During chairing a meeting of the Advisory Council, His Excellency, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Dr. Haider Bahaa Al-Hasani affirmed that the Ministry remains committed to fulfill its academic and service-oriented responsibilities, support students, provide the requirements for their academic success, and advance the higher education system to meet the demands of the current era.

Prof. Dr. Haider Bahaa Al-Hasani highlighted the importance of transitioning toward (productive universities) institutions that foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and partnerships across various sectors.

His Excellency also emphasized the need to strengthen the procedures for standardized (evaluative) examinations to ensure an accurate assessment of students' academic standing.

Prof. Dr. Haider Bahaa Al-Hasani urged officials to operate within their granted legal and administrative authority and to fulfill quality assurance requirements in accordance with established standards.

For their part, the Advisory Council reviewed the items on the agenda, including proposals to enhance university performance.

The Council voted to organize a peaceful, brief demonstration at universities tomorrow, Thursday in response to a call by Sayyid Muqtada Al-Sadr to protest the ban on the hijab in educational institutions in Azerbaijan, it was stipulated that the demonstration should last only a few minutes, must not disrupt the academic curriculum, and that no images or flags other than the Iraqi national flag may be displayed.

The Advisory Council approved an invitation for female Azerbaijani students who wear the hijab to pursue their studies at Iraqi universities, through existing admission channels and the (Study in Iraq) initiative, including the full-scholarship program.

In the context of regulating university admission procedures, the Advisory Council has approved a reduction in admission grade requirements for certain specializations within evening study programs at both public and private universities.

The Directorate of Studies, Planning, and Follow-up shall be responsible for implement the necessary measures in this regard.

The Advisory Council decided to amend University Examination Regulations No. (11) of 2026, with the aim of strengthening the integrity and rigor of the examination process.

The Advisory Council authorized university boards to adjudicate requests for student transfers and guest-student status, according to the established guidelines and in coordination with the relevant faculty deans, while strictly limiting such approvals to cases where they serve the educational interest.

The Advisory Council reviewed that the transition toward (productive universities) institutions that leverage their internal capabilities to contribute more effectively to society and national development.

The Advisory Council further deliberated on granting university boards the authority to address critical academic cases for the 2026-2027 academic year, specifically by allowing an adjustment of up to one mark in compliance with approved regulations and directives.

The Advisory Council demonstrated the continued promotion of university autonomy, mandating that necessary steps be taken in alignment with existing legal and administrative frameworks, as well as stipulating that any extension of service for faculty members shall be exclusively for teaching purposes, and that such extended periods may not be used to qualify individuals for administrative or leadership positions.

The Advisory Council also reviewed several other decisions were also adopted concerning the enhancement of institutional performance and the regulation of university affairs.

It is significant to mention that the meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Higher Education, Dr. Adel Al-Rikabi; committee member MP Qutaiba Al-Bayati; as well as senior Ministry officials and the presidents of public universities

Directorate of Media & Government Communication

Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research

October 21, 2026