The Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr Hêlû Al-Askari, chaired a meeting of the Ministry’s senior leadership, emphasising the importance of strengthening institutional performance and enhancing integration in a manner that serves the quality of the educational process and the effectiveness of academic and scientific services provided to society.
At the outset of the meeting, Dr Al-Askari expressed his appreciation for being entrusted with the responsibility of administering the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, alongside his duties at the Ministry of Environment, in accordance with a Diwani Order issued by the Office of the Prime Minister.
The Acting Minister listened to the interventions of senior officials at the Ministry’s headquarters, stressing the need to enhance institutional effectiveness in light of ongoing digital transformation, strengthen adherence to quality assurance and academic accreditation indicators, support productive scientific research, and develop knowledge growth frameworks. These efforts aim to ensure the robustness of the higher education system, its alignment with international standards, and the sustainability of scientific advancement.
He reaffirmed the importance of working in a spirit of collective responsibility, managing duties in accordance with legal authorities, and addressing challenges as opportunities for development. He also highlighted the role of higher education institutions in meeting societal aspirations and reinforcing public confidence in their services and academic mission.

The Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Fakkak Al-Badrani, has assumed the duties of managing the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, pursuant to an official Diwani Order authorizing him to carry out these responsibilities in addition to his current ministerial role.
In this context, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research expressed his commitment to preserving the distinct role of educational institutions and their importance in delivering services and achieving objectives that directly serve society in the scientific and academic fields. He emphasized the continuation of work and coordination with a strong sense of responsibility to meet the requirements of the public interest.
For their part, senior officials at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research welcomed Prof. Dr. Ahmed Fakkak Al-Badrani in his role of managing the Ministry’s affairs, stressing the importance of integration and cooperation in fulfilling duties and responsibilities within the higher education and scientific research environment and its universities.

The Council of Opinion at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research reassured all employees of its institutions that the Cabinet decision does not, in any way, affect university service allowances granted to full-time university service staff in accordance with the law.
The Council clarified that the decision does not impact the allowances granted under the provisions of Paragraphs (First) and (Second) of Article (14) of the University Service Law for both technical and administrative employees. It further emphasized that the content of Paragraph (7) of Cabinet Decision No. (40) of 2026 is fully consistent with the legal texts stipulated in the University Service Law, which remains in force.
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the entitlements of its employees, whether at the Ministry headquarters or across Iraqi universities, in accordance with applicable legal frameworks and approved legislation.

The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Naeem Al-Aboudi, announced the end of paper-based operations at the Ministry and the launch of a new phase of comprehensive digital automation across academic and administrative systems.
Speaking at the Comprehensive Digital Governance Ceremony, attended by senior officials, university presidents, and college deans, the Minister stated that January 19, 2026, marks a major milestone in the Ministry’s institutional performance and a strategic shift toward digital governance aligned with international standards and institutional excellence.
Dr. Al-Aboudi emphasized that this transformation enhances efficiency through automated correspondence and digital archiving, while ensuring long-term sustainability by strengthening digital infrastructure, developing staff capacities, and securing information systems to support stable and fully electronic administration.




 
 



 

The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Naeem Al-Aboudi, participated in the launch of the National Qur’an Day events, held from January 17 to January 22.
In his address at the University of Baghdad, attended by the Prime Minister and representatives of state institutions and Iraqi universities, the Minister emphasized the vital role of universities in promoting awareness rooted in religious and national values. He stressed the importance of academic and scientific engagement in protecting society and future generations and preserving Iraq’s cultural and historical identity.
Dr. Al-Aboudi also highlighted the Ministry’s initiative to introduce a special admission channel for Qur’an memorizers and reduce tuition fees across various disciplines, reaffirming the commitment to promoting moderation and countering violence and hatred through education.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announces the results of the Iraqi University Ranking, which included the evaluation of more than one hundred public and private universities for the year 2025, in accordance with indicators related to the educational environment, institutional performance metrics, and the trajectory of scientific research.
This edition, prepared by the Supervision and Scientific Evaluation Authority, includes the assessment of (103) public and private institutions based on nine main performance axes, namely: institutional accreditation standards (15%), global rankings (10%), effectiveness of scientific research (35%), sustainable development and green indicators (10%), evaluation of the scientific and academic reality and compliance rules (5%), awards (5%), international diversity (10%), occupational health and safety and environmental protection (5%), and activities (5%).
The ranking results (https://iru.mohesr.gov.iq/result) showed that the University of Baghdad ranked first, followed by the University of Technology and then the University of Basrah among public universities. At the level of private universities, Al-Mustaqbal University ranked first, followed by Warith Al-Anbiyaa University in second place, and the Islamic University in third place.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announces the names of those admitted to undergraduate and postgraduate studies within the Russian study fellowship for the academic year 2025/2026.
The Department of Scholarships and Cultural Relations invites those whose names are listed to visit the Department’s headquarters to commence the procedures for opening their academic files.
Requirements and Names

The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chairman of the Iraqi Atomic Energy Authority, Dr. Naeem Al-Aboudi, announced the launch of the Scientific Preparatory Committee for the 17th Arab Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy, in cooperation with the Arab Atomic Energy Authority.
During a joint press conference with the Authority’s Director General, Dr. Salem Al-Hamadi, Dr. Al-Aboudi stated that the conference, scheduled to be held in Baghdad in 2026, comes in response to the growing need to responsibly employ nuclear and radiation technologies for peaceful purposes in sectors such as research, health, agriculture, industry, environment, water, and energy.
Dr. Al-Hamadi praised Iraq’s efforts in organizing the conference and supporting scientific cooperation, capacity building, and the exchange of expertise among Arab countries, contributing to the peaceful use of atomic energy in support of sustainable development.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research held a national workshop to discuss the future of scientific research funding in Iraq and its development priorities in light of current challenges and global knowledge changes.
The workshop, hosted by the Scientific Research Authority, brought together senior government officials, university leaders, and researchers to explore mechanisms for joint cooperation between state institutions and to align research outputs with national development needs.
During the event, the Ministry’s Undersecretary for Scientific Research presented Iraq’s national research priorities and innovation requirements, while participants emphasized the importance of reforming research funding systems, establishing a unified national vision, and proposing the creation of a National Scientific Research Fund to support productive and development-oriented research.




 
 



 

On World Arabic Language Day, we join the international community in celebrating this occasion and extend our congratulations to our scientific, academic, and cultural circles in Iraq, as an expression of our deep pride in the civilisational heritage and the continually renewing creative corpus of our enduring Arabic language, whose eloquent strength and rich semantic systems have been intrinsically intertwined with the miracle of the Holy Qur’an.
World Arabic Language Day coincides at this significant moment with our historic decision to establish the College of Excellence for Arabic Language and Literature at the University of Kufa, in the firm belief that it constitutes a fundamental pillar of our academic project, a vital source of sustainable cultural awareness, and a responsible pathway for strengthening the global standing of our universities through pioneering achievements realised for the first time within the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announces the availability of Russian scholarships for the academic year 2026/2027.
The Department of Scholarships and Cultural Relations clarifies that the scholarships include various specialisations for undergraduate and postgraduate studies for both employees and non-employees, and that the final date for application is Sunday, 15 January 2026.
Application RequirementsLink of the awarding bodyPortal of the Department of Scholarships and Cultural Relations

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announces the availability of scholarships offered by the Institute of Science and Technology in Austria for the year 2026.
The Department of Scholarships and Cultural Relations clarifies that the scholarships are fully funded by the Institute of Science and Technology for the year 2026 to pursue doctoral studies in the specialisations of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Neuroscience, and that the final date for application is Thursday, 8 January 2026.
Application RequirementsLink of the awarding bodyPortal of the Department of Scholarships and Cultural Relations

The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr Naeem Al-Aboudi, took part in the graduation ceremony of the Iraqi Board of Medical Specialisations, held to mark the completion of its thirty-fourth training cycle, during which the top-ranking graduates across twenty-three scientific boards were honoured.
In his address, delivered in the presence of the Minister of Health, Dr Saleh Al-Hasnawi, the Minister of Higher Education affirmed that the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is committed to providing an enabling environment for sustainable modernisation within the field of medical specialisations. He emphasised the ongoing, carefully planned development of educational and training programmes and systems in a manner consistent with professional requirements and standards, thereby equipping graduates with the competencies and skills needed to enrich the labour market with well-qualified human resources capable of performing their duties effectively, competently, and with distinction.
Dr Naeem Al-Aboudi also reaffirmed the importance of integration and collaboration with health institutions, maximising mutual benefit, and making optimal use of academic and scientific capacities and university resources. He stressed the need to direct these capabilities towards specialised professional practice and advanced scientific research.

The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr Naeem Al-Aboudi, honoured the student winners of the third edition of the Higher Education Reading Award for the year 2025.
In his address, delivered in the presence of senior ministry officials, the President of the Iraqi Academics Syndicate, presidents of Iraqi universities, and deans of colleges, the Minister affirmed that the Ministry’s adoption of such inspiring initiatives aligns with its vision to promote a culture of reading, foster productive awareness, and empower students to engage positively with knowledge—moving beyond passive reception towards critical analysis and reflection. He noted that non-traditional reading represents one of the most important pathways for stimulating students’ intellectual capacities, enhancing their ability to confront challenges, and shaping informed, thoughtful academic personalities.
The Minister further explained that the Higher Education Reading Award represents a continuation of the trajectory of Iraqi academic advancement, through which universities have demonstrated a notable presence and impact in global rankings and classifications, achieving a positive imprint in the field of rigorous scholarly engagement.
The event included a speech by the organising committee, followed by remarks from the Ministry’s Adviser, Dr Alaa Abdul Hassan, and the screening of a documentary film about the award. The ceremony concluded with the Minister, Dr Naeem Al-Aboudi, taking commemorative photographs with the winning students and members of the ministerial organising committee, expressing his appreciation for their efforts in planning and organisation, and congratulating all participants for their enthusiastic engagement in these creative and enriching endeavours.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announces the availability of fifteen (15) Chinese scholarships offered to Iraq for the academic year 2026–2027.
The Directorate of Scholarships and Cultural Relations clarifies that these scholarships are available to both employees and non-employees, and are designated for undergraduate, master's, and doctoral studies. The deadline for submitting applications is 13 December 2025.
Eligibility and Requirements
Application Link – Awarding Authority
Portal of the Directorate of Scholarships and Cultural Relations

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announces the transfer results for students from academic staff families who were admitted under the Special Government University Education Scheme and the Appeals Channel for the academic year 2025–2026.
The results include the transfer of eighty-eight (88) students under the Special Government University Education Channel and four (4) students under the Appeals Channel. These transfers apply to students originally admitted to colleges and institutes outside their governorate of residence, who have now been relocated to equivalent programmes within their home governorates, in accordance with the transfer regulations governing both channels.
The Directorate of Studies, Planning, and Follow-up indicates that students may view their admission results through its portal using their examination number, and calls upon the admitted students to proceed with the registration process and begin their studies at their respective universities.
Portal Link:Directorate of Studies, Planning, and Follow-up – Admission Results

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has announced the issuance of the Guide to Private Universities and Colleges for the Academic Year 2025/2026.
The guide includes:
• The geographical locations of private universities and colleges • The academic departments available in each institution • Tuition fees for both morning and evening study programmes • Reference to the suspension of admission in a number of departments and colleges in accordance with quality assurance requirements and academic standards
To view the guide:
https://mohesr.gov.iq/ar/assets/img/uploaded_files/241120250.pdf
For enquiries, please contact: Short number: 5751 Mobile: 07734896226

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announces the opening of the electronic application form for the admission of students graduating from Islamic preparatory schools affiliated with the Ministry of Education, as well as those from the Endowment-administered schools (Third Examination Sitting), for the academic year 2025–2026.
The Directorate of Studies, Planning, and Follow-up clarifies that applications may be submitted to the Departments of Arabic Language, History, Philosophy, Sociology, Tourism, Psychology, and Archaeology. The application period will remain open until Thursday, 27 November 2025. Applicants are required to confirm their choices via the electronic portal, selecting no fewer than ten (10) and no more than twenty-five (25) options.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announces the availability of Korean scholarships under the Capacity Improvement and Advancement for Tomorrow programme for the year 2026.
The Department of Scholarships and Cultural Relations clarifies that these scholarships are exclusively for employees seeking to pursue a master’s degree. The application deadline is 1 December 2025.
Eligibility and RequirementsLink to the donor’s application page

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research calls on students registered on the Higher Education Reading Award platform to carefully follow the guidelines for the online test, scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
Guidelines:
The test will be conducted online and can be accessed via smartphones, tablets, or personal computers.
A timer will appear upon entering the platform to help students manage their time.
A countdown timer is displayed for each question.
Any response exceeding 45 seconds will be marked as incorrect.
The test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), each with four options, only one of which is correct.
Responses will be graded electronically, and results will be displayed immediately upon completion, along with the total time taken.
Answers will be disqualified if the test interface is opened on more than one device simultaneously.
The test link will be published on the official website of the ministry and on the Higher Education Reading Award platform on the day of the exam.

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr Naim Al-Aboudi, has issued ministerial orders to convert nine technical institutes within the four technical universities into polytechnic colleges—a strategic step considered the first of its kind in the path of university development in Iraq.
Speaking at a press conference attended by the Deputy Minister for Scientific Research Affairs and the presidents of technical universities, the minister emphasised that the establishment of specialised polytechnic colleges and the conversion of a number of technical institutes into them represent a strategic decision aimed at:
▪️ Consolidating diversity in higher education models.
▪️ Linking technical universities with industry and production centers, and strengthening the technical capabilities needed to implement national industrial development plans.
▪️ Achieving integration between academic and applied education.
▪️ Providing an attractive learning environment that embraces technological advancements and equips the labour market with specialised technical expertise to meet diverse needs.
▪️ Opening new horizons for student innovation and entrepreneurship.
According to the ministerial orders, the decision will take effect starting from the 2025–2026 academic year.
Read more details…

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr Naim Al-Aboudi, has approved the academic calendar for the 2025–2026 academic year for undergraduate studies (beyond first-year levels) in public and private universities.
According to the approved calendar, the new academic year will commence on Sunday, September 21, 2025, marking the start of the first semester, which will extend for fifteen weeks. The second semester is scheduled to begin on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
Academic Calendar

Dr Naeem Al-Aboudi, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, honoured the top-performing students at Iraqi universities with the Minister’s Excellence Award for Outstanding Achievement. The ceremony was attended by senior staff, presidents of public and private universities, vice-presidents, deans, department heads, and the families of the awardees.
In his speech during the ceremony, the minister emphasised the ministry’s commitment to providing a stimulating environment for distinguished students and offering comprehensive support. This includes opportunities for pursuing postgraduate studies, participating in innovation projects, benefiting from research and technology incubators within Iraqi universities, and engaging in regional and international academic conferences and forums.
He highlighted that, through its strategic vision, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has achieved a series of pioneering scientific accomplishments over the past three years, strengthening the position of Iraqi universities. These achievements have laid decisive steps toward comprehensive digital transformation, the establishment of specialised academic programmes, the rise of Iraqi universities in international rankings, an increase in published scientific research, and a growing number of Iraqi university journals indexed in global databases. The ministry has also launched masters' programmes in artificial intelligence and attracted thousands of international students from 47 nationalities under the "Study in Iraq" programme.
In conclusion, Dr Al-Aboudi congratulated the top students, their universities, and families on this achievement, affirming that the ministry will continue to foster ambition and support the pursuit of academic excellence in Iraq, remaining worthy of its responsibilities under all circumstances.

In line with its vision to foster an environment that encourages excellence and innovation, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has announced the launch of online applications for the Iraqi Science Day Awards, open until Sunday, August 10, 2025.
The competitive award categories for this year include:

Outstanding University Award


Outstanding Authored or Translated Book Award


Outstanding Scientific Journal Award


Collective Volunteer Work Award for Undergraduate Students


Patents and Intellectual Property Award


Outstanding Graduation Project Award


Outstanding Research Center Award


Outstanding Research Unit Award


Outstanding University Library Award

As part of its international partnership with Clarivate, the ministry affirms that for the first time, Web of Science data will be used to determine winners of the awards for Outstanding Research, Outstanding Researcher, Outstanding University in Scientific Research, and Outstanding Research Reviewers.
The ministry clarifies that eligibility is limited to students and affiliates of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and that nominated works must be among the outputs produced in 2024.