جمهورية العراق - وزارة التعليم العالي والبحث العلمي

Overview

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Iraq (Arabic: وزارة التعليم العالي والبحث العلمي) is the principal government body responsible for overseeing higher education institutions and scientific research activities in Iraq. Established in 1961, the Ministry plays a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape, formulating policies, and ensuring the quality and accessibility of higher education across the country. Its mandate encompasses the regulation of public and private universities, technical institutes, and research centers, aiming to foster academic excellence, innovation, and alignment with national development goals.

Historical and Legal Framework

The legal foundation of the Ministry is anchored in Law No. 40 of 1988, which outlines its responsibilities and organizational structure. This law mandates the Ministry to implement policies that promote quantitative and qualitative advancements in Iraq's scientific, technical, and cultural sectors. Over the decades, the Ministry has adapted to the evolving educational needs of the country, particularly in the post-conflict era, by introducing reforms aimed at modernizing curricula, enhancing research capabilities, and improving institutional governance.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives in Higher Education

The Ministry's mission is to lead the transformation of Iraq's higher education system by:

• Implementing policies that drive scientific and technical advancements.
• Enhancing the quality and accessibility of higher education.
• Promoting research and innovation to contribute to national development.
• Fostering international collaborations to enrich educational experiences.

These objectives are pursued through strategic initiatives that align educational outputs with labor market demands and societal needs, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for Iraq's development.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

The Ministry operates under the jurisdiction of the Iraqi government, with its headquarters located in Baghdad. It is led by the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, who is appointed by the Prime Minister. The Ministry's organizational structure includes various directorates and departments responsible for specific functions, such as:

• Directorate of Research and Development
• Directorate of Private University Education
• Directorate of Scholarships and Cultural Relations
• Directorate of Quality Assurance and Academic Accreditation

These divisions work collaboratively to implement policies, oversee institutions, and ensure the continuous improvement of the higher education system. While the Ministry operates within the framework of the Iraqi government, it maintains a degree of autonomy in its academic and administrative functions.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

Accreditation and quality assurance are central to the Ministry's efforts to enhance the higher education sector. The Ministry has established the Directorate of Quality Assurance and Academic Accreditation, which is responsible for:

• Developing national standards for accreditation.
• Evaluating and accrediting academic programs and institutions.
• Implementing quality assurance mechanisms to monitor institutional performance.

Additionally, specialized councils, such as the Iraqi Council for Accreditation of Engineering Education (ICAEE), collaborate with the Ministry to accredit specific disciplines, ensuring that programs meet international standards and effectively prepare students for professional practice.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The Ministry actively engages in international collaborations to enhance the quality and global competitiveness of Iraq's higher education system. It has established partnerships with various countries and international organizations, including:

• United Arab Emirates: A bilateral agreement for cooperation in higher education and scientific research for 2025–2027.
• Netherlands: An academic cooperation protocol focusing on scholarships and joint research programs.
• UNESCO: Initiatives aimed at reducing violent extremism through education.

These partnerships facilitate the exchange of knowledge, capacity building, and the development of joint academic and research programs that address global challenges.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

The Ministry's initiatives are poised to significantly impact the future of higher education in Iraq by:

• Aligning academic programs with the evolving needs of the labor market.
• Enhancing research capabilities to contribute to national development.
• Promoting the adoption of international best practices in education and governance.
• Fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students and faculty.

These efforts aim to transform Iraq's higher education institutions into centers of excellence that produce graduates capable of driving the country's progress in various sectors.

Summary

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Iraq is instrumental in shaping the nation's higher education landscape. Through its comprehensive policies, governance structures, and international collaborations, the Ministry strives to enhance the quality and accessibility of education, promote research and innovation, and align academic outputs with national development goals. Its ongoing reforms and strategic initiatives are designed to build a robust and dynamic higher education system that meets the needs of Iraq's society and economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When was the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research established?
  The Ministry was established in 1961 to oversee higher education and scientific research in Iraq.
• What is the Ministry's primary mission?
  The Ministry aims to promote and support high-quality education and research, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, and enhance the skills and capabilities of the Iraqi workforce.
• How does the Ministry ensure the quality of higher education?
  The Ministry has established the Directorate of Quality Assurance and Academic Accreditation, which develops national standards, evaluates academic programs, and implements quality assurance mechanisms.
• Does the Ministry collaborate with international organizations?
  Yes, the Ministry has established partnerships with various countries and international organizations, including the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, and UNESCO, to enhance the quality and global competitiveness of Iraq's higher education system.
• What impact do the Ministry's initiatives have on higher education?
  The Ministry's initiatives aim to align academic programs with labor market needs, enhance research capabilities, promote international best practices, and foster a culture of innovation, thereby transforming Iraq's higher education institutions into centers of excellence.

Organization Name

جمهورية العراق - وزارة التعليم العالي والبحث العلمي

Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Iraq

Acronym

MHESR

Year of Establishment

1961

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

PO Box 258
Baghdad
Bagdad Iraq

Phone

+964 (1) 886 0000

Fax

+964 (1) 885 1989

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Iraq's Facebook page

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LinkedIn

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YouTube

Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Iraq's YouTube channel

Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Iraq's Wikipedia article

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