Urmia University of Medical Sciences Faculty of Medicine
-
Urmia,
Iran
Abroad
General Information
Established in 1980 (initially rooted in the historic Cochran Medical College founded in 1878), UMSU is a leading public university located in Urmia, the capital of West Azerbaijan Province. It is officially recognized by the WHO, ECFMG (Pathways), and the Iranian Ministry of Health, and is approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India. Situated near the borders of Turkey, Iraq, and Azerbaijan, UMSU is a vital hub for cross-border medical education and healthcare. The university offers an English-medium MD program and is renowned for its Cellular and Molecular research and its vast network of 28+ affiliated hospitals across the province.
General Info
- Established: 1878 (Historic roots); 1980 (Modern Faculty).
- Primary Location: > Resaalat Avenue, Urmia, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran.
- Academic Model: Doctor of Medicine (MD).
- Structure: A 7-year program following the national integrated curriculum:
- Pre-clinical (2.5 Years): Foundations in Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology).
- Physiopathology (1 Year): Bridging science with clinical reasoning and diagnosis.
- Clerkship (2 Years): Supervised bedside rotations in specialized clinical wards.
- Internship (1.5 Years): Final immersive practice as a junior student-physician.
- Instruction: English for international students. Mandatory Persian (Farsi) language modules are integrated to ensure students can communicate effectively with patients during clinical rotations.
- Research Focus: Regional leader in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Food & Beverages Safety, Nephrology, and Reproductive Health.
- Admission: Open to international students with a high school diploma (PCB aggregate >50%). NEET qualification is mandatory for Indian applicants.
Campus Facilities
The UMSU campus features world-class equipment, including five research centers dedicated to advanced microscopic and molecular studies.
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center: The flagship unit for genetic and biotechnological studies.
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplant Research Center: A major regional center for renal studies and transplant science.
- Food and Beverages Safety Research Center: Focuses on regional nutrition and agricultural health standards.
- Clinical Skills Center (CSC): A state-of-the-art simulation hub where students master procedural and life-saving skills.
- Anatomy Hall & Dissection Lab: Features modern cadaveric study facilities and high-resolution histology suites.
- Electron Microscope Centers: Equipped with world-class imaging technology for advanced tissue research.
- Medical Museum of Urmia: Located at the university, preserving the historic legacy of the first modern medical school in Iran.
- Central Medical Library: Provides 24/7 digital access to international databases like PubMed, Scopus, and ClinicalKey.
- Student Research Committee (SRC): Highly active in facilitating student publications and international scientific events.
- Athletic Facilities: Includes modern sports halls and gymnasiums for student physical well-being.
Hospital & Medical Facilities
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
UMSU manages 6 primary teaching hospitals in Urmia and over 20 governmental hospitals in the province:
- Imam Khomeini Hospital: The university’s primary tertiary teaching and referral center with multi-specialty wards.
- Shahid Motahhari Hospital: A major clinical site specializing in Pediatrics and General Medicine.
- Seyed al-Shohada Hospital: The specialized hub for Cardiology and Heart Surgery rotations.
- Taleghani Hospital: A general teaching hospital and a major Hemodialysis center.
- Kowsar Women’s Hospital: Dedicated to training in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Neonatal care.
- Razi Hospital: A specialized center for training in Psychiatry and behavioral sciences.
Fee Structure
State University Affordability
UMSU offers one of the most transparent and competitive fee structures in the region.
Scholarship
- Merit-Based Scholarship: International students with outstanding academic records (high GPA and research output) can qualify for tuition discounts of 10% to 50%.
- Research/Teaching Assistantships: Students can earn discounts of 25% to 50% per semester by assisting professors in research or laboratory teaching.
- Family Discount: A 20% discount is available for students with a first-degree family member studying at the university concurrently.
City Details
- The Vibe: Urmia is a major agricultural and industrial hub in Northwestern Iran, located near the Turkish border. It has a cold, snowy winter and pleasant, mild summers.
- Connectivity:
- Urmia International Airport (OMH): Offers regular flights to Tehran and international connections.
- Road: Strategically located for travel into Turkey and nearby European gateways.
- Safety: Very high; Urmia is known as a peaceful city with a low crime rate and a high standard of public security.
Hostel & Mess
- Accommodation: UMSU provides high-quality lodging in modern residence halls (typically 2-3 bedroom flats). Facilities include high-speed Wi-Fi, laundry rooms, and common social lounges.
- Dining: Subsidized meals (Persian and local Azeri styles) are served at the University Dining Hall.
- Vibe: Culturally rich and safe. Urmia is known for its beautiful lake and its diverse community of various faiths and ethnicities, offering a very hospitable environment for foreigners.
Miscellaneous
Intakes: September (Main Intake) and February.
Documents: Requires high school transcripts (PCB focus), NEET scorecard (for Indians), Passport, and a Medical Fitness Certificate.
Application Step: Students apply via the UMSU Office of Admissions for International Students. A virtual interview is usually required to evaluate scientific logic and English proficiency.
Collage Images Gallery
Facilities & Campus Life
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus
Frequently Asked Questions
Answer: Yes. AMW coordinates group departure assistance and helps with flight planning. Our local representative in Uzbekistan meets students at Tashkent airport and provides transport to the university hostel. Support continues throughout the first month of your stay.
Answer: Yes. Direct flights between Delhi and Tashkent operate regularly and take under 3 hours. Most universities have structured semester breaks that allow students to visit home at least once or twice a year. AMW advises students on the academic calendar and the best travel windows.
Answer: The process is straightforward and well-defined. AMW handles the complete visa application, document preparation, attestation, and apostille. Visa approval typically takes 10–20 working days from the date of submission.
Answer: No. AMW provides a fully itemised cost breakdown covering tuition, hostel, medical insurance, visa extension, and administrative charges, so you can commit to nothing before you do. We do not accept or recommend any donations or capitation fees.
Answer: Nationally, FMGE pass rates for Uzbekistan graduates range from approximately 25% to 32%. This is lower than Russia and should be a factor in your decision. AMW's dedicated FMGE coaching programme starting from Year 4 is specifically designed to bring our students well above this average.
Answer: Better than most expect. Uzbekistan's food culture is close to North Indian sensibilities, rice, flatbreads, lentils, and vegetable dishes are everyday staples. Halal food is widely available. Indian messes and tiffin services operate near most university campuses. Monthly food costs are typically ₹6,000–12,000.
Answer: All AMW partner universities in Uzbekistan offer English-medium MBBS programmes. A basic Uzbek and/or Russian language module is included in the first year to help students communicate with patients during clinical rotations — no prior knowledge of either language is required for admission.
Answer: The MBBS programme is 6 years in total — 5 years of academic study followed by 1 year of compulsory clinical internship — in full compliance with NMC's current requirements.
Answer — provided you study at an NMC-approved university. All AMW partner universities in Uzbekistan carry full NMC and WHO recognition. After completing your degree, you must clear the FMGE (or NExT, once fully implemented) to obtain a medical licence to practise in India.
Answer: As per NMC guidelines, the minimum qualifying score for General category students is 150 marks (50th percentile). However, for meaningful university choices and better preparation for FMGE, AMW recommends a score of 350 or above. Students with lower scores should discuss their options honestly with our counsellors.
Why Consult With Us?
- 15+ years of experience in medical education counseling
- 5000+ students successfully guided
- 50+ partner universities worldwide
- Free initial consultation with no obligation
