Iraqi Kurdistan Welcomes Its First-Ever International University
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The university, located in Sulaymaniyah, the capital city of Iraqi Kurdistan, operates under the licence of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and has permission to enrol 8,000 students over the first six years. It is the first and only university in the Middle East and Gulf area to offer direct British degrees.
University of London Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wendy Thomson, described it as a “great honour” to participate in the official opening ceremony of BIU on 7 September, alongside Prime Minister Barzani, the UK’s Lord Boateng, and other top officials of BIU.
“This is the first international university in Iraq, and I am glad that the courses of the University of London are included in British International University’s educational programmes. Universities like BIU significantly contribute to the future of young people in this area,” Thomson added.
The accommodation consists of a purpose-built student residential area covering 1,500 sq ft of the campus. The majority of students are expected to come from international schools in the region, particularly from Iraq.
After gaining a Level 3 qualification, these students often apply to universities in Europe, America, or Australia.
Though the process of visa acquisition has become increasingly complicated and the post-COVID culture has altered the tendency of Kurdish students to seek programmes abroad, many who want international recognition are now pursuing programmes delivered within the Region.
Although BIU was officially opened in September 2024, students were already actively studying in the University of London’s International Foundation Programme (IFP) last year, and they are now starting their undergraduate courses.
Currently, BIU is only accredited to deliver the International Foundation Programme (IFP) and BSc Business Administration qualifications. BIU offers programmes from both the University of London and the University of Surrey.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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