable and reputable academic institution.

One of the university’s greatest strengths is its research record. With over thirty-four thousand published papers and nearly half a million citations, Shahid Beheshti is considered one of the country’s key contributors to scientific output. Its research spans an exceptionally wide range of disciplines, including engineering, biology, physics, chemistry, computer science, environmental studies, quantum and particle physics, medicine, the humanities, and organic chemistry. This breadth directly enhances the pharmacy program as well. Students gain access to specialized laboratories, strong research infrastructure, and rich interdisciplinary collaborations—all of which create a deeper learning environment and open clear pathways for academic and professional growth in pharmaceutical sciences.

Shiraz University

Shiraz University is one of Iran’s flagship universities and a long-standing center for higher education. Its pharmacy program has a solid reputation, ranking 103rd in Asia and 366th globally—reflecting the school’s active role in pharmaceutical and basic science research. With nearly nineteen thousand students and roots going back to 1946, the university has a mature academic structure shaped by decades of development.

Research is where the university really stands out. With over thirty-four thousand publications and more than 590,000 citations, Shiraz University is considered one of the region’s major research players. Its work spans a wide spectrum of fields—biology, chemistry, engineering, physics, environmental science, materials science, medicine, computer science, and more. This breadth creates a naturally interdisciplinary environment for pharmacy students, giving them access to advanced labs, cross-department projects, and strong research networks. The result is a focused, well-supported path for students aiming to build serious academic or professional careers in pharmaceutical sciences.

Bu-Ali Sina University

Bu-Ali Sina University in Hamedan is one of the leading academic institutions in western Iran, and its pharmacy program holds a respectable position in regional rankings. It is ranked 113th in Asia and 397th worldwide in pharmacy, showing that despite being smaller than some major universities, it delivers reliable research output and practical scientific work. Founded in 1973, the university has grown steadily over the decades and now operates as a well-established institution with a clear academic structure.

Research forms a major part of the university’s identity. With more than twelve thousand publications and over 220,000 citations, Bu-Ali Sina has a noticeable presence in regional scientific production. Its research spans a broad mix of fields, including biology, chemistry, engineering, physics, environmental science, organic chemistry, quantum and particle physics, materials science, biochemistry, and medicine. This variety creates a naturally interdisciplinary environment, giving pharmacy students access to specialized labs, joint research projects, and strong academic networks. Together, these resources make the pharmacy program at Bu-Ali Sina a focused, dynamic, and dependable pathway for academic and research development.

University of Tehran

The University of Tehran is Iran’s oldest and most influential higher-education institution, and its pharmacy program is widely recognized. In international rankings, it stands 124th in Asia and 421st worldwide in pharmacy. With an acceptance rate of about twelve percent, admission remains highly competitive. The university enrolls more than fifty-two thousand students and has been a central academic institution since its founding in 1934.

Its research output is exceptional by regional standards. The University of Tehran has produced over 104,000 scientific publications and has received more than 1.7 million citations, placing it among the Middle East’s strongest research hubs. Its work spans an extensive range of fields, including engineering, biology, chemistry, environmental sciences, physics, computer science, quantum and particle physics, the humanities, medicine, and organic chemistry. This broad research ecosystem gives pharmacy students access to advanced labs, interdisciplinary projects, and wide academic networks. Within such a strong scientific environment, studying pharmacy at the University of Tehran offers one of the most comprehensive and professionally structured academic experiences in the country.

Alzahra University

Alzahra University is one of Iran’s leading higher-education institutions for women and holds a notable position in pharmacy. It ranks 174th in Asia and 544th globally, reflecting its strong presence in scientific fields, particularly the basic sciences. Established in 1964 with a student body of around 10,000, the university combines a long-standing history with a well-structured academic environment.

Alzahra’s research record is impressive, with over 9,000 publications and more than 100,000 citations. Its research spans a wide range of disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, organic chemistry, humanities, quantum and particle physics, environmental sciences, biochemistry, and medicine. This breadth encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, giving pharmacy students access to advanced research facilities, specialized laboratories, and extensive scientific networks, supporting both professional development and academic growth.

Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Tehran University of Medical Sciences is one of the most prestigious health-focused institutions in the Middle East, with pharmacy holding a prominent position. Many international students applying for an Iranian student visa aim to study here. The university ranks 192nd in Asia and 585th globally for pharmacy. Admissions are highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 10%, reflecting the rigorous selection process. With approximately 14,000 students, a gender ratio of 39:61, and a founding date of 1934, the university boasts a deep-rooted and professional academic structure.

Research at Tehran University of Medical Sciences is exceptional. With over 92,000 publications and more than 1.4 million citations, it is a leading center for medicine and related sciences. Its research spans diverse fields, including medicine, biology, pathology, chemistry, genetics, biochemistry, psychology, humanities, surgery, and computer science. For pharmacy students, this wealth of resources and projects provides access to top-tier research, advanced laboratories, and opportunities to work on critical pharmaceutical and therapeutic topics.

University of Sistan and Baluchestan

The University of Sistan and Baluchestan is one of the largest universities in southeastern Iran and has a growing presence in pharmacy. It ranks 205th in Asia and 614th globally for pharmacy. With an acceptance rate of 74%, the university offers a more open admissions environment and a less competitive entry path. Established in 1974 and serving around 20,000 students, it stands as a significant educational hub in the region.

The university’s research output includes over 7,000 publications and more than 90,000 citations. Its research spans physics, chemistry, engineering, biology, quantum and particle physics, environmental sciences, organic chemistry, materials science, biochemistry, and computer science. This diversity fosters an interdisciplinary environment, giving pharmacy students the chance to develop their research skills. With its expanding resources and progressive approach, the university provides a stable and growing platform for scientific and professional development.

Isfahan University of Technology

Isfahan University of Technology is one of Iran’s leading technical and engineering universities, with a strong role in both basic sciences and pharmacy. It ranks 216th in Asia and 634th globally for pharmacy. With an acceptance rate of 15%, admission remains competitive despite its broad academic and specialized focus. Established in 1977 and hosting over 10,000 students, the university has a solid foundation for structured and purposeful development.

Its research output is impressive, with over 27,000 publications and more than 560,000 citations. Key research areas include engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, materials science, quantum and particle physics, environmental sciences, organic chemistry, computer science, and geology. This interdisciplinary environment provides pharmacy students with access to advanced laboratories, specialized projects, and extensive research opportunities, supporting both academic growth and professional development.

University of Guilan

The University of Guilan is one of the major universities in northern Iran, with a growing presence in pharmacy. It ranks 224th in Asia and 648th globally for the field. Established in 1974 and serving nearly 17,000 students, the university has a well-established and expansive academic structure.

In research, the University of Guilan has published over 17,000 articles with more than 240,000 citations, demonstrating an active role in knowledge production. Its research spans biology, chemistry, engineering, physics, environmental sciences, quantum and particle physics, materials science, organic chemistry, medicine, and biochemistry. This scientific diversity creates a strong interdisciplinary environment, giving pharmacy students access to specialized laboratories and research networks to support their academic and professional development.

Final Note

Studying pharmacy in Iran offers a unique opportunity to access advanced scientific education, extensive practical experience, and professional preparation in the field. The country’s top pharmacy universities, equipped with modern research facilities and expert faculty, provide students with a strong foundation for success in research, drug development, and healthcare services. For those planning to pursue their studies in Iran, the Study In Iran institute can serve as a reliable guide, helping you choose the right university and program while gaining a valuable academic and cultural experience alongside international classmates.

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