Iraq suspends student transfers to gifted high schools for 2026–27 year

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Education has suspended student transfers from public and private high schools to gifted schools for the 2026–2027 academic year. The ministry's General, Private and Foreign Education Directorate said the freeze was implemented with the new school year set to begin shortly, adding that the gifted schools had already filled their designated quotas with previously transferred students. The directorate described the decision as a routine administrative measure aimed at completing preparations ahead of the new academic calendar. The Education Ministry said a new review of transfers could be carried out in a later period. Students and parents were asked to follow official ministry channels for updates on transfer applications. No further details on the timing or scope of any future review were provided.