Shomal University was founded in 1995 and is the biggest private university in Iran.

Shomal University was founded in 1995 and is the biggest private university in Iran. At present the university caters to over 7000 students in 30 different fields of study for undergraduate, graduate and doctorate degrees.^[1]

Shomal University was founded in 1995 and is the biggest non-governmental university in Iran, fully accredited by the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology. Through the National University Entrance Exam conducted by the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology, 124 students were accepted to attend undergraduate courses in the fields of accountancy and computer engineering from the academic year 1995–1996.

At present the university caters to over 7500 students in 35 different courses at undergraduate and graduate levels.

The original university was located in the city of Amol. In 1997 the university moved to a larger building as the number of students and courses increased. During the first academic year the educational activities were conducted in the building located at 17 Shahrivar Square. With the advancement of educational activities in 1998, the classes were transferred again to the Ma'arfat educational complex building, situated at 26 Talib Amoli Street, Amol.

At Imamzadeh Abdullah Junction (five kilometres (3.1 mi) out of Amol), in 2000, the master plan for the Pardis university campus was designed, and on forested, hilly terrain (76,000 m² [820,000 sq ft]) overlooking the Haraz River and backgrounded by the Alborz mountain range, construction work started.

In 2002, construction for a guest house, main office building and physical education complex building were completed and commissioned. In 2003, more classes, workshops and laboratory space were added. In 2005 construction began on a new, modern Communications and Information Technology building.

Shomal University is under the Higher Education system of the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, and every year registration and admission of the students in all fields is through acceptance in the National University Entrance examination.

Teachers are evaluated every term, using the same method as other universities in the country.

The university also considers special concessions to students who have top grades in university entrance exams, Olympic award holders in any field, and award winners of student scientific competitions and sports etc.

According to ministry notification, 10% of the top graduates of the university will be accepted to graduate or undergraduate courses without undertaking the National University Entrance exam.

Shomal University provides the internet-based TOEFL exams (IBT).

• Shomal University Digital Library