Tarbiat Modares University
A well-established university providing quality higher education. Offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with dedicated faculty and supportive learning environment.
- Acceptance Rate
- 74.3%
- SAT Range
- 950–1150
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.1
- Size
- Large (34,737 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:16
- Setting
- rural
- Graduation Rate
- 81.0%
- Retention Rate
- 79.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $2,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $5,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Life at Tarbiat Modares University centers on the research laboratory rather than the traditional undergraduate social scene found at many universities. As an exclusively graduate institution, TMU's campus culture reflects the focused, professional atmosphere of advanced academic work. Students typically spend long hours in labs, libraries, and departmental offices, often working alongside faculty members on projects that may take years to complete. The camaraderie that develops in these settings creates tight-knit communities within each department, with students forming bonds over shared research challenges and late-night experiments. The main campus in Tehran provides standard amenities including dormitory housing for students from outside the city, dining facilities serving traditional Iranian cuisine, and recreational areas for breaks between research sessions. The university mosque serves as a gathering place for many students, while cultural events including poetry readings, academic lectures, and art exhibitions provide intellectual entertainment beyond the laboratory. Athletic facilities include sports fields and gymnasium access, though participation rates tend to be lower than at undergraduate-focused institutions. Graduate student associations in each faculty organize regular seminars where students present their ongoing research to peers, creating informal networks that often lead to collaborative projects. The international student community, though smaller than at some universities, has grown steadily and includes students from neighboring countries as well as Africa and Southeast Asia. These international connections add cultural richness to campus discussions and open doors for research collaborations that extend beyond Iranian borders.
Location & Surroundings
Tehran, Iran's capital and largest city with over 8 million residents, provides Tarbiat Modares University with access to the nation's political, economic, and cultural center. The city sprawls across the southern slopes of the Alborz mountain range, offering views of snow-capped peaks during winter months and cool mountain breezes that provide relief from summer heat. Tehran's elevation of approximately 1,200 meters above sea level gives it a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons, ranging from hot summers to cold winters with occasional snowfall. The university's location connects students to Iran's most important research institutions, government ministries, and industrial headquarters. Many students pursue internships or consultancies with organizations in the city while completing their degrees, gaining practical experience that complements their academic training. Tehran's extensive metro system and bus network make commuting across the sprawling city manageable, though traffic congestion remains a daily reality for those traveling by car. The cost of living in Tehran runs higher than other Iranian cities, though graduate stipends and research assistantships help offset expenses for funded students. Beyond academics, Tehran offers cultural attractions ranging from ancient bazaars to modern art galleries, traditional Persian architecture alongside contemporary urban development, and a restaurant scene that spans regional cuisines from across Iran and international offerings from Turkish to East Asian. The city's bookshops, cafes, and cultural centers provide spaces for intellectual discussion outside the university, while nearby mountains offer hiking and skiing opportunities for students seeking outdoor recreation.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Choosing Tarbiat Modares University makes sense for students committed to academic careers in Iran or the broader Persian-speaking world. The university's network of alumni holds faculty positions at virtually every major university in the country, creating pathways for graduates who aspire to academic appointments. This network effect means that TMU graduates receive preferential consideration for teaching positions, particularly at regional universities looking to strengthen their research profiles. For international students from South and Central Asia, a TMU degree provides credentials recognized across the region and access to a research tradition that blends international standards with regional expertise. The research infrastructure at TMU surpasses what most Iranian universities can offer. Laboratory equipment, library resources, and computing facilities receive substantial government investment, reflecting the university's role as a national priority institution. Students gain hands-on experience with advanced research tools that prepare them for careers at research universities, government laboratories, or industry positions requiring technical expertise. The faculty includes many researchers who trained at top universities in Europe and North America before returning to Iran, bringing international perspectives and connections to their teaching and mentorship. Financial considerations also favor TMU for many students. Tuition remains affordable compared to Western universities, while research assistantships provide living stipends that allow students to focus on their studies without significant outside employment. For those interested in Iran's development challenges, from environmental management to advanced manufacturing, TMU offers direct engagement with problems that carry real national significance.
Campus Location
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