The Best Universities in Mashhad

Mashhad is located in Khorasan Razavi Province in northeastern Iran, approximately 1,000 kilometers from Tehran. As Iran’s fourth most populous city after Tehran, Isfahan, and Tabriz, Mashhad holds great significance as both a religious and tourism hub. The holy city is renowned for the shrine of Imam Reza (AS), attracting millions of pilgrims annually from across Iran and around the world, solidifying its status as the religious capital of Iran. Following this brief overview, we will introduce Mashhad’s top universities.

Types of Universities in Mashhad

Khorasan Razavi Province is home to diverse higher education institutions:

State Universities

Islamic Azad Universities

Medical Sciences Universities

Non-Profit Institutions

Payame Noor Universities

Agricultural Research Organizations

Technical and Vocational Universities

The province boasts around 1,000 faculty members and hosts 160,000 students pursuing higher education.

Universities of Mashhad in Terms of Academic Ranking

A total of 76 universities and academic institutions have been established in Khorasan Province. The universities of Mashhad hold accreditation for 107 specialized scientific journals and have published 1,701 issues so far. The academic centers and universities in Khorasan Razavi Province have published 113,042 scientific articles, including 11,330 journal articles, 52,148 domestic research papers, and 11,330 international articles. Additionally, the province has hosted 260 specialized scientific exhibitions and 27 academic lectures. In 2018, the number of students enrolled in universities across Khorasan Razavi Province was 507,159, with 9,723 faculty members and professors.

Ferdowsi University of Mashhad : Full Guide to Amenities & Advantages Honest Review

The Best Universities in Mashhad

As you may know, every city has several highly prestigious universities that enhance its reputation and attract students from across the country. Among the universities in Mashhad, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad stands out as one of the most reputable institutions and is recognized as the top university in Iran for certain fields of study. Mashhad University of Medical Sciences is also ranked among the best universities in the city. Another notable institution is Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch, which is considered one of the most distinguished branches of Azad University nationwide.

Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

Ferdowsi University of Mashhad is the third-oldest university in Iran and one of the country’s most prestigious academic institutions. The campus is renowned for its vast, lush greenery, earning it the title of “Green University” for over a decade. This year marks the 70th anniversary of its founding. Notably, Ferdowsi University ranks among the most modern and advanced universities in Mashhad.

According to the Shanghai Global Ranking, the university climbed 200 places this year, securing a position in the 601–700 range. Additionally, its website ranks 961st globally in the Webometrics ranking system. If you’re curious about the programs offered, you can find full details on the university’s official website.

Mashhad University of Medical Sciences

This university is one of Iran’s top medical institutions under the Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education and is a key part of Mashhad’s academic landscape. Established in 1946, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences comprises:

7 vice-chancellorships

7 faculties

18 healthcare networks

28 hospitals

16 research centers

Currently, 1,300 students are enrolled, and 911 faculty members are engaged in teaching and research. The university has published 5,635 scientific papers in domestic journals and conferences and holds publishing rights for 29 specialized journals. It has also hosted 38 conferences.

A remarkable 18,707 internationally recognized articles have been published by this institution. In 2019, the most frequently used keywords in researchers’ papers were “pregnancy” and “women.” Admission to this university is highly competitive due to its limited enrollment capacity.

Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch

Among the earliest branches of Islamic Azad University, the Mashhad campus was established in December 1982 and began operations in September 1983 with 167 students across three disciplines. Today, it holds the third rank among Azad University’s top branches and has been a comprehensive university since 2000. It is also a member of the International Association of Universities in the Islamic World.

With 31,000 current students and over 119,000 alumni, it is the largest university in eastern Iran. The university offers:

121 undergraduate programs

16 associate degrees

148 master’s programs

6 professional and specialized doctoral programs
…spanning 345 fields of study.

More than 70% of its staff hold at least a bachelor’s degree, and the total administrative workforce is 620 employees. For the university’s address, visit its official website.

List of Universities in Mashhad

In line with the policies of the Islamic Revolution, higher education opportunities have been made available to all citizens across every city and town. Numerous universities have been established in most provincial cities to achieve this goal. It can be said that at least one state university, Azad University, Payame Noor University, non-profit institutions, and technical-vocational universities have been founded in each city to provide educational opportunities for local residents. Thanks to the Islamic Republic Revolution, most family members now have the opportunity to pursue higher education in various ways.

This opportunity is also available for residents of Khorasan Razavi Province. Below we present the list of non-profit, state, Azad, Payame Noor, and technical-vocational universities:

List of Non-Profit Universities in Mashhad

Non-profit universities are tuition-based institutions where students are required to pay tuition fees for their courses. These universities admit qualified students through three methods:

Admission through the national university entrance exam (Konkoor), where eligible candidates can choose their field of study based on their ranking.

Entrance without exam for the September semester.

Entrance without exam for the February semester.

Among tuition-based universities, non-profit institutions charge lower fees compared to others, making them attractive to many applicants. Since non-profit universities operate under the supervision of the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, their degrees hold the same validity as those from other universities.

List of Non-Profit Universities in Mashhad:

Vahdat Non-Profit Higher Education Institute

Sanabad Non-Profit Higher Education Institute

Ebne Yamin Non-Profit Higher Education Institute

Shandiz Non-Profit Higher Education Institute

Atrak Non-Profit Higher Education Institute

Hakim Nezami Non-Profit Higher Education Institute

Jihad Daneshgahi Kashmar Non-Profit Higher Education Institute

Pars Razavi Non-Profit Higher Education Institute

Arman Razavi Non-Profit Higher Education Institute (Women-only)

Asrar Non-Profit Higher Education Institute

Kavian Non-Profit Higher Education Institute

Eghbal Lahori Non-Profit Higher Education Institute

Bahar Non-Profit Higher Education Institute

Binalood Non-Profit Higher Education Institute

Tabaran Non-Profit Higher Education Institute

Toos Non-Profit Higher Education Institute

Hekmat Razavi Non-Profit Higher Education Institute

Hakim Toos Non-Profit Higher Education Institute (Women-only)

Khavaran Non-Profit Higher Education Institute

Khorasan Non-Profit Higher Education Institute

Khordgaraane Motahar Non-Profit Higher Education Institute

Salman Non-Profit Higher Education Institute

Attar Non-Profit Higher Education Institute

Ferdows Non-Profit Higher Education Institute

List of State Universities in Mashhad

State universities in Iran enjoy high prestige, and all students strive to gain admission to their desired programs at these institutions. Faculty members at state universities are at the forefront of national research and are better equipped to guide students in their academic pursuits. Even top universities in Tehran recruit professors who have completed graduate studies abroad.

State Universities in Mashhad:

Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

Razavi University of Islamic Sciences

List of Islamic Azad University Branches in Mashhad

Islamic Azad University is recognized as Iran’s largest educational institution and ranks as the sixth-largest university globally by student population. It has secured positions among Iran’s top universities in prestigious international rankings, with several branches – including Tehran Science and Research, Khorasgan Isfahan, Tabriz, and Mashhad – being featured in global ranking systems, bringing honor to the nation. Mashhad’s universities maintain strong academic standing nationally, and while the province has fewer Azad University branches, they have achieved commendable academic performance.

Islamic Azad University Branches in Mashhad:

Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch

Faculty of Basic Sciences, Mashhad Azad University

List of Payame Noor Universities in Mashhad

Payame Noor University operates on a unique educational system based on standardized content and nationwide synchronized examinations. Students in Mashhad study independently using provided resources, participate in group review sessions with professors, and then take coordinated exams across all Payame Noor centers nationwide. Admissions occur through both the national entrance exam and continuing education programs, with policies supporting semi-attendance and electronic learning formats to expand educational access.

Payame Noor Universities in Mashhad:

Payame Noor University, Sarvelayat Branch

Payame Noor University, Mashhad Branch

List of Technical and Vocational Universities in Mashhad

Technical and Vocational Universities focus on enhancing professional skills in industrial and technical fields. Many students across various programs have demonstrated remarkable innovation and creativity through these institutions.

Technical and Vocational Universities in Mashhad:

Jihad Daneshgahi Technical University of Mashhad

Mashhad Heritage Technical University

Agricultural Jihad Technical University of Mashhad

Khorasan Razavi Telecommunications Technical University

Aviation Techniques and Services Technical University of Mashhad

Khorasan Razavi Judiciary Technical University

Khorasan Razavi Police Technical University

Mashhad Journalists Technical University

Bank Mellat Technical University of Mashhad

Industrial Management Technical University

Art and Culture Technical University of Mashhad – Unit 1

Art and Culture Technical University of Mashhad – Unit 2

Khorasan Razavi Water and Power Industry Technical University

Mashhad Taxation Technical University

Mashhad Workers’ House Technical University

Pardisan Hotel Management and Tourism Technical University

Khorasan Razavi Cooperatives Technical University

Khorasan Razavi Red Crescent Technical University

Hossein Technical University

Hajj and Pilgrimage Technical University of Khorasan Razavi

Faraz Sanat Aria Technical University

Khabar Technical University of Mashhad

Mashhad Industrial Estates Company Technical University

Khorasan Razavi Post Technical University

Part Lastic Factory Group Technical University

Khorasan Razavi Water and Power Industry Technical University

Khorasan Razavi Mines and Industries Technical University

FAQs About Mashhad Universities

1. What are the top universities in Mashhad?
Top universities include:

Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (state)

Mashhad University of Medical Sciences

Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch

Razavi University of Islamic Sciences

2. How many universities are there in Mashhad?
There are over 70 universities and higher education institutions, including state, Azad, medical, non-profit, and technical-vocational universities.

3. Is Ferdowsi University of Mashhad public or private?
It is a public (state) university and one of Iran’s most prestigious institutions.

4. What is the largest university in Mashhad?
Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch, with over 31,000 students.

5. Are degrees from non-profit universities in Mashhad recognized?
Yes, they are accredited by Iran’s Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology, making them valid like other universities.

6. Can international students study in Mashhad?
Yes, many universities (e.g., Ferdowsi, Medical Sciences) accept international students, especially in medical and religious studies.

7. What are the admission requirements?
For state universities: National entrance exam (Konkoor)

For Azad/non-profit: Exam-based or direct enrollment (depending on the program)

8. Which university is best for medical studies?
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences is the top choice, with 28 hospitals and 16 research centers.

9. Are there English-taught programs?
Some universities (e.g., Ferdowsi, International Branch) offer English programs in fields like medicine and engineering.

10. What is unique about Payame Noor University?
It follows a semi-distance learning model with nationwide standardized exams.