A December 2024 report from Iran’s official news agency, IRNA, said that the number of Iranian students in the 10 main study destinations had reached 110,000, up from 60,000 in 2020. As study options, visa rules, and costs change, Iranian students should review current official guidance before applying abroad.
Studying abroad requires careful research. When deciding where to study, Iranian students should compare academic programs, qualification recognition, tuition and living costs, scholarship eligibility, visa rules, and post-study options.
This article provides an overview of countries and institutions that Iranian students may want to consider.
Top Countries to Study for Iranian Students
1. Canada
Canada offers a broad range of study programs. Before applying, Iranian students should confirm that their chosen school is a designated learning institution (DLI) and check whether their program is eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). Eligible graduates may apply for a PGWP, but the requirements depend on factors such as the institution, program length, full-time study status, language results, and, for some programs, the field of study. Universities with undergraduate, graduate, and diploma programs include the University of British Columbia, York University, University of Toronto, and the University of Ottawa.
For study permit applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025, a single applicant studying outside Quebec must show CAD 22,895 for first-year living expenses, excluding tuition and transportation costs. Quebec has separate requirements. Students should review EduCanada’s scholarship database and university websites because eligibility varies by award.
2. USA
The U.S. has a large higher education system. According to the Open Doors 2025 report, U.S. colleges and universities hosted 1,177,766 international students in the 2024/2025 academic year. Examples of institutions offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, Harvard University, and Columbia University.
However, Iranian nationals should not treat the U.S. as a routine study destination at present. Effective January 1, 2026, the U.S. Department of State fully suspended visa issuance to nationals of Iran for all nonimmigrant and immigrant visa categories, with limited exceptions. Applicants subject to the suspension may still submit visa applications and schedule interviews, but they may be ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the United States. Anyone considering U.S. study should check the current Department of State guidance before applying.
For applicants who are not subject to the suspension, tuition, fees, and living costs vary substantially by institution and location. Financial aid may be available to international students, but competition is high.
3. Australia
Australia offers English-taught study options. Prospective students should compare course requirements, tuition, living costs, scholarship eligibility, and visa conditions before applying.
Australian universities with undergraduate and graduate programs include the University of Sydney, Monash University, the University of Melbourne, and the University of New South Wales.
For Student visa purposes, the Australian Government uses a minimum financial-capacity figure of AUD 29,710 for 12 months of living costs for a primary applicant, although actual costs vary. Monash University offers scholarships, including the Monash International Leadership Scholarship. This scholarship pays 100% of course fees for eligible incoming international undergraduate students, but it does not cover overseas student health cover, accommodation, or living costs.
4. United Kingdom
With its range of universities and study options, the United Kingdom is another destination Iranian students may consider. University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University College London (UCL), and Imperial College London offer undergraduate and graduate study options.
For a UK Student visa, applicants generally need enough money to pay their course fees and support themselves. The maintenance requirement is £1,529 per month for up to nine months for courses in London and £1,171 per month for up to nine months for courses outside London. Students should review university, government, and foundation websites for scholarship opportunities and confirm the eligibility rules for each award.
5. Germany
Germany can be a cost-effective higher education destination, but tuition policies vary. At state higher education institutions, bachelor’s courses and most master’s courses generally do not charge tuition. However, exceptions apply, including some programs in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, as well as private institutions and certain continuing education master’s programs.
Students should check the fee rules for each institution and program. This is especially important for the Technical University of Munich (TUM), which charges tuition fees to many newly enrolled students from non-EU countries. Other institutions students may consider include Freie Universität Berlin, RWTH Aachen University, and the Technical University of Berlin.
For visa purposes, students from outside the EU or European Economic Area are generally required to show that they have €992 per month available. Scholarship eligibility varies, and students can search the DAAD scholarship database for relevant opportunities.
Iranian students have several study-abroad options, but access depends on the destination, institution, program, funding, and visa rules. Because requirements can change, students should confirm the latest information on official government and university websites before applying.
We hope this article provides the information you need. If you are interested, check out the available courses for Iranian Students and the Scholarships Page!
