SRINAGAR: Iran has emerged as an increasingly popular destination for students from Jammu and Kashmir aspiring to pursue MBBS degrees since 2016. Each year, over 300 students get admitted to different medical universities in Iran.
“Iran has left behind Bangladesh, which was once the favoured destination of Kashmiri for medical education. In Bangladesh, living expenses are much higher compared to Iran,” said Wajid Rizvi of Rizvi Educational Consultancy.
The seven-year MBBS degree costs between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 35 lakh in Iran. However, with an emphasis on quality intake, the country offers scholarships to students with a minimum of 95 per cent marks. The admission process for MBBS starts in Iran from June to mid-August, and according to Wajid, they are receiving queries from people in J&K despite Iran’s war with Israel. Persian (Farsi) is the primary language of Iran, but many Iranian universities offer MBBS programs in English, with basic Farsi taught in the foundation year.
Students from J&K find it easier to pick up Farsi because it’s similar to Urdu, which is widely spoken in Kashmir, Wajid said. He said students also prefer Iran due to its cultural affinity, quality of education, and safe environment. He pointed out that even when Iran was at war with Israel, the country ensured the safe evacuation of Indian students by opening its airspace for Indian flights.
Not only Shias but Sunni Muslim families also send their wards to Iran for pursuing medical education. “The majority of the 300-400 &K students who get admission every year in Iran are Sunni Muslims,” said Wajid.
Girls in large numbers also prefer to go to Iran for medical studies. “Families who hesitate to send daughters to distant Western countries are more comfortable getting admission in Iran because of its cultural and religious closeness with Kashmir,” said Shabir Ahmed, a Srinagar resident whose daughter is studying MBBS in Tehran.
He said Universities offer secure hostels and a respectful and safe environment for women. “There is a level of respect and modesty in public life in Iran that makes families more comfortable in sending their daughters there,” Shabir said.
Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of the J&K Students’ Association, echoed similar sentiments. He said, “They feel a sense of security, and people also feel a cultural connection with Iran. Like Kashmiris, Iranians are very hospitable.”
‘Families prefer Iran to West for their girls’
Not just youths, but girls also prefer to go to Iran for medical studies. “Families who hesitate to send daughters to distant Western countries are more comfortable getting admission in Iran because of its cultural and religious closeness with Kashmir,” said Shabir Ahmed, a Srinagar resident whose daughter is studying MBBS in Tehran.