A Golden Opportunity to Strengthen Iran-Iraq Educational Ties

Dr. Hadi Zolfaghari, Advisor to the Director General of the Office of International Cooperation at the University of Applied Science and Technology, emphasized the recruitment of Iraqi students and the enhancement of bilateral cooperation during a meeting with the Acting Head and directors of educational centers in Ilam Province. According to the Public Relations Office of the University of Applied Science and Technology, the meeting was held to review the plan for attracting international students, particularly from Iraq.

Dr. Zolfaghari identified suitable dormitories and well-equipped workshops as the two main requirements for admitting international students. He stated that more than eight million associate degree graduates in Iraq are unable to continue their studies due to the absence of a discontinuous bachelor’s degree program in that country.

The Advisor to the Director General of International Cooperation added that the University of Applied Science and Technology in Ilam can fill this gap by offering practical programs such as welding, elevator maintenance, law, and automotive repair. He stressed that these fields are in high demand in the Iraqi job market as well.

Dr. Zolfaghari described the main objective of the initiative as establishing a sustainable communication bridge between Iran and Iraq. He explained that this cooperation will not only enable Iraqi students to continue their education but also open the Iraqi job market to Iranian specialists while generating revenue for the university.

Dr. Mohammad Reza ShirKhani, Acting Head of the University of Applied Science and Technology in Ilam Province, highlighted the province’s unique geographical advantages, including its long shared border and short distance to Iraq. ShirKhani said that educational centers in the province must provide suitable dormitories, advanced workshops, and training programs aligned with Iraq’s labor market needs to succeed in attracting Iraqi students.

The Acting Head of Ilam Province announced that preliminary talks have been held with Dr. Khaled Al-Zamili, President of Al-Muheed Al-Techni Institute in Al-Kut, and Dr. Musab Kazem, Deputy for Educational Affairs at the Central Technical University. ShirKhani stated that the Iraqi side has expressed readiness to sign a cooperation agreement and that close tripartite oversight will be implemented to ensure the program’s success.