Deputy Director of the Prime Minister's Office, Ali Razouqi, announced that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has directed the dispatch of 5,000 Iraqi students to prestigious international universities.

This initiative is accompanied by plans to enhance the salaries and conditions for students abroad, aiming to support their academic and personal success.

Razouqi emphasized that “the development of nations hinges on the advancement of human resources and their ability to adapt to globalization while learning from global experiences.”

He shared that the Supreme Committee for the Development of Education in Iraq was first established in 2008 with the goal of sending 10,000 students to top universities. However, the program was suspended due to the economic crisis and the occupation of some Iraqi territories by ISIS at that time.

The Deputy Director explained that the Prime Minister has now revived the program, directing the dispatch of 5,000 new students to some of the world's best universities, in an effort to boost scientific research and foster international academic connections.

Razouqi noted that the earlier phase of the program resulted in the return of 4,000 PhD and Master’s degree holders, who now play a key role in Iraq’s higher education sector. Since the revival of the initiative in August 2023, the first batch of 400 students has already been sent. A further 1,000 students are expected to be sent in 2024 to top universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The objective is to provide high-quality academic content, which will ultimately elevate performance across government sectors.

Additionally, a provision has been made for non-government employees to receive 5% of the available seats, with a guaranteed job placement upon their return. An agreement with the Federal Service Council ensures that students who earn higher degrees abroad will be employed in positions corresponding to their qualifications upon returning to Iraq.