Allameh Tabataba'i University (ATU), Iran's leading state specialized university in the fields of humanities and social sciences, has begun accepting international applicants for Master of Arts and Master of Science programs taught in English for the first semester of the 2026–2027 academic year.
ATU, known for its rigorous academic traditions, influential faculty, and vibrant student life in Tehran, invites qualified international graduates and scholars from around the world to apply for master's degrees taught entirely in English.
Available Master's Programs
International candidates can apply to one of six specializations, provided that the applicant chooses a field corresponding to their undergraduate specialization:
- Actuarial Science
- Cultural Studies
- English Language and Literature
- International Relations
- Regional Studies with specialization options in Central Asia and the Caucasus, the Middle East and North Africa, and Southeast Asia
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
Key Selection Criteria and Academic Regulations
To meet the admission requirements, candidates must fulfill several official conditions:
- Citizenship: A valid foreign passport is required. According to national regulations, citizens with dual citizenship who hold Iranian citizenship cannot apply through the international student program.
- State Academic Verification (ADAB Platform): Before registering on the university portal, all applicants must register in the national ADAB system (https://adab.saorg.ir/PortalADAB/fa) and obtain an official tracking/verification code specifically designated for Allameh Tabataba'i University. Obtaining verification codes for multiple Iranian universities will automatically void eligibility.
- Undergraduate Qualifications: A recognized bachelor's degree in a field related to the intended master's program is required.
- Full-Time Status and Legal Status: All programs are strictly full-time; distance learning, short-term, or part-time courses are unavailable.
- Language Preparation: Although instruction is conducted in English, according to regulations from the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, enrolled international students are required to attend parallel Persian language courses starting from the first semester and must provide a Persian language proficiency certificate before graduation.
Application Procedure and Deadlines
The admission process is fully digitized, centralized, and transparent. The application deadline is set for September 15, 2026. Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official ATU International Student Admissions Portal: https://apply.atu.ac.ir/. Applications sent via email, mail, or in person will not be accepted. The portal is available in English, Persian, and Arabic.
Applications can be submitted by the prospective student themselves or by an authorized licensed international recruitment agency. Sponsoring agencies must register using the applicant's verified personal email address. Documents submitted by unauthorized third parties or intermediaries will be rejected.
Required Application Documents
Candidates must upload clear, scanned copies of the following documents to the admissions portal (photos taken with smartphones or blurry scans will be automatically rejected):
- Passport-sized Photo: A color photo measuring 600 (H) x 400 (W) pixels (File size: 50 KB – 100 KB).
- Passport Copy: A scanned copy of the page with the main photo and personal details, with a minimum validity of 9 months (Dimensions: 600 x 800 pixels; File size: 50 KB – 100 KB). Afghan applicants must also upload valid visa/extension pages.
- Academic Documents: Official bachelor's degree and complete academic transcripts.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Professional Resume.
- Academic Recommendation Letter from a qualified university professor.
- English Language Proficiency Confirmation: An official results report (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or an equivalent recognized certificate) meeting the minimum threshold specified on the portal.
Tuition Fees and Financial Information
For international students not receiving scholarships, the tuition fee for the 2026–2027 academic year is competitively set in Euros (€) and can be paid in Iranian Rial equivalent based on the Central Bank of Iran's ETS exchange rate at the time of registration:
- Fixed Tuition: 416 Euros per semester.
- Variable Tuition (Theoretical Courses): 36 Euros per credit.
- Variable Tuition (Practical Courses): 47 Euros per credit.
- Variable Tuition (Correctional Courses): 11 Euros per credit.
- Variable Tuition (Dissertation): 376 Euros per credit.
The approximate total cost for the first semester is about 776 Euros, and the estimated total program cost for 4 semesters is approximately 4,220 Euros.
Student Welfare and Accommodation
Subject to availability and adherence to University regulations, international master's students may benefit from subsidized dormitory accommodation and meal plans for four academic semesters:
- Dormitory Accommodation: Furnished rooms for 4 people are available at a subsidized rate of 55,000,000 Rials per person per month (calculated based on a 6-month semester).
- Catering Services: Daily meals in the campus cafeteria range from 1,900,000 Rials (standard menu) to 2,300,000 Rials (premium menu) per serving.
Assessment and Interview Process
After initial document screening by the International Students Affairs Center, eligible files are forwarded to academic departments for specialized review. Selected candidates will be invited for a departmental interview—which covers specialized academic knowledge and general English fluency—and this will be conducted online or in person. Attendance at the scheduled interview is mandatory.
To advance academically, it is recommended to apply now to obtain an internationally recognized master's degree at a leading Iranian university in humanities and social sciences. The opportunity is provided to join a rich academic community, work with world-class professors, and receive an education at an affordable price in the heart of Tehran.