Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Introduction to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS) is a public medical institution located in Shiraz, Iran, established in 1946. It has consistently ranked among the top medical universities in the country. The university enrolls over 10,000 students across more than 200 programs within 17 faculties. Iranian students are admitted through the national university entrance exam (Konkur) and register at the university’s main campus.

SUMS also offers international programs for foreign students, including Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS), Dentistry (D.M.D.), Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), as well as undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, specialty, subspecialty, fellowship, and short-term elective medical programs.

In addition to education, SUMS is responsible for delivering healthcare services in public centers and supervising private healthcare providers across Fars Province. The university manages 45 public hospitals, including 14 teaching hospitals, 2 community health centers in Shiraz, and 28 health networks throughout the province. Furthermore, 17 private hospitals, including 3 charity hospitals in Shiraz, operate under SUMS supervision, creating opportunities that encourage international students to pursue their medical education in Iran.

History of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS) was established in 1946 as the Shiraz Higher Institute of Health, aiming to train medical professionals through a four-year program. In 1949, it was upgraded to a Faculty of Medicine, and by 1954, it came under the administration of Shiraz University (formerly known as Pahlavi University). Shortly thereafter, seven additional faculties were established in Shiraz, including Nursing and Midwifery, Dentistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, Public Health, Paramedical Sciences, Pharmacy, and Rehabilitation Sciences, providing education across diverse medical and health-related fields.

Following national policies and the establishment of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, all medical faculties and related programs were separated from the Ministry of Science and placed under the supervision of the new ministry. Consequently, these faculties became independent institutions, leading to the creation of separate medical universities in each province. In 1994, the Faculty of Medicine and the associated faculties at Shiraz formed the Fars University of Medical Sciences, now known as Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. At that time, it was the sole medical institution in Fars Province, responsible for both medical education and the provision and oversight of healthcare services in public and private centers.

Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Ranking

Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS) is recognized as one of the top medical universities in Iran. According to the QS World University Rankings (Subject Ranking) 2025, it is placed in the global range of 351-400.

Shiraz University of Medical SciencesAcademic Programs

Undergraduate Programs:

• Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) – 7 years
• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S.) – 5.5 years
• Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) – 6 years
• Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) – 6 years
• Rehabilitation Sciences: Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy – 4 years
• Nursing: Nursing, Operating Room, Neonatal Intensive Care, Midwifery, Anesthesia, Pre-Hospital Emergency – 4 years
• Nutrition and Food Sciences: Nutrition – 4 years
• Medical Management and Health IT: Health Services Management, Health Information Technology – 4 years
• Paramedical Sciences: Laboratory Sciences, Radiotherapy Technology – 4 years

Master’s Programs:

• Anatomy Sciences
• Biomedical Engineering
• Biostatistics
• Clinical Biochemistry
• Medical Education
• Human Genetics
• Medical Immunology
• Medical Microbiology
• Medical Mycology
• Medical Parasitology
• Physiology
• Medical Virology
• Perfusion Technology
• Toxicology
• Specialized Nursing: Critical Care, Geriatrics, Surgical-Medical, Neonatal, Pediatric, Psychiatry
• Health Services Management: Health Economics, Health IT, Health Services Management, Medical Informatics
• Nutrition Sciences: Food Safety and Hygiene, Clinical Nutrition, Public Health Nutrition
• Rehabilitation: Sports Physiotherapy, Physiotherapy
• Paramedical Sciences: Laboratory Hematology, Medical Biotechnology, Radiobiology and Radiation Protection
• Advanced Medical Sciences and Technology: Medical Nanotechnology
• Public Health: Elderly Health, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Ergonomics, Health Education and Promotion, Medical Entomology and Vector Control, Occupational Health Engineering

Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Faculties

• Faculty of Medicine
• Faculty of Dentistry
• Faculty of Pharmacy
• Faculty of Public Health
• Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences
• Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery
• Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences
• Faculty of Paramedical Sciences
• Faculty of Management and Health Information Sciences
• Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies

Tuition and Student Costs at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS)

General Student Expenses

• Furnished dormitory: $2,160 per year
• Insurance: $100 per year
• Tuition: see details below
• Approximate total: $2,260 + tuition

Note: Dormitory fees for 2025 are exempt according to the IEP Council decision. Students living in dormitories are required to pay minor utility fees (gas, water, electricity), and additional charges may apply for excessive consumption. Students may also apply for scholarships under specific academic conditions to reduce overall costs.

Undergraduate Tuition

• Medicine (M.D.), 7 years: $6,000 per year
• Medicine and Surgery (M.B.B.S.), 5.5 years: $6,000 per year
• Dentistry (D.M.D.), 6 years: $6,000 per year
• Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), 5–6 years: $6,000 per year
• Other undergraduate programs, 4 years: $4,000 per year

Graduate Tuition

• Master’s (M.Sc./M.P.H.), 2–3 years: $5,000 per year
• Ph.D., 3–5 years: $5,000 per year
• Specialty (Residency), 3–5 years: $6,000 per year
• Subspecialty (Fellowship), 2–3 years: $6,000 per year
• Fellowship, 1.5–2 years: $6,000 per year

Discounts: Partial or full tuition reductions are possible with approval from the respective department and the International Education Program (IEP) Council.

Short-term and Non-degree Programs

• Postdoctoral and short-term programs: tuition determined by the faculty
• Internship/Clinical elective (1–16 weeks): $500 per month
• Summer programs: tuition set by the faculty

All international students are eligible to apply for various scholarships offered by SUMS to support their studies.

Admission Requirements for Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS)

To gain admission to SUMS and obtain an Iranian student visa, applicants must meet the following general conditions:

Before Applying:

• Review all requirements and required documents before starting the application process.
• Submit documents in PDF format with a maximum size of 3 MB.

Application Deadline:

• Admissions are open online throughout the year.
• Documents sent by mail are not accepted.

How to Apply:

• Only online applications are accepted.
• Results are communicated via email after review.
• There is no fee for submitting an application.

After Admission:

• Enroll and pay the annual tuition at the university’s education office.
• Withdrawal may incur full tuition and associated fees (dormitory, insurance, internet, etc.).
• Scholarships are awarded to eligible students.

Undergraduate Admission Documents and Requirements:

• Valid high school diploma or equivalent.
• Academic transcripts and records.
• Resume (CV) including personal, academic, and work experience information.
• Cover letter for the chosen program.
• Copy of main passport page, valid for at least six months.
• Recent passport-sized photograph.
• English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS): minimum 525 PBT, 69 iBT, or 5.5 IELTS.
• Some applicants may be exempt from providing an English certificate (e.g., native English speakers or those whose last two years of study were in English).

English Language Preparatory Program:

• Students lacking sufficient English skills must complete a 136-hour English course costing $2,232.
• Additional courses may be offered if needed.

Persian Language Skills:

• International students in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy are not required to provide Persian proficiency certificates.
• However, proficiency in Persian is essential for patient communication.
• Persian language courses may last up to 272 hours and can be free depending on the scholarship type.

Note:

• International programs are offered in a combination of English and Persian.
• Core materials and examinations are conducted in English.

Facilities and Campus Life at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS)

Educational Environment

SUMS is designed to provide students with access to modern and advanced facilities. Well-equipped laboratories, comprehensive libraries, and specialized research centers create an optimal space for learning and research. The university promotes interactive learning through workshops, seminars, and conferences, often led by prominent experts in the medical field, offering students practical and academic learning opportunities.

Cultural Diversity

The presence of international students from various countries creates a multicultural environment, allowing students to experience diverse cultures and traditions. Festivals, cultural nights, and student events encourage sharing of cultural experiences and enhance social interactions.

Dormitories and Living Facilities

Secure and fully equipped dormitories, both on and off campus, provide students with access to internet, study rooms, and social spaces for interaction. These facilities ensure a comfortable and productive student life with easy access to educational resources.

Social and Recreational Activities

Students can join various clubs and associations, ranging from medical and academic clubs to sports, arts, and social service groups. Sports facilities include gyms, football, and basketball fields, allowing participation in organized teams or casual recreational activities.

Student Support Services

Orientation programs help new students quickly adapt to the university and city life. Academic and psychological counseling is offered to manage educational and personal challenges, while career guidance and internship support assist students in planning their professional paths.

Health and Safety

An on-campus clinic provides primary healthcare services, and students have access to medical support when needed. Security is maintained 24/7 across campus, ensuring a safe environment for study and daily life.

Food and Nutrition

Various restaurants and food courts serve Iranian and international cuisine at reasonable prices. Dormitory students can also benefit from optional meal programs, offering convenience and dietary variety.

City Life in Shiraz

Students can explore historical and cultural landmarks such as Persepolis, Hafez Tomb, and Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, immersing themselves in Iranian history and culture. The cost of living in Shiraz is relatively affordable compared to other major Iranian cities, making it an ideal destination for students.

Networking and Research Opportunities

SUMS provides extensive opportunities for networking and research. Students are encouraged to participate in research projects and present their findings at national and international conferences. Student exchange programs with partner universities worldwide offer further academic growth and international experience.

Student Participation

SUMS values student involvement in decision-making and university development. Participation in councils, student associations, and feedback initiatives allows students to play an active role in advancing university goals and improving the academic environment.

Conclusion

Studying at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences offers international students a unique opportunity to develop their medical and research skills in a modern, academic environment while experiencing Iran’s rich culture. With diverse programs, state-of-the-art facilities, research initiatives, and comprehensive student support, the university provides a clear path for academic and professional growth.

For students seeking to study in Iran and benefit from scholarships and advisory services, collaborating with Study In Iran offers detailed guidance on admission, enrollment, and academic planning, making access to this prestigious university more straightforward.

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