Iraq grants universities authority to reassess master's program admissions

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Abdulhussein al-Musevi, has authorized universities to reassess the results of master's degree applications, according to a ministry statement. The same authority was extended to higher institutes that fall outside university and college councils. Under the decision, applicants who scored between 40 and 44 on the entrance examination may receive up to five additional points, provided that unfilled seats remain in their chosen programs. The additional points will be allocated based on the highest differentiation ratio among candidates, a metric used to rank applicants. The ministry directed that the reassessment process be completed within three days of the notification date, after which admission decrees are to be prepared. Officials said the measure is intended to allow the largest possible number of qualified candidates to fill available master's program seats.