IRAN · TEHRAN
University of Tehran
public · Founded 1934 · Languages: Persian, English
In short
The University of Tehran is Iran's oldest, largest, and most prestigious public university, offering a wide range of disciplines at affordable tuition rates. It provides an immersive cultural experience in a vibrant capital city with active student life and research opportunities.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1934
- Students
- 50,448
- International students
- 2,500
- Acceptance rate
- 15%
- Tuition (intl)
- €2–5k/yr
- Languages
- PERSIAN, ENGLISH
- Location
- Tehran, Iran
The University of Tehran, established in 1934, is Iran's oldest, largest, and most prestigious public university. With over 50,000 students across 25 faculties, it covers every major academic discipline from engineering and medicine to law, fine arts, and theology. UT consistently holds Iran's top position in global university rankings (QS rank ~322) and is a major driver of Iranian scientific research.
Why study here
- Iran's #1 ranked university and the country's top research institution across sciences, engineering, and humanities.
- Very low tuition compared to Western universities, with additional reductions under bilateral scholarship agreements.
- Immersive Persian language and cultural experience in one of the Middle East's most historically rich cities.
- Strong engineering, computer science, and natural sciences faculties with active industry and government research partnerships.
- Exchange and scholarship agreements with universities across Europe, East Asia, and the Arab world.
Student life
The UT campus in central Tehran features green courtyards, iconic modernist buildings, and a central library. Student life is active with numerous academic associations, cultural societies, film clubs, and sports teams. Tehran offers a rich urban experience — world-class museums, archaeological sites, mountain hiking in the Alborz range, diverse cuisine, and a young, educated population. Most basic services (transport, food, accommodation) are very affordable compared to European capitals.
Fees
InternationalApproximately EUR 1,500–5,000 per year for international students, varying by programme and degree level.
HomeIranian domestic students pay nominal fees under government subsidisation.
LivingEstimated EUR 400–700 per month in Tehran covering accommodation, food, and transport.
Fees and payment arrangements for international students may vary. Some programmes require payment in USD or EUR. Students should verify current fees with the UT International Office due to currency fluctuation and sanctions-related banking constraints.
Admissions
Undergraduate (domestic)National university entrance examination (Concours) required
Undergraduate (international)High school diploma with strong academic record; may require entrance test
GraduateBachelor's or Master's degree with relevant academic background
LanguagePersian proficiency required for most programmes; selected graduate programmes in English
TOEFL iBT79+ (for English-medium programmes)
IELTS6.0+ (for English-medium programmes)
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2024322
National Ranking (Iran)1
University scholarships
Iranian Government Scholarship (Ministry of Science)Covers tuition and monthly stipend for eligible international students
UT Bilateral Exchange ScholarshipVaries by partner institution and agreement
Accreditation
Recognised and accredited by the Iranian Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (MSRT). UT holds institutional membership in the International Association of Universities (IAU).
Programs
a selectionScholarships
for Iranfull funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)
For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.
full
Funding
€3000k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome International Training Fellowships
For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.
full
Funding
€150k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
European Commission - European Research Executive Agency (REA)
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships
Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will have defended their doctoral thesis by the call deadline) and have at most 8 years of full-time-equivalent research experience after the PhD. Applicants apply jointly with a host organisation - a university, research institution, business, SME, or other body based in an EU Member State or a country associated to Horizon Europe. European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to all nationalities for a project inside the EU or an associated country; Global Postdoctoral Fellowships are reserved for EU nationals or long-term residents who carry out a phase in a third country before returning to Europe. Researchers who have been displaced by conflict and those restarting a research career after a break are explicitly encouraged to apply.
full
Funding
€100k
Max
Sep 10, 2026
Deadline
full funding
Rotary Foundation
Rotary Peace Fellowships
For professionals committed to peace and development, with relevant work experience and (for the master's) a strong academic background and proficiency in English. Applicants apply through their local Rotary district and are selected globally by The Rotary Foundation for study at a Rotary Peace Center.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
May 15, 2027
Deadline
full funding
Independent Social Research Foundation (ISRF)
ISRF Europe Early Career Fellowship
Open to early-career researchers in the social sciences and humanities who are within 10 years of their PhD award (career breaks considered) and hold a salaried position at a higher education or research institution, or are independent scholars with a host institution. Research must be hosted at a European institution and address innovative, interdisciplinary social research questions. Open to scholars of all nationalities.
full
Funding
€82k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
full fundingMassachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT Need-Based Aid for International Undergraduates
For international undergraduate applicants to MIT, which is need-blind in admission and meets the full demonstrated financial need of every admitted student. Aid is a grant (no loans in the standard package); the amount is set by each family's assessed need.
full
Funding
€80k
Max
Nov 10, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is the University of Tehran's global ranking?
+
The University of Tehran holds a QS World University Ranking of approximately 322. It is consistently ranked as the #1 university in Iran and is recognized as the country's top research institution.
What are the estimated tuition fees for international students?
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International student fees at the University of Tehran range approximately from EUR 1,500 to EUR 5,000 per year, varying by program and degree level. It's recommended to verify current fees with the UT International Office due to potential currency fluctuations.
What are the living costs for students in Tehran?
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Estimated living costs in Tehran are around EUR 400–700 per month, covering accommodation, food, and transport. This is considered very affordable compared to many European capitals.
What are the admission requirements for international students?
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International students typically need a high school diploma with a strong academic record for undergraduate programs, and a relevant Bachelor's or Master's degree for graduate programs. Persian language proficiency is required for most programs, though some graduate courses are offered in English.
Are there scholarships available for international students?
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Yes, the University of Tehran offers scholarships such as the Iranian Government Scholarship, which can cover tuition and provide a monthly stipend, and the UT Bilateral Exchange Scholarship, which varies by partner institution.
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