Accredited universities in Iraq

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Theology & Religious Studies

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 2017 (private religious university in Karbala; established by Imam Abbas Holy Shrine). Private religious university in Karbala. Founded 2017 by the IMAM ABBAS HOLY SHRINE (Shrine of al-Abbas ibn Ali — half-brother of Imam Hussein, martyred at Karbala 680 CE). Comprehensive multi-faculty under Shia shrine foundation. ~2,500+ students.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 1995 (private university; pre-2003 founding). Major Baghdad private university. Founded 1995 (pre-2003 founding — established under Saddam-era law allowing limited private HE). ~5,000+ students. Distinguished engineering + computer science.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 2009 (private university in Kirkuk multi-ethnic disputed region). Private university in Kirkuk. Founded 2009. ~3,000+ students. Operates in Kirkuk's multi-ethnic disputed-jurisdiction context.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences · Pharmacy · Theology & Religious Studies · Languages & Linguistics · Education

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 1963 (chartered as Mustansiriya University; HERITAGE NAMING after Al-Mustansiriya Madrasa 1227 CE — one of WORLD'S OLDEST UNIVERSITIES founded by Abbasid Caliph Al-Mustansir; original Mustansiriya building still stands in Baghdad). Major Baghdad public university with EXTRAORDINARY HISTORICAL HERITAGE NAMING. Founded 1963. NAMED AFTER AL-MUSTANSIRIYA MADRASA — a Sunni Islamic school founded 1227 CE in Baghdad by ABBASID CALIPH AL-MUSTANSIR BILLAH (1226-1242 CE). The original Al-Mustansiriya is considered ONE OF THE WORLD'S OLDEST UNIVERSITIES (some scholarship places it among the OLDEST modern-format universities — alongside Al-Qarawiyyin Fez 859, Al-Azhar Cairo 970, Bologna 1088, Oxford c.1096). Its original 13th-century building survives in Baghdad's old quarter on the Tigris (now a museum). Modern Mustansiriyah University honours this 800-year heritage. ~50,000+ students. 13 colleges. Same 2003 + sectarian violence reconstruction context as other Baghdad institutions.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences · Pharmacy

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 1995 (private university in Hillah; "Al-Mustaqbal" = "The Future" in Arabic). Major private university in Hillah, central Iraq. Founded 1995. 'AL-MUSTAQBAL' = 'The Future' in Arabic. ~5,000+ students. Strong medical + engineering.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences · Pharmacy

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 1987 (chartered as Saddam University — elite STEM-focused university under Saddam Hussein Ba'athist government; renamed Al-Nahrain University 2003 post-invasion; "Al-Nahrain" = "Two Rivers" referring to Tigris and Euphrates / Mesopotamia). Major Baghdad public university. Founded 1987 as SADDAM UNIVERSITY (Jami'at Saddam) — elite STEM-focused institution under Saddam Hussein's Ba'athist government, designed to compete with University of Baghdad. RENAMED AL-NAHRAIN UNIVERSITY 2003 immediately after US invasion and Ba'athist regime collapse (de-Ba'athification reform). 'AL-NAHRAIN' = 'Two Rivers' in Arabic — referring to the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, the historical Mesopotamia (the cradle of civilisation). ~15,000+ students. 8 colleges. Strong engineering and medical.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · International Relations

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 2007 (founded by KRG and Iraqi-American academics as American liberal-arts university; chartered in KRG). Major American-style liberal arts university in KRG. Founded 2007 by Kurdistan Regional Government and Iraqi-American academics (founding President Joshua Mitchell from Georgetown). American Liberal Arts curriculum. ENGLISH-MEDIUM instruction. ~2,000+ students from across Iraq + region. Designed as non-sectarian neutral ground bringing together Iraqi Sunni-Shia-Kurdish-Arab-Turkmen-Christian-Yazidi student populations. Critical bridging institution. Funded by KRG + US State Department + private donors.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 2007 (KRG private university; Cihan = "World" in Kurdish/Turkish). Major KRG private university in Erbil. Founded 2007. 'CIHAN' = 'World' in Kurdish/Turkish. ~8,000+ students. Multi-discipline; medicine + engineering prominent. Multiple Cihan branches across Kurdistan.

SubjectsTheology & Religious Studies · Languages & Linguistics · Education · Social Sciences · Arts & Humanities · Law

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 1990 (Sunni religious + Islamic studies college). Baghdad public university college specialising in Sunni Islamic studies. Founded 1990. Named after Imam Abu Hanifa Al-Nu'man — founder of Hanafi school of Sunni jurisprudence (one of 4 major Sunni madhabs; 'Al-Aadham' = 'The Greatest' epithet); his shrine is in Baghdad's Adhamiyah neighbourhood. Distinguished Hanafi fiqh + Quranic studies.

SubjectsTheology & Religious Studies · Languages & Linguistics · Education · Social Sciences · Arts & Humanities · Law

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 2002 (chartered as Islamic sciences college; named after Imam Musa al-Kadhim — 7th Shia Imam). Public Islamic sciences college in Baghdad. Founded 2002. Named after IMAM MUSA AL-KADHIM (745-799 CE) — SEVENTH OF THE TWELVE SHIA IMAMS, son of Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq, imprisoned and killed by Abbasid Caliph Harun al-Rashid; his shrine is in Baghdad's Kadhimiya district (major Shia pilgrimage site). ~4,000+ students. Distinguished Shia Islamic studies.

SubjectsTheology & Religious Studies · Languages & Linguistics · Education · Social Sciences · Arts & Humanities · Law

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 2004 (chartered post-invasion; named after Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq — 6th Shia Imam, founder of Ja'fari jurisprudence). Public Islamic university in Baghdad. Founded 2004. Named after IMAM JA'FAR AL-SADIQ (same namesake as Iran's Imam Sadiq University UNI_0976) — Sixth Shia Imam, founder of Ja'fari (Twelver Shia) jurisprudence. ~5,000+ students.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Theology & Religious Studies

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 2003 (chartered immediately post-invasion as new federal university; among first established under Coalition Provisional Authority HE restructuring). Major Baghdad public university chartered 2003 — among first new federal universities established under Coalition Provisional Authority HE restructuring post-invasion. ~30,000+ students. 11 colleges. Distinguished Sharia and Islamic studies college.

SubjectsTheology & Religious Studies · Languages & Linguistics · Education · Social Sciences · Arts & Humanities · Law

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 1989 (private Islamic university in Najaf — Shia clerical capital; established under Shia religious foundations). Major private Shia Islamic university in Najaf — the SHIA CLERICAL CAPITAL (seat of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani's Hawza-i-Ilmiyya, one of world's two great Shia seminaries alongside Qom). Founded 1989. Distinguished Shia jurisprudence (Ja'fari fiqh), Arabic literature, Quranic sciences. ~3,000+ students.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Communication & Media Studies

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 2011 (founded as private university in Erbil, capital of Kurdistan Region; under MHE-KRG accreditation). Private university in Erbil, capital of Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Founded 2011 under MHE-KRG (Kurdistan Regional Government Ministry of Higher Education) accreditation — distinct authority from federal Iraqi MOHESR. ~3,000+ students. English-medium programmes oriented toward international students and Kurdistan professional sector.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 2003 (KRG public university in Koya — between Erbil and Sulaymaniyah). Major KRG public university in Koya (Koysinjaq), between Erbil and Sulaymaniyah. Founded 17 March 2003 (just days before US invasion of Iraq). ~10,000+ students. English-medium instruction prominent.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences · Languages & Linguistics · Agriculture & Environmental Studies

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 1968 (chartered as University of Sulaymaniyah; OLDEST modern university in Kurdistan region; relocated to Erbil 1981 by Saddam Hussein as punitive measure against Kurdish dissent; renamed Salahaddin University 1981 after Saladin — 12th-c Kurdish Muslim conqueror of Jerusalem). KRG REGION'S OLDEST AND FLAGSHIP UNIVERSITY. Founded 1968 in Sulaymaniyah as University of Sulaymaniyah. CRITICAL HISTORICAL CONTEXT: RELOCATED TO ERBIL 1981 BY SADDAM HUSSEIN as PUNITIVE MEASURE against Sulaymaniyah's role as centre of Kurdish dissent. Renamed SALAHADDIN UNIVERSITY 1981 after SALADIN (Salah ad-Din al-Ayyubi, 1137-1193) — Kurdish-origin Muslim conqueror of Jerusalem from Crusaders 1187. ~38,000+ students. 18 colleges. Today serves as KRG flagship. Kurdish-language primary instruction (Sorani Kurdish; some Arabic + English).

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 2009 (KRG public university in Soran; historical region of Soran Emirate 1816-1836). Major KRG public university in Soran, northern Erbil governorate. Founded 2009. Soran was capital of SORAN EMIRATE (1816-1836) — semi-independent Kurdish principality. ~8,000+ students. English-medium programmes prominent.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Computer Science & IT · Natural Sciences · Mathematics & Statistics

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 2014 (chartered as Southern Technical University by merging multiple southern technical institutes; serves Basra + Maysan + Thi Qar + Muthanna southern governorates). Major southern Iraq technical public university. Founded 2014 by merging multiple pre-existing technical institutes. Serves Basra + Maysan + Thi Qar + Muthanna southern governorates. ~25,000+ students. Distinguished oil + gas technology + petrochemical engineering programmes (southern Iraq oil-producing region).

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences · Agriculture & Environmental Studies

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 1987 (chartered as Tikrit University; located in Tikrit — birthplace of Saddam Hussein; subsequently affected by 2014-15 ISIS occupation). Salah ad-Din governorate public flagship in Tikrit. Founded 1987. Tikrit is BIRTHPLACE OF SADDAM HUSSEIN (1937-2006) and was therefore favoured by his regime — strong infrastructure pre-2003. CRITICAL CONTEXT: ISIS occupied Tikrit 11 June 2014 to 31 March 2015 — major campus damage, professor killings/displacement, female student bans. Liberated by Iraqi forces + Shia militias + coalition March-April 2015 (one of first ISIS-held cities liberated). Reconstruction ongoing. ~25,000+ students.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 2008 (founded as Ishik University by Turkish educational foundation; renamed Tishk International University 2018; "Tishk" = "Light" in Kurdish). Major KRG private university in Erbil. Founded 2008 as Ishik University by Turkish educational foundation (Gulen movement-affiliated initially; restructured post-2016 Turkish political tensions). Renamed Tishk International University 2018. 'TISHK' = 'Light' in Kurdish. ~5,000+ students. Strong international student community + English-medium.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Agriculture & Environmental Studies · Medicine & Health Sciences

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 1987 (chartered as Al-Qadisiyah University; named after 636 CE BATTLE OF QADISIYYAH where Muslim Arab forces defeated Sassanid Persian Empire). Al-Qadisiyyah governorate public university in Diwaniyah. Founded 1987. Named after the 636 CE BATTLE OF QADISIYYAH — pivotal early Islamic battle where Muslim Arab forces under Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas defeated the Sassanid Persian Empire (the same battle Saddam Hussein invoked for his 1980 attack on Iran, calling Iran-Iraq War 'Saddam's Qadisiyyah'). ~25,000+ students. 14 colleges.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Theology & Religious Studies · Medicine & Health Sciences · Agriculture & Environmental Studies

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 1987 (Sunni-majority western Iraq public flagship; CATASTROPHICALLY affected by 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Anbar). Western Iraq's Sunni-majority public flagship in Ramadi, Al-Anbar governorate. Founded 1987. CATASTROPHIC ISIS OCCUPATION CONTEXT: Anbar province was heavily controlled by ISIS from 2014 (Fallujah fell January 2014 — first major Iraqi city lost; Ramadi May 2015) until 2016-17 liberation. University of Anbar campuses in Ramadi + Fallujah were heavily damaged, professors killed or displaced (~40+ academics killed in Anbar), female students banned, library destroyed. Liberation phases 2015-2016; reconstruction since with international support. ~20,000+ students. Distinguished Sunni Islamic studies.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Arts & Humanities · Medicine & Health Sciences

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 1991 (Babil governorate public flagship; located near ancient BABYLON archaeological site). Babil governorate public flagship in Hillah, central Iraq. Founded 1991. EXTRAORDINARY HERITAGE: Located near the ANCIENT CITY OF BABYLON — one of the OLDEST CITIES IN THE WORLD (continuously inhabited from c. 2000 BCE), capital of Babylonian Empire under Hammurabi (c. 1792-1750 BCE — Code of Hammurabi), Nebuchadnezzar II (605-562 BCE — Hanging Gardens), and Persian + Macedonian (Alexander the Great died here 323 BCE) periods. UNESCO World Heritage 2019. ~35,000+ students. 18 colleges. Distinguished archaeology + ancient history.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences · Pharmacy · Veterinary Medicine · Languages & Linguistics · Theology & Religious Studies

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 1957 (consolidated as University of Baghdad by Royal Decree of King Faisal II merging multiple pre-existing colleges; predecessor heritage to Al-Bayt College 1908, Law College 1908, Engineering College 1921, Medical College 1927 — making UoB heritage to OLDEST modern Iraqi HE). IRAQ'S OLDEST and PREMIER modern university by predecessor heritage. Consolidated 1957 by Royal Decree of King Faisal II of Iraq. Predecessor heritage: AL-BAYT COLLEGE 1908 + Law College 1908 + Engineering College 1921 + Medical College 1927. ~70,000+ students across 23 colleges + 17 research centres on Jadiriyah main campus, Baghdad. Pre-2003 was ONE OF MOST PRESTIGIOUS Arab world universities — attracted students from across Middle East. CRITICAL CONTEXT: Suffered severely from 1990-2003 UN sanctions, 2003 US invasion (some campus areas looted, professors began fleeing), 2003-11 sectarian violence (numerous UoB professors killed/fled — among the ~250-500 Iraqi academics killed in this period). Reconstruction ongoing. Notable alumni include numerous Iraqi Prime Ministers, scientists, writers.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences · Engineering & Technology · Agriculture & Environmental Studies

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 1964 (Southern Iraq public flagship in Basra — Iraq's main port and oil-export hub; Shia-majority south). Southern Iraq's public flagship university. Founded 1 April 1964. ~50,000+ students. Located in Basra — Iraq's main port city, oil-export hub, Shia-majority south. 16 colleges. Distinguished marine sciences (Persian Gulf coast), petroleum engineering. CONTEXT: Heavily affected by Iran-Iraq War 1980-88 (Basra was front-line), 1991 Gulf War, 2003 invasion, 2007-08 Operation Charge of the Knights, periodic 2018-onwards anti-government Tishreen protests (university campus involvement).

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Agriculture & Environmental Studies

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 1999 (Diyala governorate public flagship). Diyala governorate public flagship in Baqubah. Founded 1999. ~15,000+ students. Diyala has mixed Sunni-Shia-Kurdish population — context for sectarian sensitivities. Heavily affected by 2003-11 sectarian violence + 2014 ISIS incursions; reconstruction ongoing.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Agriculture & Environmental Studies · Languages & Linguistics

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 1992 (chartered same year as re-founded Sulaymaniyah; serves northern KRG Bahdini-Kurdish region). Major KRG public university in Duhok — northern Kurdistan, Bahdini-Kurdish dialect region. Founded 1992 same year as re-founded Sulaymaniyah. ~22,000+ students. 18 colleges. Distinguished Kurdish language + literature, agricultural sciences (Duhok highland agriculture).

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Theology & Religious Studies

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 2003 (chartered as Al-Anbar University Fallujah branch; independent University of Fallujah 2014 just before ISIS occupation). Public university in Fallujah, Al-Anbar. Founded 2003 as Anbar University branch; independent 2014 just BEFORE ISIS occupied Fallujah. CRITICAL CONTEXT: Fallujah was FIRST major Iraqi city to fall to ISIS (January 2014), held until Iraqi-Coalition liberation June 2016. University catastrophically damaged. Reconstruction since 2016. Pre-2003 context: Fallujah was site of 2004 Battles of Fallujah between US Marines and Sunni insurgents — heavy destruction.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 2011 (KRG public university in Halabja; historic 1988 Halabja chemical attack site). KRG public university in Halabja. Founded 2011. EXTRAORDINARY CONTEXT: Halabja is site of the HALABJA CHEMICAL ATTACK of 16 March 1988 — Saddam Hussein's regime used mustard gas + nerve agents (sarin, tabun, VX) against the Kurdish civilian population during Anfal genocide campaign, killing ~5,000 immediately and ~10,000+ over subsequent years. Internationally recognised as act of genocide. The Halabja Memorial Monument honours victims. UoH was founded as part of post-2003 commitment to Kurdish reconstruction and reconciliation. ~5,000+ students.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Theology & Religious Studies · Languages & Linguistics · Medicine & Health Sciences

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 2002 (Karbala governorate public flagship; located in KARBALA — site of 680 CE Battle of Karbala and Imam Hussein's martyrdom; among Shia Islam's holiest cities). Public university in Karbala — among the HOLIEST CITIES OF SHIA ISLAM. Founded 2002. EXTRAORDINARY HERITAGE: Karbala is site of the 10 MUHARRAM 61 AH / 10 OCTOBER 680 CE BATTLE OF KARBALA, where Imam HUSSEIN IBN ALI (grandson of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) was martyred. The IMAM HUSSEIN SHRINE in Karbala receives ~25 MILLION ANNUAL PILGRIMS during Arba'een (40 days after Ashura) — among the LARGEST RELIGIOUS GATHERINGS IN THE WORLD. ~20,000+ students. 13 colleges. Distinguished Shia jurisprudence + Quranic studies.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Languages & Linguistics · Engineering & Technology

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 2003 (Kirkuk governorate public flagship; multi-ethnic Kurdish-Arab-Turkmen-Assyrian disputed city). Public university in Kirkuk — Iraq's most ethnically complex city. Founded 2003. KIRKUK HONEST CONTEXT: Multi-ethnic Kurdish-Arab-Turkmen-Assyrian city, major oil-producing region. Politically disputed between federal Iraq and KRG — Article 140 of 2005 Iraqi Constitution required normalization-census-referendum on Kirkuk's status (never fully implemented). Kurdish forces (Peshmerga) controlled Kirkuk 2014-2017 after Iraqi forces collapsed against ISIS; federal Iraqi forces retook 2017 after KRG independence referendum. Ongoing political complexity. University trilingual programmes (Arabic + Kurdish + Turkmen). ~12,000+ students.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Theology & Religious Studies · Languages & Linguistics · Medicine & Health Sciences

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 1987 (chartered as public university serving Najaf province; located near KUFA — historic Shia city). Major southern Iraqi public university near Kufa and Najaf — the heart of Shia Islam. Founded 1987. EXTRAORDINARY HERITAGE: Located near KUFA — historic city that was the CAPITAL OF THE RASHIDUN CALIPHATE under Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (656-661 CE), where Imam Ali was assassinated in the Great Mosque of Kufa 661 CE. KUFA was also a major centre of EARLY ISLAMIC SCHOLARSHIP — birthplace of Hanafi school of Sunni jurisprudence (Imam Abu Hanifa was from Kufa). ~30,000+ students. 20 colleges. Distinguished Quranic + Hadith + Shia jurisprudence.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · International Relations

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 2006 (KRG public English-medium university; "Hewler" = Kurdish name for Erbil). Major KRG public English-medium university in Erbil (Hewler is Kurdish name for Erbil). Founded 2006. Designed as English-medium research-intensive university. ~4,000+ students. Modelled on British research-university tradition.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Agriculture & Environmental Studies

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 2007 (Maysan governorate public flagship; Marsh Arabs region). Maysan governorate public flagship in Amarah. Founded 2007. Located in MARSH ARABS region (Ma'dan culture, ancient marsh-dwelling Arab population). The Mesopotamian Marshes were drained by Saddam Hussein 1991-2000 as collective punishment after 1991 Shia uprising; partially restored post-2003 (UNESCO World Heritage 2016). ~12,000+ students.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences · Pharmacy · Agriculture & Environmental Studies · Languages & Linguistics

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 1967 (chartered as Iraq's second federal university; CATASTROPHICALLY DAMAGED 2014-2017 by ISIS occupation of Mosul; central university library — among LARGEST in Iraq with ~1 million books, manuscripts, rare collections — was deliberately BURNED by ISIS February 2015; reconstruction since 2017 liberation). Iraq's second federal university. Founded 1 April 1967. ~36,000+ students. CATASTROPHIC ISIS OCCUPATION CONTEXT (essential disclosure): Mosul fell to ISIS (Islamic State / Daesh) on 10 June 2014 — the university was OCCUPIED FOR 2.5 YEARS. In February 2015 ISIS DELIBERATELY BURNED the University of Mosul Central Library — one of the LARGEST in Iraq with approximately 1 MILLION BOOKS, manuscripts, and rare collections (some Ottoman-era, irreplaceable). ISIS executed numerous UoM faculty (estimated 40+ professors killed), banned female students, destroyed laboratories, used campus buildings as military facilities and prisons. Mosul liberated by Iraqi forces and coalition July 2017 after 9-month Battle of Mosul. RECONSTRUCTION since 2017 with UNESCO + UAE + international support — Revive the Spirit of Mosul initiative includes UoM. Female students returned. Library rebuilt with donated international book collections.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 2010 (KRG public university serving Raparin sub-region; "Raparin" = Kurdish for "uprising/rebellion" referring to 1991). Major KRG public university in Ranya, Raparin sub-region of Sulaymaniyah governorate. Founded 2010. 'RAPARIN' = Kurdish for 'UPRISING' / 'REBELLION' — referring to the 1991 Raparin (Kurdish uprising against Saddam following 1991 Gulf War). Ranya was the FIRST CITY to rise up against Saddam in March 1991. ~6,000+ students.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences · Languages & Linguistics

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 1992 (re-founded in Sulaymaniyah after 1981 Saddam-forced relocation of original University of Sulaymaniyah to Erbil; established after 1991 Kurdish uprising and no-fly zone autonomy). Major KRG public university in Sulaymaniyah — Kurdistan's intellectual and cultural capital. Re-founded 1992 after 1991 Kurdish uprising and US no-fly zone established Kurdish de facto autonomy — Sulaymaniyah's lost 1968 university (relocated to Erbil by Saddam 1981 as Salahaddin) was symbolically re-established. ~30,000+ students. 18 colleges. Sulaymaniyah uses primarily Sorani Kurdish dialect (different from Erbil's Bahdini area).

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Arts & Humanities

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 2014 (chartered as University of Sumer; named after ancient SUMER civilisation — world's oldest). Southern Iraqi public university in Rifai (al-Rifai), Thi Qar governorate. Founded 2014. NAMED AFTER ANCIENT SUMER — the WORLD'S OLDEST KNOWN CIVILISATION (emerged c. 4500 BCE in southern Mesopotamia), home to first writing (cuneiform), first urbanisation (Uruk, Eridu, Ur), first mathematics, first wheel, first literature (Epic of Gilgamesh). ~5,000+ students. Distinguished archaeology.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Computer Science & IT · Natural Sciences · Mathematics & Statistics · Architecture & Design

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 1975 (chartered as Iraq's premier technological-engineering university). Iraq's premier technological-engineering public university. Founded 5 April 1975. ~25,000+ students. 19 scientific departments. Major engineering training pipeline for federal Iraq. Suffered 2003 looting and 2006-09 sectarian violence campus impacts; rebuilding.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Arts & Humanities · Agriculture & Environmental Studies

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 2002 (Thi Qar governorate public flagship; near ancient SUMER archaeological sites including Ur of the Chaldees). Thi Qar governorate public flagship in Nasiriyah, southern Iraq. Founded 2002. EXTRAORDINARY HERITAGE: Located near UR OF THE CHALDEES — ancient SUMERIAN city, considered birthplace of Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim AS) per Abrahamic traditions, and one of the OLDEST CITIES IN THE WORLD (c. 3800 BCE). Also near Eridu (oldest city in world by some scholarship). ~15,000+ students. Distinguished archaeology + Sumerology programmes. CONTEXT: Tishreen 2019 protests centre.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Theology & Religious Studies · Medicine & Health Sciences

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 2017 (private religious university in Karbala; established by Imam Hussein Holy Shrine; "Warith Al-Anbiyaa" = "Inheritor of the Prophets" — title of Imam Hussein). Private religious university in Karbala. Founded 2017 by the IMAM HUSSEIN HOLY SHRINE — among the major Shia shrine institutions of Iraq. 'WARITH AL-ANBIYAA' = 'Inheritor of the Prophets' in Arabic — title of Imam Hussein. ~3,000+ students. Multi-faculty including engineering, medicine, business. Distinctive as Imam Hussein Shrine-affiliated comprehensive university (not seminary-only).

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Agriculture & Environmental Studies

Accreditation

Iraq operates a DUAL HIGHER EDUCATION governance system reflecting its federal-plus-autonomous-region constitutional structure. (1) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF IRAQ (MOHESR, Wizarat al-Ta'lim al-'Ali wa al-Bahth al-'Ilmi) — regulates federal Iraqi universities (Arab-majority provinces) at mohesr.gov.iq. (2) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT (MHE-KRG) — regulates universities in the autonomous KRG region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja governorates) at mhe-krg.org; separate authority since 1991 no-fly zone de facto autonomy, formalised by 2005 Iraqi Constitution Article 117. Plus specialised: COMSTECH for medical accreditation, Iraqi Engineers Union for engineering, IAU+AUCQA for quality assurance. HISTORICAL CONTEXT (essential for student-decision): Iraqi HE was once among the strongest in the Arab world (1970s-80s) but suffered severely from: 1990-91 Gulf War + 1990s sanctions (~13 years of UN sanctions devastated infrastructure); 2003 US invasion and Coalition Provisional Authority dismantling of Ba'athist-era academic structures; 2003-11 sectarian violence with thousands of professors targeted, killed, or forced into exile (estimated 250-500 academics killed); 2014-17 ISIS occupation of Mosul, Tikrit, Anbar with University of Mosul library burning (a million books lost), professor killings, female student bans. Reconstruction ongoing.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-15.

Founded 2002 (Wasit governorate public flagship in Kut). Wasit governorate public flagship in Kut. Founded 2002. ~18,000+ students. Wasit historic city was founded c. 702 CE by Umayyad governor Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf; the name 'Wasit' = 'middle' in Arabic, referring to mid-point between Basra and Kufa.