Universities in Iran ^New

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 316 Universities in Iran

The Islamic Republic of Iran is divided into 31 provinces (Persian: Ostanha). The majority of higher education institutions meeting the uniRank selection criteria are concentrated in Tehran Province, the most populous province, which hosts the capital and largest city, Tehran. The following uniRank league tables and sub-rankings consider all provinces that include at least one Iranian higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

Ardabil (4)  
Bushehr (3)  
Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari (2)  
East Azarbaijan (1)  
East Azerbaijan (15)  
Fars (25)  
Gilan (6)  
Golestan (7)  
Hamadan (7)  
Hormozgan (4)  
Ilam (4)  
Isfahan (21)  
Kerman (15)  
Kermanshah (4)  
Khorasan (1)  
Khuzestan (19)  
Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad (4)  
Kurdistan (4)  
Lorestan (6)  
Markazi (11)  
Mazandaran (17)  
North Khorasan (7)  
Qazvin (6)  
Qom (9)  
Razavi Khorasan (20)  
Semnan (11)  
Sistan and Baluchestan (9)  
South Khorasan (6)  
Tehran (46)  
West Azerbaijan (6)  
Yazd (10)  
Zanjan (6)  

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Overview of Iran Universities

Iran's higher education system comprises public and private institutions overseen by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (MSRT) and Ministry of Health and Medical Education (for medical schools). Universities are categorized as comprehensive (offering diverse disciplines) or specialized (e.g., technology, medical sciences). Public universities dominate the landscape, funded by the government with highly competitive admissions. Private institutions operate under non-profit models, expanding access to education. Iranian universities emphasize STEM fields and maintain rigorous academic standards, with many offering bachelor's to doctoral programs.

Top 10 Iran Universities

1. University of Tehran (دانشگاه تهران) - UT
   Country Rank: 1 | World Rank: 1279
   Location: Tehran, Tehran Province | Founded: 1934
   Public | Comprehensive
2. Sharif University of Technology (دانشگاه صنعتی شریف) - SUT
   Country Rank: 2 | World Rank: 1664
   Location: Tehran, Tehran Province | Founded: 1965
   Public | Specialized (Engineering/Technology)
3. Tehran University of Medical Sciences (دانشگاه علوم پزشکی تهران) - TUMS
   Country Rank: 3 | World Rank: 1878
   Location: Tehran, Tehran Province | Founded: 1934
   Public | Specialized (Medical Sciences)
4. Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (دانشگاه علوم پزشکی شهید بهشتی) - SBMU
   Country Rank: 4 | World Rank: 2563
   Location: Tehran, Tehran Province | Founded: 1960
   Public | Specialized (Medical Sciences)
5. Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (دانشگاه فردوسی مشهد) - FUM
   Country Rank: 5 | World Rank: 2579
   Location: Mashhad, Razavi Khorasan | Founded: 1949
   Public | Comprehensive
6. Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (دانشگاه علوم پزشکی مشهد) - MUMS
   Country Rank: 6 | World Rank: 2999
   Location: Mashhad, Razavi Khorasan | Founded: 1949
   Public | Specialized (Medical Sciences)
7. Tarbiat Modares University (دانشگاه تربیت مدرس) - TMU
   Country Rank: 7 | World Rank: 3158
   Location: Tehran, Tehran Province | Founded: 1982
   Public | Research-Focused (Postgraduate Emphasis)
8. Iran University of Science and Technology (دانشگاه علم و صنعت ایران) - IUST
   Country Rank: 8 | World Rank: 3223
   Location: Tehran, Tehran Province | Founded: 1929
   Public | Specialized (Engineering/Technology)
9. Isfahan University of Technology (دانشگاه صنعتی اصفهان) - IUT
   Country Rank: 9 | World Rank: 3284
   Location: Isfahan, Isfahan Province | Founded: 1977
   Public | Specialized (Engineering/Technology)
10. Amirkabir University of Technology (دانشگاه صنعتی امیرکبیر) - AUT
    Country Rank: 10 | World Rank: 3300
    Location: Tehran, Tehran Province | Founded: 1958
    Public | Specialized (Engineering/Technology)

Analysis of University Types

Iran hosts 316 universities. Public institutions form 42% (132 universities), while private non-profit institutions comprise 46% (144 universities). The remaining 12% represent other governance models. Public universities receive significant government funding and dominate research output and top rankings. Private institutions focus primarily on undergraduate education, increasing accessibility nationwide.

Global Ranking and Standing

While no Iranian university currently ranks within the global top 200, several are positioned within competitive tiers. Globally, 0% rank in the top 200 and 0% in the top 1000. Top universities excel regionally in engineering, technology and medical sciences, with strong research contributions in these fields.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is Iran's top-ranked university?
A: The University of Tehran consistently holds Iran's #1 position in national rankings.

Q: Are Iranian public universities free?
A: Public universities charge minimal tuition fees (often subsidized), while private institutions have higher fee structures.

Q: Which Iranian universities specialize in engineering?
A: Sharif University of Technology, Amirkabir University of Technology and Iran University of Science and Technology are leading engineering schools.

Q: Do Iranian universities teach in English?
A: Select postgraduate programs (especially PhDs) offer English instruction, but most undergraduate teaching is in Persian.

Q: How competitive is admission to top Iranian universities?
A: Admission is highly competitive, determined by national entrance exam (Konkoor) scores, particularly for public institutions.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Iranian universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in Iran
  Explore the most traditional and long-established Iranian post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in Iran
  Search for Iranian higher education institutions listed alphabetically from A to Z.
• Iranian Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular Iranian town or city.
• Top Public Universities in Iran
  Discover Iranian public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in Iran
  Find out about Iranian private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in Iran
  Explore Iranian not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in Iran
  Look for Iranian for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top Iranian Universities on Facebook
  See which tertiary institutions in Iran have the most followers on Facebook, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Iranian Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in Iran that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top Iranian Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in Iran are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Iranian Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in Iran with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.