Shahid Beheshti University

Shahid Beheshti University: An introduction

Shahid Beheshti University was established in 1961 with the founding of its medical and dental schools. After the merger of the Ministry of Health with the National University of Iran in 1986, it continued its activities as an independent institution.

Today, Shahid Beheshti University is recognized as the second largest medical education center in Iran, hosting over 12,500 students across various medical and paramedical fields and employing 1,410 faculty members. It ranks among the top three medical universities in Tehran.

This public university is located in northern Tehran, at the foothills of the Alborz mountain range, offering a beautiful landscape and a relatively cooler climate compared to other regions in the Middle East.

History of Shahid Beheshti University

Shahid Beheshti University was founded in 1959 by Ali Sheikh-ol-Islam. The initial goal was to focus on graduate education. At the beginning, the university had only two faculties: Architecture and Urban Planning, and Banking and Economics, enrolling a total of 174 students.

Shortly after, the Faculty of Literature and Foreign Languages also began its activities in central Tehran. The first graduate program was the Master’s degree in Architecture, launched in 1961.

In 1962, the main campus was established in the Ovin district in northern Tehran. By 1978, several other faculties were added, including Literature and Humanities, Basic Sciences, Law, Earth Sciences, Statistics and Informatics, Psychology, and Educational Sciences.

During the educational reforms of 1986, the medical faculties separated from the university, and Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences was formed under the Ministry of Health and Medical Education.

Shahid Beheshti University Ranking

Shahid Beheshti University (SBU), a top public university in Tehran, holds notable positions in international rankings:

• QS World University Ranking 2026: Between 741 and 750
• QS Subject Ranking: Between 551 and 600
• QS Sustainability Ranking: Between 1251 and 1300
• Asian University Rankings (Southern Asia): Ranked 48

These rankings reflect that Shahid Beheshti University is recognized not only as a prestigious institution within Iran but also as an influential academic entity regionally and globally.

Shahid Beheshti University Academic Programs

Shahid Beheshti University offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, some of which are introduced below.

Undergraduate Programs

1. Nutrition and Food Industries

• Level of Study: Bachelor’s Degree
• Language: Persian / English
• Duration: 4 years
• Admission Requirements: High school diploma and transcripts

2. Medical Imaging Technology (Radiology)

• Level of Study: Bachelor’s Degree
• Language: Persian / English
• Duration: 4 years
• Admission Requirements: High school diploma and transcripts

3. Radiotherapy Technology

• Level of Study: Bachelor’s Degree
• Language: Persian / English
• Duration: 4 years
• Admission Requirements: High school diploma and transcripts

4. Laboratory Sciences

• Level of Study: Bachelor’s Degree
• Language: Persian / English
• Duration: 4 years
• Admission Requirements: High school diploma and transcripts

5. Optometry

• Level of Study: Bachelor’s Degree
• Language: Persian / English
• Duration: 4 years
• Admission Requirements: High school diploma and transcripts

6. Physiotherapy

• Level of Study: Bachelor’s Degree
• Language: Persian / English
• Duration: 4 years
• Admission Requirements: High school diploma and transcripts

7. Audiology

• Level of Study: Bachelor’s Degree
• Language: Persian / English
• Duration: 4 years
• Admission Requirements: High school diploma and transcripts

8. Occupational Therapy

• Level of Study: Bachelor’s Degree
• Language: Persian / English
• Duration: 4 years
• Admission Requirements: High school diploma and transcripts

9. Occupational Health Engineering and Workplace Safety

• Level of Study: Bachelor’s Degree
• Language: Persian / English
• Duration: 4 years
• Admission Requirements: High school diploma and transcripts

10. General Medicine (MBBS)

• Level of Study: Bachelor’s Degree
• Language: Persian / English
• Duration: 5 to 6 years
• Admission Requirements: High school diploma and transcripts

11. Nursing

• Level of Study: Bachelor’s Degree
• Language: Persian / English
• Duration: 4 years
• Admission Requirements: High school diploma and transcripts

12. Operating Room Technology

• Level of Study: Bachelor’s Degree
• Language: Persian / English
• Duration: 4 years
• Admission Requirements: High school diploma and transcripts

All undergraduate courses start in September 2025. International applicants must provide valid academic credentials and language proficiency (English or Persian).

Master’s Programs

Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences

• Nutrition
• Community Nutrition
• Clinical Nutrition
• Nutrition and Food Sciences
• Global Nutrition and Health
• Clinical Nutrition and Public Health

Faculty of Medical Education and Learning Technologies

• Medical Education
• E-Learning in Medical Sciences
• Educational Technology in Medical Sciences
• Integrated Education in Health System (Online)

Faculty of Paramedical Sciences

• Medical Imaging Technology (MRI)
• Hematology
• Medical Library and Information Science

Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences

• Optometry
• Physiotherapy
• Audiology
• Occupational Therapy
• Orthotics and Prosthetics

Faculty of Health and Safety

• Epidemiology
• Disaster and Emergency Health
• Environmental Health Engineering
• Ergonomics
• Medical and Health Services Management
• Health, Safety, and Environment Management (HSE)
• Occupational Health Engineering and Workplace Safety

Faculty of Medicine

• Medical Physics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Clinical Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Anatomical Sciences
• Human Genetics

Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery

• Nursing
• Psychiatric Nursing
• Community Health
• Public Health
• Midwifery

Faculty of Advanced Medical Technologies

• Medical Biotechnology

Faculty of Dentistry

• Orthodontics

This broad spectrum of programs enables students to choose fields matching their academic interests and career goals.

Shahid Beheshti University Faculties and Research Centers

Shahid Beheshti University stands as one of Iran’s most comprehensive universities, covering a wide range of disciplines in basic sciences, engineering, humanities, and advanced technologies. It hosts numerous faculties and specialized research centers:

Faculties

Faculty of Electrical Engineering

• Telecommunications Department
• Electronics Department
• Systems and Control Department
• Power Engineering Department

Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science

• Software Engineering and Information Department
• Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Department
• Computer Architecture and Networks Department

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Energy

Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning

• Architecture Department
• Landscape Architecture Department
• Construction Department
• Design Department
• Restoration Department
• Urban Planning Department

Faculty of Management and Accounting

• Public Administration Department
• Business Management Department
• Commercial Management Department
• Financial Management Department
• Industrial Management Department
• Entrepreneurship Management Department
• Research Institute of Management

Faculty of Biological Sciences

• Biology Department
• Genetics Department
• Marine Biology Department
• Microbiology Department
• Plant Sciences Department
• Zoology Department

Faculty of Economics and Political Science

• Economics Department
• Political Science Department

Faculty of New Energy Sciences and Technologies

• Aerospace Department
• Biotechnology Department
• Energy Department
• Nanotechnology Department
• Cellulose and Paper Sciences Department

Faculty of Earth Sciences

• Geology Department
• Geography Department
• Geophysics Department

Faculty of Law

• Criminal Law and Criminology Department
• Intellectual Property Law Department
• International Trade Law Department
• Economic Law Department
• Environmental Law Department
• Human Rights Department
• International Law Department
• Private Law Department
• Public Law Department

Faculty of Literature and Humanities

• Linguistics and Literature Department
• Philosophy Department
• History Department
• Archaeology Department
• Sociology Department
• Iranian Studies Institute

Faculty of Mathematical Sciences

• Mathematics Department
• Statistics Department
• Computer Science Department

Faculty of Nuclear Engineering

• Applied Radiation Department
• Fuel Recycling Department
• Medical Radiology Department

Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences

Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences

• Psychology Department
• Behavioral Studies and Counseling Department
• Educational Sciences Department

Faculty of Basic Sciences

• Chemistry Department
• Physics Department

Faculty of Civil, Water and Environmental Engineering

• Water Resources Engineering Department
• Water and Wastewater Engineering Department
• Structural and Geotechnical Engineering Department
• Environmental Engineering Department
• Transportation Planning Department

Research Centers

• Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Brain
• Automated Software Engineering Research Group
• Environmental Research Center
• Cyberspace Research Center
• Secure Communications and Cryptography Center
• Content Delivery Technology Center
• Family Studies Center
• Medicinal Plants and Pharmacology Research Institute
• Phytochemistry Laboratory
• Laser and Plasma Research Institute
• Optical Fiber Laboratory
• Gas Discharge Laboratory
• Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory (LIBS)
• Magneto-Optic Laboratory
• Nondestructive Testing Laboratory
• Polymer Photonics and Organic Materials Laboratory
• Pharmaceutical Research Center
• Iranian Silk Road Research Center (IRCSR)
• International Persian Language Teaching Center
• Institute of Science and Technology Studies

This extensive network of faculties and research institutes offers a dynamic academic and scientific environment across multiple disciplines.

Shahid Beheshti University Tuition and Living Costs

Tuition Fees for International Students:

• Bachelor’s Degree:

Annual tuition for programs like Computer Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology ranges from approximately 2,500 to 4,000 USD.

• Master’s Degree:

Average annual tuition for master’s programs is estimated around 5,000 USD.

• General Medicine:

Studying medicine costs about 7,000 USD per year.

Living Costs in Tehran:

Compared to many world capitals, Tehran offers relatively affordable living expenses. Estimated monthly living costs for an international student range between 500 to 900 USD, covering accommodation, food, transportation, and daily necessities.

Notes:

These figures are approximate and can vary based on lifestyle, accommodation type, and currency fluctuations. To reduce expenses, international students can apply for scholarships available through Iranian programs. These scholarships often cover a significant portion of the costs. For detailed information and guidance on eligibility and application, consulting with Study in Iran advisors is recommended.

Admission Requirements for Shahid Beheshti University

General Applicant Conditions:

• Must be a non-resident of the Islamic Republic of Iran
• No legal restrictions preventing educational stay in Iran
• Provide valid academic documents:
  • Diploma and transcripts for bachelor’s applicants
  • Bachelor’s degree and transcripts for master’s applicants
  • Master’s degree for doctoral or specialized programs

Language Requirements:

• English: Most programs are taught in English. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient proficiency or enroll in prerequisite language courses.
• Persian: For fields involving patient interaction (e.g., medicine, nursing), Persian proficiency is mandatory. Persian language courses are offered if needed.

Interview and Registration:

• English language interviews may be required for final approval in some fields and levels.
• Initial acceptance does not guarantee final registration.
• Applicants with Iranian academic degrees are generally not eligible.

Documents Required for Registration:

• Completed application form
• Scanned copy of passport’s first page
• Personal photo (3×4 cm; men without tie, women with Islamic hijab)
• Academic documents per requested degree level
• Two recommendation letters, statement of purpose, CV
• Research documents if available (articles, books, presentations)
• Visa form and SAORG code (from saorg.ir)
• Submission of all documents at registration is mandatory

Contact:
Admission Office Email: student_admission@sbmu.ac.ir

Shahid Beheshti University Facilities Overview

Dormitories:

The university offers two dormitories for international students with a capacity of 60 for female students and 56 for male students, plus 16 special suites for married couples. These dormitories include amenities such as internet access, air conditioning and heating, a gym, library, elevators, prayer rooms, accident insurance, fully equipped kitchens, and computer labs.

Food Services:

Warm meals with various options are served in university and hospital restaurants. Meal reservations are handled via electronic cards through an internal network. Nutritional counseling is also provided by nutrition specialists.

Insurance:

All Iranian and international students receive health insurance coverage from the university starting from their admission.

Transportation:

The university provides shuttle services for students between dormitories and faculties at different times throughout the day.

Cultural Trips and Excursions:

The university organizes one-day or multi-day cultural, religious, and recreational trips within Tehran or to other cities to enhance student motivation and social development.

Final Words

Studying at Shahid Beheshti University, one of Iran’s top and most reputable universities with a strong track record in education, research, and innovation, offers a unique opportunity to experience a dynamic and international academic environment. Its modern facilities, distinguished faculty, and diverse programs make it an ideal destination for both domestic and international students. If you’re looking to build a bright and successful future at one of Iran’s most prestigious universities, Study in Iran Institute is your trusted partner for admission guidance, counseling, and study support at Shahid Beheshti University. Be sure to contact us for guaranteed admission to this university.

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