Iraq's higher education ministry expands processing-grade system at state and private universities

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has ordered state and private universities to widen the application of so-called "processing grades," credits that can lift students' standing or reduce the number of courses they fail. In a directive issued to universities, the ministry said the 10 processing points granted to students now apply to all courses under the ministry and outside its remit, across all levels of education, whether completed or still in progress. The directive also allows the new processing points to be combined with earlier grades provided for under previous regulations. The ministry did not publicly state the reasoning behind the decision, though the document said the aim was to raise pass rates and reduce failure levels in the country's education system. Officials cited in the document argued that the so-called "acceptable" corrective grading lacks a legal basis and is being maintained for political reasons. University faculty warned that lowering pass thresholds would weaken students' professional qualifications and hamper the development of skilled generations able to contribute to the country's growth. The ministry's measures come as Iraq's education system faces criticism at home and abroad, though the ministry linked the steps to broader conditions the country is navigating. No further details on implementation were immediately available.