Iraq is an Arab state located in the Middle East. This colorful country is one of the most ancient and significant countries in the Islamic world, with its long history, interesting culture, monumental mosques, ancient ruins, and impressive holy sites.

This once-great country has recently been in a state of constant conflict. After the war and instability, Iraq is not on the list of safe travel destinations for most people. However, many foreigners wish to come here as tourists and also to study.

Approximately one-third of the students at Iraqi universities are foreigners, giving the nation an attractive and multicultural character. International students who wish to study in Iraq will have no difficulty adjusting to the culture of the country and the local languages, Arabic and Kurdish, thanks to the language courses.

Education system

In Iraq, institutions of higher education are divided into universities and technical institutes. At the technical institute, you can study in two main educational programs. To obtain a bachelor’s degree, a student needs to complete a 4-year course of study. Two years of study is enough to obtain a diploma in engineering. There are almost three times more technical institutes in the country than universities. The state provides its citizens with free education at all stages of education and scholarships.

Where can you study in Iraq?

The higher education system in Iraq is represented by about 80 universities, colleges, and academies, almost half of which are public ones. Institutions of higher education provide over a thousand study programs for bachelor’s, masters and Ph.D. degrees.

The most popular and demanded disciplines in the country are engineering, law and jurisprudence, information technology, philosophy, medicine, and others.

The most popular student cities in Iraq are Baghdad, Erbil, As Sulaymaniyah, Basrah, and Dihok.

Important Public Universities in Iraq

·        The University of Baghdad, founded in 1958, is one of the largest and oldest universities in Iraq and was the first to receive a QS grade.

·        The University of Mosul, founded in 1967 based on the College of Engineering, is the second-largest university in Iraq.

·        Al-Mustansiriya University, founded in Baghdad in 1963. Initially, it was a private university, and then it became a public university with great potential.

·        The University of Basrah, founded in 1967, is one of the largest and oldest universities. It includes many colleges with medical, engineering, scientific, and literary specialties.

· the University of Kufa, operating in Najaf since 1987. It includes the College of Medicine and the College of Education for Girls.

·        Babylon University, founded in Babylon in 1991, has 18 colleges.

·        The Basrah Oil and Gas University, founded in 2014, is the first Iraqi university specializing in the oil, gas, and energy industries.

Iraq Visa Requirements for International Students

To study in Iraq, an applicant needs a student visa that will allow them to enter the country. It must be issued in the native country of the applicant before coming to Iraq. Visa requirements for students who plan to study in Iraq vary depending on their nationality. Therefore, it is better to check the relevant rules with the embassy and consulate of your country. If you are planning a trip to the country, then the ideal option is to buy a checklist (hyperlink).

The documents required for the student visa:

·        a photocopy of the passport, which must be valid for at least six months;

·        a visa application form;

·        a letter of admission to the university;

·        an application for a study permit;

·        copies of certificates of graduation from educational institutions;

·        confirmation of a financial guarantee for tuition and living expenses or a letter of guarantee from a sponsor;

·        a medical examination;

·        a certificate of no criminal record;

·        a certified consent from parents if the applicant is under 18 years old;

·        two color passport photographs;

·        receipt of payment of the visa fee.

Useful links and phone numbers

National emergency hotline - 112

Ambulance - 122

Police - 104

Fire department – 115.