It's not just MBBS; Indians also go to Iran for this course, and the renowned college there is no less prestigious than the IITs..

(Study in Iran) The beginning of 2026 has brought mixed news for Indian students dreaming of higher education in Iran. Due to affordable fees and world-class medical and technical education, Iran remains a major ‘education hub’ for Indian students, especially Kashmiri youth. However, the widespread protests and economic instability currently ongoing in several Iranian cities have raised questions about the safety of the approximately 3,000 Indian students residing there (Iran Protests 2026).

Iran's educational infrastructure is very strong. Universities like Tehran and Sharif rank highly in global rankings. But the ground reality in January 2026 is somewhat different. News of internet blackouts and clashes between security forces and protesters has forced the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to issue a travel advisory. Learn about the best courses and colleges for Indians in Iran and what precautions students should take when deciding to stay or travel there in the current challenging environment.

Iran 2026: Top Courses and Colleges
The most popular options for Indian students in Iran are MBBS, BDS, and Pharmacy.

For Medical Studies: Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) and Shiraz University of Medical Sciences are top choices. Their degrees are recognized by India's NMC and the WHO.

For Engineering: Sharif University of Technology is considered Iran's 'IIT', offering excellent courses in AI and Robotics.
Persian Language: For history and literature enthusiasts, the Dehkhoda Institute at Tehran University is world-renowned.

What are the challenges amidst the unrest in Iran?

Since the beginning of 2026, protests against inflation have been ongoing in Iran. The main challenges for Indian students are:
Communication Gap: Due to internet shutdowns, students are unable to contact their families. Economic Pressure: Due to the falling value of the Iranian currency (rial), the cost of hostels and food has increased dramatically.

Security Risks: The embassy has advised students living in areas experiencing violent protests to remain vigilant.

Role of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has issued clear guidelines stating that "non-essential travel" to Iran should be avoided at this time. The Indian Embassy in Tehran has opened a special registration portal for Indian students residing there. The embassy is in constant contact with university administrations to ensure that Indian students continue to receive food and other basic amenities.

Is it advisable to study in Iran right now?
Experts suggest that students who wish to apply to an Iranian university for the 2026 session should monitor the situation for a few months. While courses at most Iranian institutions are very affordable (medical degrees for ₹15-20 lakhs), safety and a stable academic environment should be your top priority.

Understanding the Balance Between Career and Safety
If you are currently in Iran for studies or other reasons, stay within the campus premises and do not participate in any protests. Students planning to travel from India to Iran at this time are advised to prepare for their studies in a bilingual mode. It's important to know that learning Persian is mandatory for clinical practice there.

Studies are being conducted through online classes
Students enrolled in various medical universities in Iran are primarily dependent on local hostels and infrastructure. Many universities have suspended in-person classes due to security concerns. The All India Medical Students' Association (AIMSA) has appealed to the Indian government to issue special helpline numbers for students and to have an evacuation plan ready if the situation deteriorates further.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran is sending regular updates to Delhi. The embassy has advised students to follow local media and official websites for information.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.