Studying MBBS in Iran has become an increasingly popular choice among Indian students in recent years, especially those seeking an affordable, quality, and internationally recognized medical education. Iran’s well-established healthcare system, modern teaching infrastructure, NMC-approved universities, and experienced faculty have helped the country emerge as a strong destination for MBBS abroad. With many Indian students struggling with expensive tuition fees and intense competition in India’s private medical colleges, Iran provides a practical and reliable alternative—where students can pursue their dream of becoming a doctor without facing the financial or academic barriers typically present in their home country.
Why Iran is a Smart Choice for MBBS?
Iran offers a rare combination of affordability and academic excellence. The medical universities in Iran are government-funded, resulting in significantly lower tuition fees compared to private institutions in countries like India, the Philippines, or Ukraine. Yet, they maintain high academic standards and provide robust practical training through affiliated hospitals and medical centers. The country’s advanced healthcare system ensures that medical students are exposed to real-time clinical experience, particularly during the later years of their MBBS course.
Iran also offers a safe and welcoming environment for international students, with many Indian communities present in cities like Tehran, Shiraz, and Mashhad. Medical education in Iran is imparted in English at several reputed universities, making it accessible for Indian students who may not be familiar with Persian.
NMC Approval and Importance for Indian Students
For any Indian student who plans to practice medicine in India after completing their MBBS abroad, it is crucial that the foreign university is approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC). This approval ensures that the degree is valid in India and that the student is eligible to sit for the FMGE/NExT exam, which is required to obtain a medical license in India.
Many leading medical universities in Iran are NMC approved, meaning Indian students graduating from these institutions are eligible to return and practice in India upon clearing the licensing examination. This NMC recognition provides assurance about the curriculum quality, infrastructure, and overall academic standards of the medical universities in Iran.
Top NMC Approved Medical Universities in Iran
Here is a list of some of the top NMC-approved medical universities in Iran that are highly recommended for Indian students:
| University Name | Location | Medium of Instruction | NMC Approved | Annual Tuition (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tehran University of Medical Sciences | Tehran | English | Yes | ₹4 – ₹5.5 Lakhs |
| Shiraz University of Medical Sciences | Shiraz | English | Yes | ₹3.8 – ₹5 Lakhs |
| Mashhad University of Medical Sciences | Mashhad | English | Yes | ₹3.5 – ₹4.5 Lakhs |
| Isfahan University of Medical Sciences | Isfahan | English | Yes | ₹3.5 – ₹4.5 Lakhs |
| Tabriz University of Medical Sciences | Tabriz | English | Yes | ₹3.8 – ₹4.8 Lakhs |
| Golestan University of Medical Sciences | Gorgan | English | Yes | ₹3 – ₹4 Lakhs |
These universities are also listed by WHO, FAIMER, and ECFMG, further increasing their global credibility and allowing students to pursue postgraduate education in countries like the USA, UK, Germany, or Canada.
MBBS Course Duration and Structure in Iran
The MBBS course duration in Iran is typically 6 years, which includes:
5 years of academic coursework: Subjects include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, community medicine, general medicine, surgery, pediatrics, OB/GYN, and more.
1 year of internship/clinical rotation: Conducted in university-affiliated hospitals under the supervision of qualified doctors.
The universities follow a modern medical education framework, including lectures, laboratory-based learning, clinical rounds, and simulation-based teaching. From the third year onward, students gain access to clinical departments where they start interacting with patients under guidance.
Admission Process for Indian Students
Getting admission to MBBS programs in Iran is comparatively easier than the highly competitive environment in India. Here's a step-by-step guide for Indian students:
Eligibility Criteria:
Must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Minimum of 60% aggregate marks (50% for reserved categories).
NEET qualification is mandatory for Indian students (valid for 3 years).
Age: Minimum 17 years by 31st December of the admission year.
Application Process:
Submit scanned copies of academic transcripts, NEET scorecard, passport, and recent photographs.
Receive a Provisional Admission Letter from the university.
Pay initial registration/processing fees.
Visa Process:
Once admission is confirmed, the university issues a visa invitation letter.
Submit documents at the Iranian Embassy or Consulate in India.
Visa approval typically takes 2-3 weeks.
Travel and Enrollment:
Book flight tickets and report to the university.
Attend orientation and complete final enrollment.
Cost of Studying MBBS in Iran
Iran is among the most affordable MBBS abroad destinations. Below is an approximate cost breakdown:
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost per Year (INR) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | ₹3 – ₹5.5 Lakhs |
| Hostel Accommodation | ₹50,000 – ₹80,000 |
| Food Living Expenses | ₹60,000 – ₹90,000 |
| Medical Insurance | ₹10,000 |
| Visa + Travel (One-time) | ₹60,000 |
Total for 6 Years: ₹22 – ₹28 Lakhs (all-inclusive)
This is significantly cheaper than private medical colleges in India, where the total cost may exceed ₹60–₹80 lakhs.
FMGE/NExT and Career After MBBS in Iran
After completing the MBBS from an NMC-approved Iranian university, Indian students are eligible to:
Appear for FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Exam) or NExT (National Exit Test) to obtain a license in India.
Apply for PG programs abroad through USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), or other international exams.
Pursue MD/MS/DNB programs in India after clearing NEET-PG.
Work in other countries in the Middle East, Europe, or Africa, especially where Iranian MBBS degrees are widely accepted.
Iranian universities provide excellent FMGE coaching support during the course and conduct mock tests and review sessions in the final year.
Student Life and Safety in Iran
Iran is a culturally rich and safe country, with a friendly and respectful attitude towards international students. Indian students find Iran to be welcoming, with many universities offering Indian mess facilities and separate hostels for boys and girls.
Weather: Iran has four seasons – cold winters and hot summers. Cities like Shiraz and Isfahan offer moderate climates suitable for Indian students.
Safety: Iran is considered one of the safest countries in the Middle East for students.
Culture: Strong focus on education and discipline, with good local hospitality.
Support Services: University Insights provides continuous support, from pre-departure briefings to post-arrival assistance.
Conclusion
Study MBBS in Iran – NMC Approved Universities for Indian Students is an ideal path for those looking to secure a globally recognized medical degree at a reasonable cost. With modern infrastructure, high academic standards, English-medium instruction, and increasing FMGE success, Iran stands out as a dependable destination for medical education abroad. The availability of NMC-approved universities ensures that Indian students can return and practice in India without any legal or academic hurdles. If you're a NEET-qualified aspirant seeking an affordable MBBS program with global credibility, Iran deserves your serious consideration.
