Introduction to Semnan University
Semnan University is a public university in Iran, established in 1975 in the city of Semnan. Initially, it began as a technical center with a limited number of students. However, over time, with the development of infrastructure and the expansion of academic programs, it has evolved into a comprehensive university.
Currently, Semnan University offers a wide range of academic programs at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels, covering fields such as engineering, humanities, social sciences, and basic sciences. The university has played a significant role in advancing education and research in the region, and it continues to move forward in its development, striving to enhance its academic standing.
History of Semnan University
The foundation of Semnan University dates back to 1975, when the Semnan Higher Education Center was established. The center began its operations by admitting approximately 580 students in a few programs at the associate degree level. Around fourteen years later, in 1989, significant changes were made to its educational structure. With the introduction of undergraduate programs in electrical engineering and civil engineering, the institution was upgraded to the “Semnan Higher Education Complex.”
In the following years, the establishment of faculties in engineering, teacher education, and veterinary medicine solidified the institution’s position, and in 1994, it officially became Semnan University.
Currently, Semnan University consists of several academic campuses covering fields such as humanities, basic sciences, engineering, new technologies, veterinary medicine, natural resources and agriculture, and the arts. With its faculties, independent schools, research institutes, research groups, science and technology park, and advanced technology development center, the university is a prominent center for higher education in the region. Over 17,000 students are enrolled at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels in various programs, and its educational and research activities play a significant role in the scientific development of the province.
Semnan University Ranking

Semnan University holds a notable position in international university rankings, ranking among the top universities in Iran and globally. According to the latest evaluations, the university is placed within the range of 1001 to 1200 in the global university rankings.
In specialized fields, Semnan University also has a significant presence. In the areas of engineering and physical sciences, the university is ranked between 801 and 1000, reflecting its continuous educational and research activities in these fields and its growing role in the international academic landscape.
Semnan University Academic Programs
Semnan University offers a wide range of academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Below are some of the programs available to guide international students:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Applied Mathematics
- Persian Literature
- Islamic Studies
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Psychology
- Sociology
These programs may also be available with Iranian scholarships for international students. For full details on how to obtain these scholarships, you can contact the expert consultants at Study In Iran for more information.
Semnan University Faculties
- Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
- Faculty of Chemical, Petroleum, and Gas Engineering
- Faculty of Metallurgy and Industrial Engineering
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
- Faculty of Civil Engineering
- Faculty of Industrial Engineering
- Faculty of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science
- Faculty of Chemistry
- Faculty of Physics
- Faculty of Basic Sciences
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Economics, Management, and Administrative Sciences
- Faculty of Persian Literature and Foreign Languages
- Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Desert Studies
- Faculty of Tourism
- Faculty of Petroleum Engineering
- Faculty of Aerospace Engineering
- Faculty of Nanotechnology
- Faculty of Biotechnology
- Faculty of Natural Resources
Semnan University Tuition Fees

The tuition fees at Semnan University vary depending on the program of study at the undergraduate level. Technical and engineering programs, such as Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Engineering, generally have higher tuition fees. The annual tuition for these programs ranges from approximately $1,500 to $2,000.
In contrast, programs in basic sciences, including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Applied Mathematics, typically have lower tuition fees, usually between $1,000 and $1,500 per year. These programs offer a more affordable option for students from an economic standpoint.
For those pursuing studies in the humanities and social sciences, programs such as Persian Literature, Islamic Studies, Business Administration, Economics, Psychology, and Sociology are available. The tuition for these fields generally falls between $1,000 and $1,600 annually, providing a cost-effective option for both domestic and international students looking to continue their education.
Semnan University Admission Requirements
The admission process for international students at Semnan University and obtaining an Iranian student visa takes place in two stages. In the first stage, the applicant’s academic and identity documents are collected based on the specified guidelines, and an initial acceptance letter is issued in accordance with the university’s conditions. It is important to note that the initial acceptance does not constitute final registration, nor does it grant the right to study.
Applicants who have previously studied at higher education institutions in Iran are required to submit their academic documents and transcripts, including their high school diploma, pre-university certificate, associate degree, and bachelor’s degree, to the university.
Documents and transcripts issued by universities in the applicant’s home country must be verified by the Iranian embassy, diplomatic missions, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran, and should be submitted with both Persian and English translations.
Afghan applicants with a high school diploma from Afghanistan must have their documents verified by the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, and the Iranian Embassy in Kabul. Additionally, non-Iranian students must have their documents validated by the Ministry of Education’s Department of International Affairs and Foreign Schools in Iran to ensure their credentials are equivalent to the Iranian pre-university certificate.
After the initial acceptance, applicants must complete their academic and identity documents, the basic information form, and the registration form for non-scholarship international students. This is to confirm their general eligibility and to receive the study permit.
Additional Information for International Students Residing in Iran:
After the initial acceptance, the preliminary registration is completed, and a period of three to six months is allocated for finalizing the admission through the university and the Department of International Students Affairs. This period includes time for receiving the passport, student visa, and valid legal residency.
The university cannot finalize the registration until the passport and student visa are presented. After the acceptance at the university, the student must leave the country to obtain the student visa. Upon submitting the student visa to the university and receiving final approval from the Department of International Students Affairs, the registration is completed, and the student can begin their studies in the academic term.
The academic years for students are calculated from the date of final registration. The final deadline for submitting documents for non-Iranian applicants for the first semester is the end of March of the previous year, and for the second semester, it is the end of September of the same year.
Non-scholarship international students who are not familiar with the Persian language or have obtained their diploma from their home country are required to complete a Persian language course at an accredited university language center recognized by the Ministry of Science.
Admission Conditions:
- a) Validity of the applicant’s previous academic credentials as verified by the Islamic Republic of Iran’s diplomatic missions or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran.
- b) Verification of previous academic documents by the competent authorities.
Specific Requirements for Each Degree Level:
Bachelor’s Degree:
- Applicants must hold a high school diploma (equivalent to the end of secondary education in Iran) and a pre-university certificate.
- Academic documents and transcripts issued by universities in the applicant’s home country must be verified by the Iranian embassy or diplomatic missions in the applicant’s home country.
Master’s Degree:
- Applicants must hold a valid bachelor’s degree.
- Academic documents and transcripts issued by universities in the applicant’s home country must be verified by the Iranian embassy or diplomatic missions in the applicant’s home country.
- Obtaining approval from the university’s education department based on approved criteria is mandatory.
Doctoral Degree:
- Applicants must hold both a valid bachelor’s and master’s degree.
- Academic documents and transcripts issued by universities in the applicant’s home country must be verified by the Iranian embassy or diplomatic missions in the applicant’s home country.
- Obtaining approval from the university’s education department based on approved criteria is mandatory.
Semnan University Facilities

Academic Environment
Semnan University offers a broad academic and research-oriented environment that includes research centers and laboratories, enabling students to engage in advanced research in fields like engineering, science, and technology. Regular seminars and workshops are organized to enhance students’ knowledge and skills in various disciplines. Faculty members are accessible and provide support to students throughout their academic journey.
Cultural Activities
The university hosts a variety of cultural programs and festivals that celebrate Iranian culture and international diversity. Events like Nowruz (Persian New Year) are celebrated with great enthusiasm. There are numerous student clubs and associations catering to different interests, including literature, arts, music, theatre, and science. International students are introduced to university life and Iranian culture through the International Students Office, helping them integrate into the campus environment.
Social Life
The university provides a wide range of sports facilities, including gymnasiums, swimming pools, and fields for football, basketball, and tennis. Students can participate in internal competitions or use the facilities for recreational purposes. Student organizations and societies also offer diverse activities, including social events and professional development programs. Several cafés and social spaces are available on campus, providing areas for relaxation, interaction, and affordable meals.
Accommodation and Living
Students have the option to live in university dormitories, which foster a sense of community and group interaction. The dorms are equipped with amenities such as internet access, laundry services, and shared spaces. For those who prefer off-campus accommodation, the university assists in finding housing near the campus. The city of Semnan provides a safe and affordable environment for student life, with reasonable living costs.
Support Services
The International Students Office offers assistance with visa matters, academic support, Persian language instruction, and general student welfare. Psychological and academic counseling services are available to help students manage stress and personal issues. The university also provides career counseling services, workshops, and job fairs to prepare students for entering the job market.
Recreational and Extracurricular Activities
The natural surroundings of Semnan, including mountains and deserts, offer opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring scenic landscapes. The university organizes scientific trips and visits to cultural and historical sites in Iran for international students, enriching their educational experience.
Religious and Spiritual Life
The university provides spaces for worship and religious activities, with a mosque on campus to host religious ceremonies and events for Muslim students.
Language Education
International students can attend Persian language courses to enhance their ability to communicate within the university environment and the local community, and to gain a deeper understanding of Iranian culture.
Final Thoughts
Semnan University offers a diverse range of programs at various academic levels, along with advanced educational and research facilities, a dynamic student life, and a wide array of cultural and sports opportunities. It provides an ideal environment for both academic and personal growth.
For international students, this university offers a unique experience of studying in Iran while immersing in Iranian culture and society. Applicants can benefit from the services provided by Study in Iran to professionally and confidently navigate their admission, registration, and accommodation process at Semnan University, ensuring a seamless and rewarding academic journey in Iran.
Frequently Asked Questions
Undergraduate programs last four years, master’s programs take two years, and doctoral programs vary between three to five years, depending on the field of study.
Tuition fees vary depending on the program and academic level. For example, undergraduate engineering programs range from $1,500 to $2,000 per year, while humanities programs range from $1,000 to $1,800 per year.
Yes, the university offers dormitories with basic amenities such as internet access, laundry facilities, and shared spaces. Students can also choose to live in apartments near the campus if they prefer off-campus accommodation.
International students who are not familiar with Persian are required to take a Persian language course at the university or at a recognized center accredited by the Ministry of Science.
Admission for international students is a two-step process: initial acceptance based on academic and identity documents and final acceptance after submitting a valid student visa and passport. Academic documents must be verified by the Iranian embassy or diplomatic missions in the applicant’s home country.
Yes, the university has advanced research centers and laboratories where students can engage in specialized research in engineering, science, and technology fields.
The university offers gymnasiums, swimming pools, and sports fields for football, basketball, and tennis. Students can participate in internal sports activities or use the facilities for recreational purposes.
Yes, Semnan University organizes cultural programs, festivals, art and science clubs for students, and events like Nowruz (Persian New Year) are celebrated with active student participation.
The university provides academic and psychological counseling services, career counseling, workshops, and job fairs to help students prepare for the job market.
The university organizes cultural and historical site visits in Iran and nature-based activities such as hiking and camping in the surroundings of Semnan, offering students the chance to explore the natural beauty of the region.


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