Islamic Azad University
Established in 1982 by Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, Islamic Azad University (IAU) in Tehran, Iran, is the world’s fifth-largest university system with over 1.5 million students. With 367 campuses across Iran and international branches in the U.A.E., UK, Lebanon, and Afghanistan, IAU promotes higher education for all, offering diverse programs in a dynamic global environment.
Islamic Azad University (IAU), headquartered in Tehran, Iran, offers a wide range of programs across 367 campuses, catering to over 1.5 million students. Programs include undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in fields such as engineering, medicine, business, computer science, humanities, law, and social sciences. Instruction is primarily in Persian, with English used for select programs, especially for international students, ensuring accessibility for a diverse student body from Iran and abroad.
IAU emphasizes practical and research-oriented education, supported by facilities like 10 teaching hospitals, extensive libraries, and over 500 scientific journals. With international branches in the U.A.E., UK, Lebanon, and Afghanistan, IAU fosters global collaboration, providing students with opportunities for cross-cultural learning and research, making it a leading choice for higher education in the region.
Programs: Engineering, medicine, business, computer science, humanities, law, social sciences, taught in Persian and English.
Admission to IAU varies by program and level. Since 2013, IAU has participated in Iran’s national Konkur exam, a highly competitive 4.5-hour multiple-choice test assessing knowledge in Persian, history, foreign languages, and mathematics, alongside its own entrance exam for some programs. For undergraduate programs, candidates typically need a high school diploma with a minimum GPA equivalent to 60% or higher. For medical programs, additional requirements may include specific science grades and health checks. Graduate programs require a relevant bachelor’s degree and may involve entrance exams or interviews.
Required documents include a valid passport (for international students), high school diploma and transcripts (translated into Persian), Konkur exam results (if applicable), a medical fitness certificate, and passport-size photographs. International students may also need to provide proof of language proficiency in Persian or English, depending on the program. IAU’s relatively open admission policy compared to public universities makes it accessible to a broader range of students.
Eligibility: High school diploma (60%+), Konkur exam or IAU entrance exam. Graduate: Relevant bachelor’s degree.
Documents: Passport, diploma, transcripts, Konkur results, medical certificate, photos.
IAU operates on a tuition-based model, as it does not rely on government funding, with fees varying by program, degree, and campus location. Estimated annual tuition for non-medical undergraduate programs like business or computer science is around $3,000 (approximately INR 2.49 lakhs at 1 USD = INR 83), totaling about INR 9.96 lakhs for a 4-year program. For medical programs, fees are higher, estimated at $5,000 per year (INR 4.15 lakhs), totaling INR 24.90 lakhs for a 6-year program. Living expenses in Tehran, including accommodation, food, and transport, range from $200–$300 per month (INR 16,600–24,900).
IAU provides on-campus housing options at many of its 367 campuses, with amenities like Wi-Fi, shared kitchens, and study areas, ensuring student comfort. The university also supports students through charitable donations, which help keep fees relatively affordable compared to private institutions in Western countries, making IAU an attractive option for both local and international students seeking quality education.
Non-medical: $3,000/year (~INR 9.96 lakhs for 4 years). Medical: $5,000/year (~INR 24.90 lakhs for 6 years).
Key Highlights
Facilities
Extensive Libraries
Over 360 branches with libraries serving 1.2 million users, offering vast academic resources.
Access to books, journals, and digital resources.
Teaching Hospitals
10 hospitals with 825 active beds for medical training and healthcare services.
Hands-on medical training and patient care.
Research Centers
Advanced facilities for research in engineering, medicine, and technology.
Support for cutting-edge research projects.
Sports Facilities
Modern sports complexes for physical activities and student recreation.
Promoting health and teamwork through sports.
Multicultural Community
Students from diverse backgrounds, fostering global perspectives.
Cultural exchange with international students.