Iran has a large public university system coordinated by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (MSRT); the Student Affairs Organization (SAORG) handles registration of non-Iranian applicants, issues the tracking code and educational clearance that universities ask for, and runs the ADAB registration system. Most degree programmes at the major universities are taught in Persian, so foreign applicants who are not fluent are generally required to complete months of Persian language study first (University of Tehran: at least 6 months; Ferdowsi: up to 9 months). English-taught options exist but are limited and mostly at master's/PhD level or on the Kish International Campus of some universities.
Published international tuition is set per semester and quoted in euros or US dollars: for example University of Tehran lists 1,500-2,000 EUR per semester depending on field and level, the University of Isfahan 600-1,500 EUR, Tarbiat Modares 1,000-1,500 EUR (plus 2,084 EUR for some research-based medical PhDs), Amirkabir 895-1,250 USD, and Shiraz a provisional 3,500-5,000 USD for graduate programmes. Tarbiat Modares estimates living costs in Tehran at about 128-280 USD per month. Fee schedules differ between pages of the same university and are subject to change; applicants should obtain the current schedule in writing.
Study normally requires a student visa (type E) issued by an Iranian mission after the university and the Ministry have approved the file, followed by a residence permit renewed yearly through the university's consular office. Universities state that they cannot give legal-status guidance beyond this, and no official source verified here describes a general right to work for international students; a Tabriz doctoral rule even requires full-time commitment without employment.
Security, travel and payment conditions are the dominant risk factors. As of 25 October 2026 the UK FCDO advises against all travel to Iran, Germany's Federal Foreign Office has a travel warning and calls on German nationals to leave, and the US State Department is reported at Level 4 (Do Not Travel). The German Federal Foreign Office states that Iran is not connected to the international payment system and that foreign credit and debit cards cannot be used. Extensive US sanctions (OFAC) and reinstated EU sanctions apply; OFAC lists its academic-exchange general license G as suspended since 24 August 2026. Prospective students should obtain their own country's official advice and legal guidance before any application, fee payment or travel.
