Why Kashmiri Students Are Choosing Iran for Medical Education in 2025
Over the past few years, an increasing number of Indian students—especially from Jammu & Kashmir—have chosen Iran as their destination for medical education. With global competition for medical seats intensifying and education costs rising, Iran is emerging as an affordable and culturally aligned alternative.
But what’s really drawing Kashmiri students to Iran’s universities for MBBS? Here's a closer look at the key reasons behind this growing trend.
📚 1. Affordable Tuition and Living Costs
Medical education in Iran is significantly cheaper than in India’s private colleges or Western countries. Annual tuition fees at Iranian universities range from ₹2.5–₹4 lakh, while accommodation and living expenses are modest—making it a practical option for middle-income families.
🎓 2. Government-Recognized Universities
Several Iranian medical universities are recognized by the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and are eligible for Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) and National Exit Test (NEXT) in India. This recognition gives students a chance to practice medicine back home after qualifying.
🌍 3. Cultural and Religious Familiarity
Many students from Kashmir, a Muslim-majority region, feel culturally and religiously more aligned with Iranian society. Shared customs, food habits, dress codes, and the ease of finding halal food or religious events makes for a more comfortable living environment compared to other international destinations.
🗣 4. Language Accessibility
While Persian is the official language in Iran, several medical universities offer English-medium courses tailored for international students. In parallel, students often pick up basic Persian to aid communication during clinical training, giving them an added linguistic skill.
✈️ 5. Visa and Travel Convenience
Iran offers relatively easy student visa processes for Indian nationals. The diplomatic ties between India and Iran are stable, and there are direct or low-cost connecting flights from India to major Iranian cities like Tehran, Shiraz, and Mashhad.
🔍 6. Increasing Peer Influence and Word-of-Mouth
With more students returning from Iran with positive academic and cultural experiences, word-of-mouth has played a significant role. Families in regions like Kashmir trust recommendations from peers or relatives who’ve studied there.
✅ FAQ Section:
Q1: Is a medical degree from Iran valid in India?
A: Yes, provided the university is recognized by the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and students clear the FMGE or NEXT exam upon return.
Q2: Why are students from Kashmir specifically choosing Iran?
A: Cultural familiarity, affordable education, and community influence are the major factors attracting students from Kashmir.
Q3: Are medical courses in Iran taught in English?
A: Many Iranian universities offer MBBS programs in English for international students, especially in the first few years.
Q4: How does the cost of studying medicine in Iran compare to India?
A: It is significantly lower than Indian private medical colleges. Total tuition and living expenses for the entire course may range between ₹15–₹25 lakh.
Q5: What are the top medical universities in Iran for Indian students?
A: Popular institutions include Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.
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Reported by Benny on June 23, 2025.
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