Study in Baghdad, Iraq

About Baghdad

Baghdad is the capital of Iraq and the country's largest city, on the banks of the Tigris River. Founded in the 8th century as the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate, it has a long history as a centre of learning, and today it is home to Iraq's oldest and largest universities, as well as the national Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Most students in Baghdad are Iraqi, and teaching is mainly in Arabic. International students are a small group, usually coming for a full degree, postgraduate research or Arabic and Islamic studies, often with a scholarship.

Studying in Baghdad

Our directory currently lists one school in Baghdad: the University of Baghdad. According to the university, it was founded in 1908 and is the oldest university in Iraq; its early faculties included Law (1908), Engineering and Medicine (1921) and the High Teachers' House, later the Faculty of Education (1923). Today it has 26 colleges, 4 institutes and 11 centres, with 62,622 students, of whom 9,379 are postgraduates, and offers 178 bachelor's, 252 master's and 155 PhD programmes.

The university's colleges are spread across several areas of the city. The main campus is in Al-Jadriya, with engineering, science, political science, media and agricultural engineering; the medical colleges (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and nursing), arts, languages and Islamic sciences are at Bab Al-Moatham; and veterinary medicine is at Abu Ghraib. Subjects range from medicine, law and engineering to fine arts, physical education and modern languages.

The 2026-27 academic year runs in two 15-week semesters, from 20 September to 31 December 2026 and from 31 January to 13 May 2027. Some colleges follow an annual system and others semesters or the Bologna process. Admission rules for undergraduate study are updated every year, and the university also runs evening and private ("parallel") study options with their own regulations.

Admission and scholarships for international students

Iraq's Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research runs a Study in Iraq portal for international applicants, covering diplomas, bachelor's, higher diplomas, master's and doctorates at public and private universities, including the University of Baghdad. It lists three funding routes: full scholarships that cover study costs and housing, half scholarships that cover half of the study costs, and self-funded places. The portal is mainly in Arabic.

Visa and practical matters

Iraq's electronic visa, issued by the Ministry of Interior's Directorate of Civil Status, Passports and Residency, is valid for 30 days, so it suits short visits rather than a full degree. Students accepted for a programme should ask the university and the nearest Iraqi embassy which visa and residence permit they need.

The security situation in Iraq can change quickly. Check your own government's travel advice before you apply and while you are in Baghdad, and follow the university's guidance.

Daily life and climate

Baghdad is a large, spread-out city, and the university's colleges are in different districts, so it pays to live close to your own college. Summers are long, very hot and dry, and winters are mild. Baghdad International Airport is the main air link with the rest of the world.

Frequently asked questions

Which university can I attend in Baghdad?

Our directory lists the University of Baghdad, founded in 1908, which has 26 colleges and more than 580 bachelor's, master's and PhD programmes.

Are there scholarships for foreign students in Iraq?

Yes. The Ministry of Higher Education's Study in Iraq portal offers full scholarships covering study costs and housing, half scholarships and self-funded places.

What language is used for teaching in Baghdad?

Teaching is mainly in Arabic. Check the language of instruction of each programme with the college before applying.