International Applicants
Guide to applying to TUOMS
Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, TUOMS, considers you an international applicant if you are neither an Iran citizen nor an Iran permanent resident and intend to study at TUOMS. Now that as an international applicant you are taking the next step in your educational journey, we're happy you're choosing to join our academic community.
Here you'll find information on when and how to apply for TUOMS educational programs and degrees, understand your fees, and learn about facilities and services, which TUOMS offers for its international students. Also you will find entry eligibility requirements and documents needed for application process.
International Relations Office (IRO) of TUOMS is the first contact point by phone or email for you as an international applicant. This office is committed to observe all the standards and complete all the assigned procedures in the due time. Hence, there is no need for such follow-up measurements as making phone calls, sending duplicate and periodic emails (spamming), in-person reference, etc.
 
Eligible Applicants & Entry Eligibility Requirements
To apply for TUOMS you need to meet the entry eligibility requirements. As one of the below applicants you can apply to TUOMS:  

 1- International Freshmen
 You are considered a freshman applicant if you have completed your secondary education and have not enrolled at any college or university. To be eligible to apply, you need to:
• Be non-Iranian citizen and not be Iran's permanent resident
• Graduate from high school or secondary school or equivalent
• Be able to verify fluency in the English and Persian language
• Have Students Affairs Organization Portal's, SAORG, user account and tracing code

 2- International Graduates
You are considered a graduate if you have successfully completed a first degree at a university or college. To be eligible to apply, you need to:
• Be non-Iranian citizen and not be Iran's permanent resident
• Graduate from university or complete your requirements in a post-secondary institution
• Be able to verify fluency in the English and Persian language
• Have Students Affairs Organization Portal's, SAORG, user account and tracing code

 3- International Transfer Applicants
 An international transfer applicant is an international student who has started academic studies at a medical university in Iran and has earned some credits through completion of coursework but, for whatever reason, wants to continue and finish academic studies at TUOMS. All the requirements needed for international freshmen and graduates apply to international transfer applicants as well.
Dates & Deadlines
Each academic year TUOMS has two commencing intakes, therefore there is two application deadlines. We can not extend or waive application deadlines for any reason, including technical issues experienced by individual applicants. Applicants who miss a deadline may apply for the next admission term available.
 
1- Application Deadline Dates for Fall Semester Admission
The fall semester begins from late September, 2022 and runs through the beginning of January, 2023.

2- Application Deadline Dates for Winter Semester Admission
The winter semester runs from late-January, 2023 through May.
 

 

 
Educational Programs
Understanding TUOMS educational programs for international applicants can help you make an informed decision for your academic journey. In this article we define programs, degrees and majors offered by TUOMS. Here we offer you undergraduate and postgraduate programs each leading to various academic and professional degrees. Obtaining degrees requires you to select the major or area of study. In order to master the major you selected you need to pass several courses. Moreover TUOMS offers non-degree programs leading to certificate.
 
1- Undergraduate Programs:
The first type of educational program a student, who has been graduated from high school, completes at TUOMS is generally referred to as an undergraduate program.
An undergraduate program offers general knowledge and will lead to academic degrees such as bachelor degrees and professional degrees such as MD, DDS, and PharmD.
An academic degree concentrates on a major that prepares you for research-oriented work. A professional degree prepares graduates to work in a specific field, such as medicine, dentistry or pharmacy.
Bachelor's Degree: Is an undergraduate program that usually takes 4 years to complete. Earning bachelor's degree requires you choose a major area of study. Bachelor's degree has different types. Bachelor's degree offered by TUOMS is Bachelor of Science, BSc.
Doctor of Medicine, MD: A Doctor of Medicine is an undergraduate program at TUOMS and is awarded to those who want to pursue a career in medicine. It takes 7 years to complete.
Doctor of Dental Surgery, DDS: DDS is a six-year undergraduate program which consists of a competency-based educational plan with emphasis on prevention caring, so that graduate students, besides sufficient and comprehensive knowledge in up-to-date dentistry sciences, have the skills for visiting patients and treating different kinds of oral and dental diseases.
Doctor of Pharmacy, PharmD: PharmD is a six-year undergraduate and professional program that prepares individuals for a variety of areas within the pharmacy profession.
   
2- Postgraduate Programs:
It refers to the time students spend pursuing another, higher degree after completing a bachelor’s degree. It means postgraduate program is usually undertaken after completing an undergraduate degree. Postgraduate program needs doing independent research and present a thesis as a requirement for graduation. It leads to master's and doctoral degrees .
Master's Degree: Is a postgraduate program that usually takes 2.5 years to complete. Frequently, the degree follows after individuals complete a bachelor’s degree program. Generally, a master's degree program may help in the development of key skills like: project management, data analysis, critical thinking and problem solving. Master’s degree offered by TUOMS is Master of Science, MSc.
Doctoral Degree: Doctoral degrees are considered terminal degrees. There are 2 different types of doctorates: Doctor of philosophy, PhD degrees and professional or clinical doctorate. PhD degrees or research doctorates are designed to prepare individuals for research careers and teach them how to discover new knowledge within their academic discipline. Professional or clinical doctorate is designed to give individuals practical skills. Doctoral degree offered by TUOMS is Doctor of Philosophy, PhD. It is offered in different majors.
   
3- Non-degree Programs: non degree programs are designed to sharpen and develop in-demand and applied professional skills and to advance academic and career development. They are for personal development and enrichment. After completion of the program the participants will be awarded a certificate and no degree is obtained.
 
Explore TUOMS non-degree programs offered for international applicants
Student Support Services
To provide a safe and convenient environment, TUOMS provides a range of services for its international students. 
 
1. On–campus Housing
Living in university dormitory or TUOMS residence halls gives our international students security and peace of mind.
 Single international students are required to live in campus. Please kindly be informed that accommodation of single students in any residential house not affiliated to TUOMS is prohibited by Iranian law and all single international students must stay in dormitories belonging to the University.
In the case of married students currently TUOMS cannot provide housing for other family members (wife/husband/children, etc.) but if they wish to be accommodated in the dormitory of single students, the university can help them get a room. Also, if married students want to have their family members accommodated in the city, they might refer to the Immigration and Passport Office and complete the process to obtain the needed permissions. Afterward, they can rent a flat outside the university.
 
2. On–campus Dining
 With dining halls, schools’ cafeterias, shared kitchens (‘gyp rooms’) and meal plans, TUOMS provides convenient access to daily meals for all students. 
Students living on campus are provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner on weekdays. Breakfast and dinner meals are pre-packaged, while lunch is served at dining halls.
Schools’ cafeterias are good sources of snacks and drinks throughout the day.
There are shared kitchens ('gyp rooms') available in most residence halls usually equipped with cooking facilities. These rooms enable you to cook for yourselves.

3. Health Services
Health and happiness of student community is one of TUOMS priorities. To respond to your health and wellness needs, we provide you with medical and mental health services.
For any health related matters students can refer to clinics, health centers and hospitals affiliated to TUOMS.
University life brings challenges such as adjusting to a new environment and the general stress of student life. Sometimes it can be difficult to reach out to family and friends or deal with things by ourselves, in these times our student counselling and psychological services office will assist you to face and overcome the problems.
   
4. Health Insurance / Medical & Personal Accident Insurance
TUOMS requires that all its international students carry adequate insurance coverage to provide protection against unexpected accidents and illnesses.
TUOMS student insurance plan is an annually plan and students will purchase the plan at their own expense.
 
Our Student Services Office can provide detailed information about services provided to support students. 
 
Costs & Payments
Costs & Payments
There are many costs to consider when a student goes to college or university both direct and indirect. Here you will find out what fees you're required to pay. Please be aware that all fees are subject to annual reviews and they may differ from year to year. Note, the fees outlined apply to academic year, 2022- 2023. Check back later in the year to view our updated fees for future academic year. 

1- Tuition fees
All international students will pay tuition fees based on the degree they've chosen. The fees vary between degrees and the year in which you study. Tuition fee costs are subject to change and are determined each year and updated figures will be published on this page each academic year.
 You can find the tuition fees (USD) for academic year 2022- 2023 in the table below.
 



2- Insurance Fees
TUOMS requires that all registered international students carry adequate insurance coverage. To meet this requirement you will pay the insurance fees once and annually. You can find the monthly insurance fees (IRR) for academic year 2022- 2023 in the table below.



3- Accommodation Fees
TUOMS provides double rooms (meaning two beds in one room) for its international students. In a double room you have one roommate.
The accommodation fee is paid once for a one academic year.


 

4- Meal Costs
All students are required to pay for student meal plan. Payment for all meals is made by way of your university student card. To pay for your meals, you just swipe your student card for each meal. You can find the meal costs
(IRR) for academic year 2022- 2023 in the table below.
Meal Breakfast
(weekly) 		Lunch
 (daily) 		Dinner
(daily)
Cost 4$ 2$ 2$


 
 
Language Proficiency Requirements
Persian is the primary language of instruction for all programs. However proficiency in English language skills especially speaking and writing is required.
 
1- English Language Proficiency, (ELP)
 All international applicants must be proficient in English prior to applying and admission. Ways of satisfying English Language Proficiency Requirement include:
- IELTS minimum total score of 5.5 for undergraduate applicants and 6 for graduate applicants
- TOEFL iBT minimum total score of 69
- TOEFL PBT minimum total score of 525
Note, if the applicants do not meet the ELP requirements they will be required a satisfactory score on English language exams approved by Iran's ministry of health and medical education. Otherwise they will be required to take English courses. 
 
2- Persian Language Proficiency, (PLP)
The applicants intending to study disciplines requiring interaction with patients (such as MD and DDS), need to have adequate Persian language proficiency. They are required to obtain Persian language skills proficiencies prior to internship / apprenticeship.
To demonstrate PLP, international students are required to complete SAMFA exam. SAMFA is the test of Persian language skills standards approved by Iran’s ministry of health and medical education.
 
Application Documents
As you check your eligibility and prepare your application, familiarize yourself with the documents needed for application process. Your application will not be processed until all below required documents are received.
 
1- Application Form
 Complete and submit TUOMS application form.
 
2- High School / Academic Final Transcripts and Final Degree Certificate
A transcript is a detailed record of your marks or grades that has been generated by your secondary education institute (high school) or your post-secondary education institute (your former university). On the whole a transcript is documentation of a student's permanent academic record, which usually means all courses taken, all grades received, all honors received, and degrees conferred to a student. The transcript must contain:
• Your identification
• The identification of the registrar institute
• Titles of courses and examinations
• Titles of courses and examinations you completed
• Grades (marks) you received
• Credit, hours, or units earned
• Degree you received
• The date that the degree was conferred
• Stamp or seal of registrar institute
 
Degree certificate is printed on official paper and certifies major, conferred degree, conferral date and enrollment status and bears the signature, seal of the registrar. If you are an undergraduate applicant, you will need to supply transcripts for your final secondary studies. Transcripts must show all subjects attempted and your grades. If you have previously studied at university you will need to supply academic transcripts. A scanned version of transcript and degree certificate, in accordance with the requirements below is required.
• Format: JPG
• Size: less than 100 KB
Note: The documents must be scanned in its entirety and be legible. Ensure that no information is cut off during scanning.
 
3- Valid Passport
As the first step check expiration date of your passport and make sure your passport is valid. This means that your passport must continue to be valid for at least 6 months after the start of a semester. If necessary renew your passport.
 
A scanned version of the bio-date page of your passport is required. The bio-date page of the passport records basic information about the passport: its bearer's surname, given names, date and place of birth, issuing authority, place of issue, passport number, and the dates the passport was issued and will expire. It will also show the photo, along with the machine readable zone at the bottom.
 
The scanned version of the bio-date page of your passport should be in accordance with the requirements below:  
• Format: JPG
• Size: less than 100 KB
• Dimension: 600 x 750 pixels wide and tall
 
Note, The digital version of the bio-date page must be scanned in its entirety and be legible. Ensure that no information is cut off during scanning.

4- Photo
You will be required to provide digital photograph. The digital photograph you provide must be in accordance with the requirements below: 
• Format: JPG
• Size: less than 100 KB
• Dimension: 400 x 600 pixels wide and tall
      
5- Language Proficiency Test Certificate
In order to verify your language proficiency we require JPG format of certificate for one of the bellows:
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) (Academic)
• TOEFL iBT (Test Of English As A Foreign Language- Internet Based Test)
• TOEFL PBT(Test Of English As A Foreign Language- Paper Based Test)

Note, you will need to scan the documents into JPG or JPEG format. The University will refuse any screenshots, photographs, or prints of the documents. You are responsible for converting your application documents from whichever format into JPG or JPEG format.
 
 
Applying Steps
Applying process can seem overwhelming, but we're here to guide you through the application process. Follow this step-by-step guide on how to apply to TUOMS as an international applicant.

1- Explore TUOMS and Make Your Decision
Exploring and familiarizing yourself with the services provided by TUOMS can help you make an informed decision for applying. To find out details visit Facilities page.
 
2- Make Sure You Are Eligible for Applying
Make sure you will meet the eligibility requirements including your residential status, graduation status, your GPA, language proficiency and your SAORG portal status. For more details you can visit Eligible Applicants & Entry Eligibility Requirements.
  
3- Decide What to Study
TUOMS offers its undergraduate, graduate degrees and certificate programs in various academic majors and with certain enrollment capacity. The offered majors and enrollment capacity are subject to changes in each academic year and semesters. Considering offered degrees, enrollment capacity and course requirements, select your degree and major to start your academic journey.
 For the offered majors of each academic year you can visit TUOMS Educational Programs Page.
  
4- Know Your Deadlines
There are important deadlines you should know throughout the application process. TUOMS academic year is divided into two terms so there are two deadline dates for application submission. These dates are determined every academic year and published on Dates & Deadline webpage. Before applying, or even deciding what you want to study consider the deadline dates. We encourage you to start applying as early as possible. Starting early will help to ease any stress that might arise later in the process.

5- Prepare Application Documents
Prepare the required application documents in advance so that you have everything on hand when you need them. As part of your application you will need to provide scanned colored file of original documents and your photo in required format, size and dimensions. Ensure that scanned files are legible and no   information is cut off during scanning. For application documents format see Application Documents page.
 
6- Create an Account for SAORG Portal
All international applicants are required to create an account for Students Affairs Organization Portal and get a 5 digit tracing code. Once you have submitted your application, you can monitor the status of your application through SAORG.
 
7- Fill out Application Form and Submit Your Application
 Complete the digital form using keyboard NOT pen and then email the application form and relevant documents to iro@tbzmed.ac.ir
In order to ensure quick and efficient processing of your application, you are required to keep your email subject line clear and professional and to name all documents sent to our email. To keep your email subject line clear and professional it should include “Apply” term, your first and last name as written in your passport, your preferred degree and major as an below example.
Example: Subject: Apply, Mohammad Abbas Jabbar, MSc. Biotechnology
 
To name the application documents apply the following file naming conventions:
General Example: Your First name - Last name - Document type - .jpg.
Specific Example: Mohammad-Jabbar-passport.jpg.
By naming your files according to the above specifications, we can better serve you and the rest of applicant community. For more information you can visit Application Documents page.
 
Note, all the correspondence including admission decision outcomes and visa notes will be done through the email address which your application has been sent from.
After You’ve Applied
You’ve submitted your application! Now consider the followings:
 
1- You Will Receive a Confirmation Email
After you have submitted your application you will receive a confirmation email within two business days indicating that the application has met the set requirements or not. If your application meet the set requirements it will be processed, otherwise we will comment on your application.

2- You Can Monitor the Progress of Your Application
You can track the status of your application by logging to SAORG portal. It is recommended that applicants check their application status on a regular basis as there may be updates or comments as part of the dossier review.
 
3- You Will Receive Admission Decisions
There are 2 possible outcomes: admit or reject.
  • In each applicant cohort, a first round of offers is made to the number of applicants that corresponds exactly to the available number of places for that cohort. TUOMS does not 'over-offer' for the designated number of available places in its programs. For example, if there are 20 available places for the MD degree the top 20 applicants will receive offers of admission. If you are accepted, the University will email you directly with an offer.
 
  • If you have not met the set requirements you will receive an official notice of rejection.   
Note, the admission decisions release up to 3 weeks after application deadlines.
 
4- You Will Receive Your Student Visa Note
In order to register as an international student, TUOMS requires that all newly admitted international applicants obtain student visa for their stay in Iran. To do so we will send you a Student Visa Note. You will take the issued visa note to Iran’s embassy or consulate and obtain your student visa.
Note, all the correspondence including conformation email, admission decision outcomes and visa notes will be done through the email address which your application has been sent from.