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Iran

Iran: Language and intakes

Language requirements and application intakes in Iran.

Language requirements and intakes

Language requirement
Persian is the language of instruction for most programmes at the main campuses; non-fluent applicants must complete Persian courses. University of Tehran: Persian proficiency certificate required for Persian-taught courses (exempt if born in a Persian-speaking country with Persian as mother tongue, or previous degree taught in Persian); otherwise at least 6 months at the International Center for Persian Studies; no IELTS/TOEFL requirement listed. Ferdowsi: Persian required for graduate study; course up to 9 months, 3 months for foreign-languages students (PhD page). Shiraz: Persian Exemption Test after enrolment, otherwise Persian courses (2021 archive). Tabriz: intensive Persian course at MSRT-specified centres or the university language centre (2020 archive). Amirkabir: application guide (search summary) states all courses are in Persian and non-Persian speakers may need up to 8 months of Persian; an older page claimed English-taught courses - conflict unresolved. Sharif: main Tehran campus taught in Persian (3- or 6-month Persian courses at Dehkhoda International Center, or 10-minute online interview); Kish International Campus is taught in English, with IELTS 5 / TOEFL iBT 52 or interview (FAQ archive Aug 2025). Tarbiat Modares asks for proof of English or Persian proficiency and sends applicants without proof to its Persian courses after acceptance. English-taught options listed by University of Tehran: MA Iranian Studies, MA Middle East Studies, MSc Civil Engineering (Water Resources Engineering and Management), PhD Iranian Studies (page last updated Feb 2026; several entries labelled 2021-2024).Source
Intakes and deadlines
Calls are semester-based and short. University of Tehran: first-semester applications 6 March-20 May; second-semester applications 15 July-'31 September' (the page's own date, September has 30 days); late applications roll to the next semester. Tarbiat Modares: 2026-27 Fall call open until 29 June 2026 for programmes with available slots (news item of 20 June 2026); later applications deferred to the following semester. University of Tehran scholarship deadlines: 5 June (fall), 5 October (winter). University of Tabriz lists a 2026-27 call (search summary). Windows change yearly - check the university's current announcement.Source

Language and exam preparation

What to watch for in Language and intakes

  • Verify the language tests and minimum scores your target programme accepts.
  • Plan the validity of the result around your application and visa dates.
  • A programme taught in the local language may need a separate language-proficiency timeline.

Information on this page is compiled from official sources and was verified on the date shown. Fees, dates and visa rules change often; check official sources before applying. Empty fields have not been verified yet; ask our advisor for the current information.

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