Introduction to the University of Tehran
The University of Tehran, as the largest and most prestigious academic institution in the country, is the first modern university in Iran, established in 1934. Its main campus is located in Tehran, with more than eight other campuses operating across the country. The primary language of instruction is Persian, while English is also used in some programs.
With a highly selective admission process, the university accepts only the top 10% of candidates from the national entrance exam, and its graduates play a crucial role in the scientific, industrial, and cultural development of the country.
The University of Tehran is a leading research hub, housing over 60 research centers and 550 laboratories, and it manages the largest academic library in Iran, containing more than 1.3 million books. It remains a symbol of higher education and a pioneer in the scientific advancement of Iran.
History of the University of Tehran
The modern history of the University of Tehran dates back to 1931, when Abdolhossein Teymourtash, Minister of Court, requested Isa Sadiq, who was completing his PhD at Columbia University, to assess the conditions for establishing a modern university in Tehran. This mission marked the beginning of comprehensive planning for the creation of Iran’s first modern university.
In 1937, the university admitted female students for the first time. In 1986, the Iranian Parliament decided to separate the Faculty of Medicine, leading to the establishment of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) under the supervision of the Ministry of Health.
Ranking of the University of Tehran
The University of Tehran’s ranking in the 2025 QS World Rankings is as follows:
- Global Ranking: #368
- QS Subject Ranking: #24
- QS Sustainability Ranking: #866
- Ranking among South Asian Universities: #10
Fields of Study at the University of Tehran
Below are some of the academic fields available for international students at the University of Tehran:
- Arts and Humanities
- Education
- Fine Arts
- Economics
- Law
- Music
- Theology
- Theater
- Business and Social Sciences
- Business Management
- Service Trades
- Social Sciences
- Transportation and Communications
- Welfare and Protection Services
- Engineering
- Architecture and Planning
- Engineering and Technology
- Agriculture
- Cinema and Television
- Information Sciences
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Natural Sciences
- Technology
Faculties at the University of Tehran
Engineering Faculties:
- Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering (Prominent Lab: Energy Storage Lab – ESL)
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering
- Faculty of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
- Faculty of Civil Engineering
- Faculty of Mining Engineering
- Faculty of Surveying and Geomatics Engineering
- Faculty of Industrial Engineering
- Faculty of Engineering Sciences
- Faculty of Fuman Technical College
- Faculty of Caspian Technical College (Roudbar)
Science Faculties:
- Faculty of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science
- Faculty of Geology
- Faculty of Biology
- Faculty of Chemistry
- Faculty of Physics
- Faculty of Biotechnology
Arts and Agriculture Faculties:
- Faculty of Fine Arts
- Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Karaj and Pakdasht)
- Faculty of Farabi (Qom)
Science and Technology Faculties:
- Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
- Faculty of Governance
Humanities Faculties:
- Faculty of World Studies
- Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literature
- Faculty of Literature and Humanities
- Faculty of Law and Political Science
- Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies
- Faculty of Thought and Islamic Sciences
Social and Behavioral Sciences Faculties:
- Faculty of Economics
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences
- Faculty of Geography
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Faculty of Entrepreneurship
- Faculty of Management
Institutes and Research Centers at the University of Tehran
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics
- Institute of Geophysics
- International Research Center on Coexistence with Deserts
- Institute for the History of Science
- Institute for North American and European Studies
- Institute of Electrotechnics
- Center for Women’s Studies
- Applied Management Research Center
- Dehkhoda Dictionary Institute
- Automotive, Fuel, and Environment Research Center
- Turbomachinery Institute
- Institute of Petroleum Engineering
- Water Institute
- Energy Planning and Management Research Center
- Engineering Optimization Research Group
- Biomaterials Research Center
- Advanced Materials Research Institute
- Mineral Resources Research Center
- University of Tehran Research Institute (UTRI)
- University of Tehran Science and Technology Park
- International Desert Research Center (IDRC)
- Cyber Policy Research Center (CRPC)
The tuition fees for international students at the University of Tehran are as follows:
For students from Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, and Palestine:
- Undergraduate programs in Humanities, Social, and Behavioral Sciences: €1,500
- Master’s and DVM programs in the same fields: €1,600
- PhD programs in these fields: €1,700
- Undergraduate program in Persian Language and Literature: €1,050
- Master’s and DVM programs in Persian Language and Literature: €1,120
- PhD in Persian Language and Literature: €1,190
- Undergraduate programs in Arts, Engineering, Basic Sciences, Agriculture, and Veterinary Medicine: €1,800
- Master’s and DVM programs in the same fields: €1,900
- PhD programs in these fields: €2,000
Important Notes:
- Tuition fees are listed in Euros and do not include accommodation, meals, or insurance.
- The University of Tehran reserves the right to change tuition fees without prior notice.
Announcement:
For international students with a residence permit in Iran, tuition fees will be calculated at 80% of the tuition fees for self-funded campuses per semester.
Admission Requirements at the University of Tehran
- Undergraduate Admission Requirements:
- A high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 14 out of 20 (2.8 out of 4.0).
- Master’s Admission Requirements:
- A B.A. or B.Sc. degree from a recognized institution with a minimum GPA of 14 out of 20 (2.8 out of 4.0).
- PhD Admission Requirements:
- An M.A. or M.Sc. degree from a recognized institution with a minimum GPA of 14 out of 20 (2.8 out of 4.0).
Required Documents for All Applicants:
- Completed application form (Available at: ApplicationForm UT.xls)
- Admissions website for English-taught programs: http://admissions.ut.ac.ir/fa
- Two recommendation letters from individuals who can confirm your academic abilities (must be sealed and signed on the back).
- Three copies of officially translated transcripts in English (based on available documents).
- Three copies of the applicant’s passport or national ID card.
- Three recent photos.
- Proof of financial ability.
Application Processing Fees:
- Undergraduate: $50 USD
- Master’s: $60 USD
- PhD: $70 USD
Note:
After receiving the admission letter, applicants must submit the original documents signed and sealed by the Iranian diplomatic mission in their country.
All required documents must be sent as a complete package.
Contact Information – International Admissions Office:
Address: Tehran, Enghelab Street, Corner of 16 Azar Street, Central Administration Building, University of Tehran, International Admissions Office, 3rd Floor, Iran.
Phone:
+98 (21) 61112636
+98 (21) 61113261
+98 (21) 66959755
+98 (21) 66959743
Email: int.admissionsatTehran.png
Iran Country Code: 98
Tehran City Code: 21
Important Notes:
- All courses at the University of Tehran are taught in Persian; therefore, students must have sufficient proficiency in Persian. If not, they must enroll in a Persian language course for at least 3 months at the International Persian Studies Center.
General Admission Requirements for International Students:
- For Undergraduate and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programs: Applicants must have a high school diploma from an institution outside Iran.
- For Master’s programs: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree.
- For PhD programs: Applicants must have a master’s degree.
- Minimum GPA Requirement: 14 out of 20 or 70 out of 100 for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs (for all disciplines).
Note:
Applicants can apply before completing their degree or before defending their thesis. However, admission is conditional upon completing the degree or thesis defense before the end of the semester and final registration. If the degree or defense is not completed before registration, admission will be canceled.
Special Notes:
- Admission to the University of Tehran is only available to non-Iranian citizens.
- Applicants with dual nationality, including Iranian citizenship, are not eligible for admission under Iranian Ministry of Science regulations.
- All academic transcripts and documents issued by foreign institutions must be approved by the Iranian diplomatic mission in the respective country or by the applicant’s embassy in Iran.
- Documents must be officially translated into Persian or English.
- If admission conditions do not comply with university regulations, the university reserves the right to reject or cancel admission.
Facilities at the University of Tehran
Dormitories:
The University of Tehran has several main dormitories near its campus. The most important of these is Kargar Dormitory, which accommodates approximately 10,000 male and female students. Located in North Kargar Campus, it is just one kilometer away from various university campuses. The dormitory offers sports halls, a swimming pool, a cinema, restaurants, mosques, libraries, IT services, student clubs, and a counseling center.
Student Services:
The University of Tehran provides numerous facilities to enhance student well-being. All students have health insurance, and high-speed wireless internet is freely available across the university. Additionally, free 24-hour transportation between dormitories and the central campus is provided. Subsidized meals are also available at a very low cost, ensuring greater convenience and comfort for students.
Persian Language Learning:
The most reputable Persian language learning center for international students is the International Center for Persian Studies (ICPS), established in 1989. This center offers Persian language courses at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, along with specialized courses on the history of the Persian language and literature, Persian art history, classical poetry and prose, modern poetry, and calligraphy.
- Courses: Persian language courses are available 3 or 5 days per week. Literature and Persian art courses include classical poetry, Shahnameh, Hafez, Rumi, and more.
Final Words
Studying at the University of Tehran, one of the most prestigious and largest universities in the Middle East, offers unparalleled opportunities for both domestic and international students. With state-of-the-art educational and research facilities, well-equipped dormitories, high-quality Persian language courses, and a wide range of student services, the university fosters a dynamic and supportive environment for academic and cultural growth.
The Study in Iran institute, as the official reference center under the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology, provides professional admissions guidance and support for international students. Through this institute, you can efficiently manage all admission procedures, visa applications, and student life arrangements in Iran.
