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 on Sunday authorized universities, colleges and institutes to process the results of graduate school applications for the 2026-2027 academic cycle, according to a statement from the government's Media and Communications Office. Under the decision, university councils and independent colleges and institutes may evaluate candidates who scored between 40 and 44 on the central admission exam. The ministry said applicants in that score band may receive an additional bonus of up to five points, allowing them to compete for unfilled seats within each institution's admission plan. Procedures are to be carried out according to the highest rate of differentiation among candidates, with the stated aim of filling as many empty slots as possible. Higher education institutions were instructed to complete the processing of applications and the filling of vacant seats within three days from the date of notification. After that, they must immediately publish acceptance orders in line with approved criteria. The ministry did not provide further details on the total number of applicants or available seats in the graduate admissions round.