Iraq sets vocational high school admission rules for 2026-2027 academic year

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Education has announced admission rules for vocational high schools for the 2026-2027 academic year, with the process to be overseen by the General Directorate of Vocational Education. Under the new rules, age limits for different vocational branches have been clarified, and students must not have repeated a grade two years in a row or frozen their enrollment while remaining in the same class. Students who repeat a grade for two consecutive years will be transferred to evening schools, except those who have used a one-year failure exemption. Students who exceed the set age limit will also be directed to evening schools according to ministry-defined criteria. The ministry said the regulations are intended to organize the education process, increase the efficiency of vocational training and improve the quality of programs. No further details on implementation timelines were immediately available.