Universities in Iraq ^New

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 110 Universities in Iraq

The Republic of Iraq is divided into 19 governorates (Arabic: muhafazah; Kurdish: parêzga). The majority of higher education institutions that meet the uniRank selection criteria are located in the Kurdistan governorate. The following uniRank league tables and sub-rankings consider all regions that include at least one Iraqi higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

Al Anbar (3)  
Al-Qadisiyah (1)  
Babylon (3)  
Baghdad (32)  
Basra (7)  
Dhi Qar (4)  
Diyala (3)  
Karbala (6)  
Kirkuk (3)  
Kurdistan (28)  
Maysan (1)  
Muthanna (1)  
Najaf (6)  
Nineveh (7)  
Saladin (3)  
Wasit (2)  

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Overview of Iraq Universities

Iraq's higher education system comprises 110 universities, blending historic institutions with newer specialized centers. Governed by the Ministry of Higher Education, universities are categorized as public (state-funded) or private (independently operated). Public universities like the University of Baghdad dominate research output and offer low-cost education, while private institutions often focus on niche fields like business and technology. Most universities provide undergraduate through doctoral programs across sciences, engineering, medicine, humanities and social sciences. Recent decades have seen expansion in private universities, particularly in Kurdistan. Keywords: Iraq higher education, public universities Iraq, private colleges Iraq, academic programs Iraq, Ministry of Higher Education.

Top 10 Iraq Universities

1. University of Baghdad (جامعة بغداد): Acronym UOB. Ranked #1 in Iraq, #3311 globally. Located in Baghdad, Baghdad Province. Founded 1957. Public control. Fields: Comprehensive programs in medicine, engineering, arts and sciences. Levels: Bachelor's to PhD.
2. University of Diyala (جامعة ديالى): Acronym UOD. Ranked #2 in Iraq, #4246 globally. Located in Baqubah, Diyala Province. Founded 1999. Public control. Fields: Agriculture, education, engineering, law. Levels: Bachelor's to doctoral studies.
3. The University of Mustansiriyah (الجامعة المستنصرية): No acronym. Ranked #3 in Iraq, #5042 globally. Located in Baghdad, Baghdad Province. Founded 1963. Public control. Fields: Medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, humanities. Levels: Undergraduate to postgraduate.
4. Tishk International University (زانکۆی تیشک): Acronym TIU. Ranked #4 in Iraq, #5441 globally. Located in Erbil, Kurdistan. Founded 2008. Private control. Fields: Business, engineering, law, education. Levels: Bachelor's and master's degrees.
5. University of Babylon (جامعة بابل): No acronym. Ranked #5 in Iraq, #5543 globally. Located in Hillah, Babylon Province. Founded 1991. Public control. Fields: Engineering, arts, medicine, computer science. Levels: Undergraduate to PhD programs.
6. Al-Maarif University College (كلية المعارف الجامعة): Acronym UOA. Ranked #6 in Iraq, #5669 globally. Located in Ramadi, Al Anbar Province. Founded 1993. Private control. Fields: Administration, law, medical technologies. Levels: Diploma and bachelor's degrees.
7. Bilad Alrafidain University College (كلية بلاد الرافدين الجامعة): Acronym BAUC. Ranked #7 in Iraq, #5753 globally. Located in Baqubah, Diyala Province. Founded 2013. Private control. Fields: Dentistry, pharmacy, medical labs. Levels: Bachelor's programs.
8. University of Kufa (جامعة الكوفة): Acronym UoK. Ranked #8 in Iraq, #5866 globally. Located in Kufa, Najaf Province. Founded 1987. Public control. Fields: Medicine, engineering, literature, Islamic studies. Levels: Bachelor's to doctoral studies.
9. University of Mosul (جامعة الموصل): Acronym UoM. Ranked #9 in Iraq, #6031 globally. Located in Mosul, Nineveh Province. Founded 1967. Public control. Fields: Agriculture, engineering, arts, sciences. Levels: Undergraduate to postgraduate.
10. University of Basrah (جامعة البصرة): Acronym UOB. Ranked #10 in Iraq, #6051 globally. Located in Basrah, Basra Province. Founded 1964. Public control. Fields: Marine science, oil engineering, arts. Levels: Bachelor's to PhD programs.

Analysis of University Types

Iraq hosts 110 universities nationwide. Public institutions total 54, representing 49.1% of all universities. Private institutions number 56, comprising 50.9% of Iraq's higher education landscape. This near-equal distribution reflects growing private sector involvement since 2003, particularly in specialized fields and Kurdistan.

Global Ranking and Standing

Currently 0 Iraqi universities rank in the global top 200 (0% of national institutions). Similarly, 0 appear in the top 1,000 worldwide. While Iraqi universities dominate regional academic influence, international rankings highlight opportunities for enhanced global research collaboration and visibility. Top-ranked Iraq universities globally continue developing strategic partnerships to improve standing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How many universities are in Iraq?
A: Iraq has 110 accredited universities – 54 public and 56 private institutions.

Q: What is Iraq's top-ranked university?
A: The University of Baghdad consistently ranks #1 nationally according to unIraqk.

Q: Are private universities common in Iraq?
A: Yes, private institutions constitute 50.9% of universities, with significant growth since 2003.

Q: Do Iraqi universities offer English-taught programs?
A: Select universities (particularly private institutions like Tishk International) offer English-medium degrees in business, engineering and medicine.

Q: Which Iraqi city has the most universities?
A: Baghdad hosts the highest concentration, including three top-ranked institutions.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Iraqi universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in Iraq
  Explore the most traditional and long-established Iraqi post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in Iraq
  Search for Iraqi higher education institutions listed alphabetically from A to Z.
• Iraqi Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular Iraqi town or city.
• Top Public Universities in Iraq
  Discover Iraqi public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in Iraq
  Find out about Iraqi private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in Iraq
  Explore Iraqi not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in Iraq
  Look for Iraqi for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top Iraqi Universities on Facebook
  See which tertiary institutions in Iraq have the most followers on Facebook, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Iraqi Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in Iraq that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top Iraqi Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in Iraq are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Iraqi Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in Iraq with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.