Iraq's higher education ministry grants universities authority to fill graduate vacancies

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, through Acting Minister Abdulhussein al-Mousawi, has authorized universities, colleges and institutes to process graduate admissions results for the next academic cycle. Under the ministerial directive issued on Sunday, August 30, 2026, candidates who scored between 40 and 44 on the competitive entrance exam may receive up to five additional points in order to fill remaining seats. The decision also covers the governing boards of colleges and institutes that operate outside the university structure. It directs institutions to place applicants with the highest differential score into unfilled positions within the approved admissions plan. The ministry ordered universities to complete processing and placement within three days of the directive's notification, ensure all educational institutions are fully informed and issue acceptance decisions in line with regulations without delay. No further details on the number of vacant seats or participating institutions were immediately available.