Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU)

Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU) consistently demonstrates its academic excellence through strong national and international rankings, solidifying its position as a leading medical university in Tehran. Nationally, SBMU is recognized among the top medical universities in Iran (e.g., ranked **2nd in Iran for Medicine** by EduRank 2025, and **8th overall nationally** by CWUR 2025). This high standing is a testament to its quality education, extensive research output, and vital healthcare services.

Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU) is a comprehensive medical institution offering a wide array of specialized programs across its numerous faculties. These faculties provide robust educational frameworks for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate studies, ensuring specialized training for future healthcare professionals. SBMU's academic structure is dedicated entirely to medical and health-related sciences, encompassing 12 schools and various specialized research institutes:

• School of Medicine: The foundational pillar of SBMU, offering the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program and various specialized medical fields, rigorously preparing future physicians for diverse healthcare challenges.
• School of Dentistry: Providing Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) programs and specialized dental fields, with a strong focus on oral health, advanced dental procedures, and clinical practice. (Notably ranked 1st nationally among dental schools by Scimago 2021).
• School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences: Specializing in Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) and related pharmaceutical research, covering drug discovery, development, patient care, and pharmaceutical technology.
• School of Nursing and Midwifery: Dedicated to training skilled nurses and midwives, offering comprehensive programs in nursing, midwifery, and public health nursing, emphasizing practical and compassionate care.
• School of Public Health and Safety: Covers essential public health disciplines, including epidemiology, environmental health, occupational health, health education, and health policy, crucial for community well-being.
• School of Rehabilitation Sciences: Offers programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, focusing on restoring function and improving quality of life.
• School of Allied Medical Sciences: Providing programs in laboratory sciences, radiology technology, anesthesia technology, and other vital paramedical fields that support clinical practice.
• School of Traditional Medicine: A unique and specialized school focusing on traditional Persian medicine, integrating ancient wisdom with modern scientific approaches to healthcare.
• School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine: Focuses on cutting-edge fields like medical biotechnology, bioinformatics, medical nanotechnology, and medical physics, pushing the boundaries of medical innovation.
• School of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology: Dedicated to nutritional sciences, food technology, and dietetics, addressing public health through food and nutrition.
• International Affairs Office: A dedicated office within SBMU providing comprehensive support and guidance for Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences international students, facilitating their academic journey and integration.

Applying to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU) requires fulfilling specific and rigorous academic and administrative criteria, particularly for highly competitive medical fields. IranEduCare offers comprehensive assistance to guide you through the SBMU admission requirements for foreigners, ensuring your application is meticulously prepared and submitted. Key requirements generally include:

• Academic Qualifications:Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic record from their secondary education (12 years of schooling), with a mandatory focus on science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. A minimum aggregate score (e.g., 50-70% or equivalent in PCB - Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in the qualifying examination is typically required. For Master's, PhD, and specialized programs, relevant Bachelor's or Master's degrees with competitive GPAs (e.g., a cumulative GPA of 14/20 for Master's, 16/20 for PhD from previous programs) from recognized institutions are essential. Official and authenticated transcripts and diplomas from all previous educational institutions are mandatory.
• Language Proficiency:While SBMU offers English medical programs, especially for MBBS and graduate studies, proficiency in Persian (Farsi) is **essential for fields involving patient interaction**, such as Medicine and Dentistry. For English-taught programs, some sources indicate IELTS/TOEFL may not be strictly required for all admissions, but demonstrating English proficiency is crucial (e.g., IELTS minimum 5.5-6.5, TOEFL iBT minimum 69-80). For Persian-taught programs, proof of Persian language fluency is absolutely necessary, often demonstrated by a SAMFA test certificate or completion of a preparatory language course offered by the university. IranEduCare can assist with Persian language training if needed.
• Required Documents:A valid passport (with at least six months of validity remaining) and a high-quality scan of its main pages, recent passport-sized photos (e.g., 3x4 cm, meeting Iranian dress code requirements), a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV), and a compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP) outlining your academic goals and reasons for choosing SBMU are typically required. Official academic credentials and transcripts must be certified and legalized by the Iranian Embassy or Consulate in the applicant's country. A medical certificate confirming the applicant is not infected with infectious diseases (e.g., HIV, Hepatitis B/C, Tuberculosis) and is not addicted to drugs is mandatory. For graduate programs, 2-3 Letters of Recommendation (LOR) from academic supervisors are also essential. A copy of your birth certificate may also be requested.
• Entrance Exam/Interview (Program Specific):While some English-medium programs may not require a general entrance exam, international applicants for highly competitive programs, especially in Medicine (MBBS), Dentistry (DDS), and Pharmacy (Pharm.D), may be required to pass a specific entrance examination or undergo an interview conducted by SBMU. For Indian students, qualifying the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is often a prerequisite. SBMU's admission process may include a placement test for English and Persian language skills. IranEduCare can provide guidance on these specific pathways and help with preparation.

Specific requirements can vary significantly by program, faculty, and level of study, and are subject to change. It is crucial to consult SBMU's official international admissions portal (e.g., en.sbmu.ac.ir/How-to-Apply-to-SBMU) or seek personalized guidance from IranEduCare for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding SBMU admission requirements for foreigners. Applications from individuals who have obtained their diplomas from Iran are generally ineligible for international admissions.

Student life at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU) for international students is thoughtfully structured to support both rigorous academic pursuits and holistic personal well-being. The university provides a comprehensive array of welfare facilities and fosters a dynamic campus environment, ensuring a comfortable, secure, and enriching experience for all its students.

• Dedicated Student Accommodation:SBMU offers well-equipped and secure dormitory complexes specifically for international students. These facilities include separate modern hostels for single male (e.g., 56 boys) and female (e.g., 60 girls) students, along with more than 16 studio apartments designed for married couples. All rooms and studios are furnished and come equipped with essential amenities such as heating, air conditioning, internet access, and kitchen appliances. Dormitories also feature communal spaces like prayer rooms, sports halls, computer sites, and libraries, fostering a strong sense of community and convenience for student life at SBMU.
• Comprehensive Food Services & Nutrition Support:SBMU ensures students have access to diverse and healthy meal options. Student restaurants located within SBMU schools and hospitals offer warm meals with daily choices. For dormitory residents, three meal choices are typically available for dinner. The food reservation system is intranet-based, utilizing e-cards for convenience. Additionally, nutrition consultations are offered by qualified dietitians, promoting healthy eating habits among students.
• Extensive Sports & Recreation Facilities:The university boasts impressive sports facilities designed to promote physical fitness and mental well-being. These include well-equipped sports halls and various outdoor fields, encouraging students to engage in diverse athletic activities. SBMU annually conducts sports competitions and actively encourages students to participate in various clubs, contributing to a healthy and active lifestyle beyond their demanding medical studies.
• Robust Health & Counseling Services:SBMU prioritizes student well-being through its on-campus health clinics, which provide essential medical services and immediate first aid. Crucially, all SBMU students (both Iranian and international) are automatically covered by medical insurance upon registration, providing peace of mind regarding healthcare access. Dedicated counseling services are also available to support students' mental health and well-being, ensuring a nurturing and supportive environment.
• Vibrant Student Organizations & Cultural Engagement:SBMU fosters a dynamic student community through a wide range of student organizations and clubs that cater to academic, cultural, and social interests. These groups organize various engaging events, workshops, and cultural festivals. The university also provides opportunities for cultural, religious, and recreational trips (both one-day excursions and multi-day trips within and outside Tehran), offering excellent platforms for networking, cross-cultural exchange, and enriching the overall student experience at SBMU. Transportation is also facilitated for commuting between dormitories and academic/clinical sites.

Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU) has proudly educated a distinguished roster of alumni who have gone on to achieve significant success and make profound contributions in various medical, health, and scientific fields, both nationally and internationally. Their achievements underscore the high quality of education and research fostered at SBMU, showcasing the university's widespread impact on healthcare and global medical science. These individuals have brought considerable recognition to their alma mater through their pioneering work and leadership.

• Dr. Seyed Hassan Hashemi: A highly respected ophthalmologist and former Minister of Health and Medical Education of Iran. He is widely recognized for his extensive efforts in healthcare reform and ophthalmic surgery, impacting public health policy and practice on a national scale.
• Dr. Reza Malekzadeh: A distinguished gastroenterologist and hepatologist, and former Deputy Minister of Health for Research and Technology. He is internationally known for his extensive research in digestive diseases, particularly gastrointestinal cancers and liver diseases, with numerous publications in prestigious global journals.
• Dr. Fereydoon Azizi: An influential endocrinologist and medical researcher, and former President of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. He is recognized for his extensive work on thyroid disorders and metabolic diseases, and his leadership in medical education and research institutes.
• Dr. Alireza Zali: A renowned neurosurgeon and academic, currently serving as the Head of the National Coronavirus Headquarters in Tehran. He is highly regarded for his leadership in public health crises and his contributions to neurological surgery and medical management.
• Dr. Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi: A prominent Iranian surgeon and academic, and former President of the Iranian Medical Council. He is known for his significant contributions to medical ethics, public health policy, and his leadership within the medical professional community in Iran.

Applying to a highly competitive and specialized medical university like Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU) demands meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of medical admission protocols. IranEduCare offers specialized, personalized support designed to streamline your application to SBMU and ensure a confident start to your medical career in Tehran.

• Expert Medical Program & Faculty Matching:Given SBMU's diverse range of medical, dental, pharmacy, and health sciences programs, we provide tailored guidance to help you identify the most suitable academic path. We ensure your chosen program aligns perfectly with your academic background, career aspirations, and SBMU admission requirements for foreigners, particularly for demanding medical fields.
• Precision in Medical Document Preparation & Verification:SBMU's admission process requires highly specific documentation, including authenticated academic transcripts, medical fitness certificates, and detailed Statements of Purpose. Our experts meticulously guide you through preparing, translating, and authenticating all necessary paperwork, ensuring every detail meets SBMU's rigorous medical standards and is submitted correctly, minimizing any potential delays in your application.
• Navigating Language & Entrance Exam Requirements:Whether you're targeting English medical programs at SBMU or programs requiring Persian proficiency for patient interaction, we provide precise advice on language requirements (IELTS/TOEFL or Farsi fluency). We also offer guidance on potential entrance exams or interviews specific to competitive medical, dentistry, or pharmacy programs, and can connect you with preparatory resources if needed.
• Holistic Relocation & Clinical Integration Assistance:Beyond admission, IranEduCare offers comprehensive support for your relocation to Tehran. This includes guiding you through the Iran student visa process, helping secure suitable student accommodation (including exploring SBMU dormitory options or private rentals near clinical sites), and providing orientation on clinical training environments and local healthcare practices, ensuring a comfortable and confident start to your student life at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences.