Requirements for Undergraduate Degree Admission

Shahroud University of Medical Sciences (SHMU) welcomes prospective international undergraduate students dedicated to realizing their academic goals.

Before proceeding with the online application form, please ensure you meet the necessary qualifications and have all required documents ready. Admission requirements vary slightly depending on the program, but the following are standard for all undergraduate applicants.

General Eligibility

  • Previous Education: Applications are accepted from graduates of accredited high schools or colleges/universities. Only high school documents (diploma and transcripts) are considered for undergraduate applications, even if you hold a higher degree.

  • Age Requirement: Applicants must be over the age of 17 in the year of application.

  • Academic Preference: Applicants who have achieved higher marks in Biology, Chemistry (General, Inorganic, and Organic), and Physics in high school are given preference.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents (preferably in Persian or English; documents in any other language must be accompanied by a certified English translation):

  1. Academic Transcripts: A record of transcripts from the last attended institution. While there is no strict minimum GPA, competitive applicants typically have a GPA of 3.00 or above.

  2. Secondary School Diploma/Equivalent Certificate: A certified copy of your School Leaving Certificate from an accredited high school/senior secondary school, along with a certificate listing all subjects taken and the grades achieved. School reports must include all graded results obtained during your studies.

  3. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including personal information, educational background, and any relevant work experience.

  4. Cover Letter: Clearly stating the program you are applying for.

  5. Passport Copy: A high-quality scanned copy of the main page of your passport (PDF, JPEG, or PNG format).

  6. Passport Size Photo

Language Proficiency Requirements

Critical Notice: All core academic courses at SHMU are conducted entirely in the Persian language. Therefore, proficiency in Persian is mandatory for successful completion of the program.

  1. Persian Language Requirement (Mandatory)
    To fulfill this requirement, applicants must choose one of the following pathways:

  • Pathway A (Waiver): Pass the Persian Language Equivalency Exam administered by the Deputy of Education of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) with a satisfactory score prior to or upon arrival.

  • Pathway B (Preparatory Course): Enroll in and successfully complete the mandatory 400 USD Persian Language Preparatory Course offered during the first year of study.

Note: Successful completion of either Pathway A or B is required before students can proceed with their specialized curriculum coursework.

  1. English Language Requirement (For Administrative/Scientific Texts)
    While instruction is in Persian, English proficiency is required for specific scientific references and administrative procedures.

  • Minimum Scores: Evidence of English Proficiency via TOEFL or IELTS is required.

    • TOEFL PBT: 525

    • TOEFL iBT: 69

    • IELTS: 5.5

  • Waivers: Waivers may apply to applicants from native English-speaking countries, countries where English is the official language, or those educated full-time in English for the two most recent years (official certificate required).

Applicants who do not hold an English language proficiency certificate are required to take placement tests approved by the Deputy of Education of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME). Upon passing the test, they will receive a certificate of exemption. Otherwise, they must attend English language classes according to their determined level.

  • In cases where the applicant is already proficient in the Persian language — capable of speaking, reading, and writing in Persian — admission is possible. However, during the first two years of study, such applicants must provide an official English language proficiency certificate.

Clinical Program Requirement: Applicants admitted to programs involving direct interaction with patients (clinical programs) are required to attend Persian language courses and acquire the necessary competence in communication before starting their clinical rotations.

  • To ensure this competence, all such students must pass the Persian Language Proficiency Test approved by the Deputy of Education of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) prior to entering clinical training.

Academic Calendar and Accommodation

  • Academic Year: The academic year consists of two semesters (Fall starting in September, Winter starting in February) and a summer break.

  • Accommodation: SHMU provides single undergraduate students with fully furnished dormitory rooms or apartments, including Wi-Fi, utilities, and TV services.

Citizenship Note

Iranian citizens and applicants holding dual citizenship are not eligible for the SHMU International Education Program (IEP) and must apply through the National Entrance Examination (Konkur).