Iraq's higher education ministry authorizes universities to process graduate admissions

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Abdulhussein al-Musawi, has authorized universities and institutes to process graduate admissions results, the government's Press and Communications Office said. Under the decision, university councils may award additional points to candidates who scored between 40 and 44 on the competitive examination. The extra points will not exceed five, and the adjustment applies only to unfilled seats within approved admissions plans. The ministry said the measure is intended to place as many candidates as possible into vacant slots, with placements carried out according to the highest differentiation rate among applicants. Universities and institutes are required to complete the process within three days of receiving the notification. Institutions have also been instructed to issue admission orders immediately upon completion of the process in line with the approved admissions plan, and to report all related details to the ministry.