Introduction to Ferdowsi University

Ferdowsi University of Mashhad is a prestigious and advanced research institution in Iran. It offers a wide range of academic programs at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. The university’s educational programs are designed based on international standards, with many of them being research-oriented. Ferdowsi University provides students—both domestic and international—with a high-quality academic environment, a well-equipped learning space, and Persian as the primary language of instruction.

History of Ferdowsi University

Ferdowsi University of Mashhad was originally established as the Mashhad Medical School in 1949, making it one of Iran’s oldest universities. In 1954, it merged with the Faculties of Medicine and Literature and continued its operations under the name Mashhad University. Later, with the expansion of its academic departments and faculties, it was officially renamed Ferdowsi University in 1974.

Before the 1979 revolution, Ferdowsi University had academic collaborations with Georgetown University, which were discontinued after the revolution. The university has one of the largest campuses in Iran and functioned as a single institution alongside Mashhad University of Medical Sciences until 1994. After this date, several new faculties, including Management and Economics, Veterinary Medicine, Physical Education, and the Faculty of Arts in Neyshabur, were established.

Ferdowsi University Ranking

Ferdowsi University of Mashhad is one of the top public universities in Iran. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, it was ranked in the 951-1000 range globally. Additionally, the university has secured the following positions in various rankings:

  • 951-1000 in the QS World University Rankings
  • 351-400 in the QS WUR Subject Rankings
  • 1301-1350 in the QS Sustainability Rankings
  • 43rd place in the Asian – South Asian University Rankings

Academic Programs at Ferdowsi University

Ferdowsi University offers a wide range of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs to accommodate the interests and aspirations of both domestic and international students. Below are some of the available fields of study. For a complete list of programs and specializations, please visit the official website of Ferdowsi University.

  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Biology
  • Business Administration
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Dentistry
  • Economics
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Environmental Science
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Mathematics
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Physics
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Social Sciences
  • Sociology
  • Translation Studies
  • Veterinary Medicine

Faculties at Ferdowsi University

Ferdowsi University of Mashhad has 13 faculties along with various research and administrative centers responsible for training specialists in different academic fields and conducting scientific research. Below is a list of the university’s faculties:

  1. Faculty of Agriculture
  2. Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning
  3. Faculty of Law and Political Science
  4. Faculty of Humanities (Dr. Ali Shariati Faculty)
  5. Faculty of Education and Psychology (FEP)
  6. Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences
  7. Faculty of Engineering
  8. Faculty of Mathematical Sciences
  9. Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment
  10. Faculty of Sciences
  11. Faculty of Sports Sciences
  12. Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies
  13. Faculty of Veterinary Sciences

Each of these faculties plays a crucial role in educating professionals and researchers in their respective fields, contributing to the academic and research development of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad.

Tuition Fees at Ferdowsi University

The tuition fees for non-scholarship international students at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad for the 2020-2021 academic year are as follows:

Bachelor’s Degree:

  • Humanities (4-year program): $2,000
  • Other Departments (4-year program): $2,300

Master’s Degree:

  • Humanities (Thesis-based, 2-year program): $2,000
  • Humanities (Practical Thesis, 2-year program): $2,200
  • Other Departments (Thesis-based, 2-year program): $2,400
  • Other Departments (Practical Thesis, 2-year program): $2,600

Doctorate (Ph.D.):

  • Humanities – 16 coursework credits and 20 dissertation credits (4-year program): $4,750
  • Sciences – 16 coursework credits and 20 dissertation credits (4-year program): $5,650
  • Engineering & Agriculture – 16 coursework credits and 20 dissertation credits (4-year program): $6,600

Professional Doctorate:

  • Veterinary Medicine: $5,500

Additional Notes:

  1. Persian Language and Literature students receive a 30% discount on both fixed and variable tuition fees.
  2. Top-performing students (Rank 1st to 3rd in undergraduate programs and 1st and 2nd in master’s programs) receive a 25% to 75% discount on fixed and variable tuition fees.
  3. Students with a family member enrolled at Ferdowsi University (including siblings, spouses, parents, sons, and daughters) receive a 10% discount on fixed tuition fees.
  4. Ph.D. students who completed both of their previous degrees at Ferdowsi University receive a 20% discount on fixed tuition fees.
  5. Students who completed their previous degree at Ferdowsi University receive a 10% discount on fixed tuition fees.
  6. If a student withdraws from the program, they must pay the fixed tuition fees for two semesters.

Ferdowsi University Admission Requirements

To apply for admission at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, applicants must complete the online application form and submit the required documents.

Required Documents:

  1. Copy of identification page, passport photo, and expiration date.
  2. A passport page showing the full name and expiration date.
  3. Curriculum Vitae (C.V.), including a chronological list of all jobs and responsibilities.
  4. Educational certificates or any courses attended, along with any other experiences that may be of interest to the university’s review committee.
  5. University degree certificates and their English translations.
  6. A copy of the diploma, showing the award of a bachelor’s or master’s degree (For degrees obtained outside Iran, the diploma must be verified by the Iranian Embassy in the applicant’s home country).
  7. Official academic transcripts listing all courses and grades obtained.
  8. Payment of 1,000,000 IRR (Iranian Rials) to account number 425305379 (belonging to the Vice-Presidency for Research and Technology), and uploading a scanned copy of the bank receipt to the registration system.

Prerequisites:

  • Graduate applicants must be proficient in Persian.
  • If an applicant is not fluent in Persian, they must enroll in and successfully complete the Persian language course offered by Ferdowsi University of Mashhad.
  • The maximum duration of this language course is 9 months.

Facilities at Ferdowsi University

Restaurants and Cafés

After completing the registration process and receiving a student ID card, you can activate your meal card. To use the dining services, visit the student portal at http://pooya.um.ac.ir and select “Activate Meal Card” under the Student Affairs menu. Students residing in dormitories must activate their meal card after completing their accommodation process.

Health and Safety

The Health and Safety Center is located inside the university campus, next to the Student Affairs Building. This center includes:

  • Medical units
  • Dental services
  • Environmental health services
  • Nursing services
  • Accredited physicians
  • Pharmacy
  • Emergency unit

Libraries

The mission of Ferdowsi University’s libraries is to provide and maintain a reliable and accessible information environment, fostering learning and academic advancement for the university’s students and faculty.

Dormitories

Each dormitory floor is equipped with:

  • Restrooms and bathrooms
  • Shared kitchen facilities, including:
    • Sink
    • Dishwashing liquid and sponge
    • Cutlery organizer
    • Gas stove
    • Refrigerator
  • Public telephones
  • Drinking water dispensers

Each dormitory room includes:

  • Bed
  • Desk and chair
  • Carpet or rug
  • Refrigerator
  • Closet
  • Curtains
  • Shoe rack
  • Coat hanger
  • Mirror
  • Heating and cooling system (heater & air conditioner)
  • Trash bin
  • Fluorescent and standard lamps

Note: Students can borrow vacuum cleaners and irons from the dormitory staff when needed.

Outdoor Facilities:

  • Parks
  • Sports equipment
  • Chess tables
  • Public seating areas
  • Public telephones
  • Convenience stores
  • Security guards ensuring student safety

Final Thoughts

Studying at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad provides international students with a unique and valuable experience. The university offers high-quality education and access to advanced academic and research resources, creating an ideal environment for academic and personal growth.

In addition to excellent teaching standards, Ferdowsi University provides outstanding student services, including well-equipped dormitories, restaurants, healthcare centers, and cultural facilities, making student life more comfortable and enjoyable.

The Study in Iran institute, an official reference under the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology, offers guidance and services to international students seeking admission to Ferdowsi University. Through this institute, students can professionally and seamlessly complete their admission process, visa applications, and student life arrangements in Iran.