The College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at University of Baghdad witnessed an exceptional day as it hosted the official launch of the Central Admission Guide for Iraqi universities for the academic year 2025–2026. The ceremony was attended by Prof. Sabah Qasim Khalaf, Dean of the College, who welcomed His Excellency Dr. Naeem Al-Aboudi, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, alongside the Ministry’s Deputy Ministers for Scientific and Administrative Affairs, the Head of the Supervision and Scientific Evaluation Body, the President of University of Baghdad, and a number of distinguished academic leaders.
In his address, the Minister stressed that this achievement marks a strategic milestone in the trajectory of higher education in Iraq, as it reflects the Ministry’s vision in guiding and organizing the aspirations of new students, expanding their academic opportunities in alignment with labor market needs, and keeping pace with global developments.
He highlighted that the new academic year 2025–2026 has witnessed the highest rate of academic expansions in Iraq’s history, with the approval of 32 colleges, 151 academic departments, and 39 branches, totaling 222 new academic formations across diverse disciplines.
Dr. Al-Aboudi further explained that these establishments were created under a forward-looking national scientific vision, leading to the emergence of specialized colleges and programs in areas such as excellence and artificial intelligence, nursing, digital economy, engineering, energy, and automated manufacturing. Moreover, technical institutes were transformed into Polytechnic Colleges, contributing to the enhancement of the knowledge economy, skills development, and innovation.
The event also featured insightful presentations by Dr. Haider Abdul Dhahad, Deputy Minister for Scientific Research Affairs, and Dr. Hazem Abdul Razzaq, Director General of the Department of Studies, Planning, and Follow-up, who discussed the transformations of higher education, the Qaddim digital platform, and the new mechanisms of applying to central admission.
The ceremony concluded with an affirmation that this launch is not merely the release of an admission guide, but a historic step toward a renewed academic Iraq, opening doors of the future for its students to become pioneers in science, knowledge, and innovation.
This milestone strongly aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Quality Education, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and Partnerships for the Goals.
