In a significant milestone that strengthens Iraq’s position on the global academic map, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced the inclusion of 25 Iraqi universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025 — a development regarded as one of the country’s most notable indicators of scientific and research advancement.

The Ministry confirmed that the University of Baghdad ranked 38th in the regional university rankings, while the report highlighted that more than 100 Iraqi universities and colleges now compete in eight internationally recognized ranking systems.

Eight Iraqi universities were listed in the global rankings, led by the University of Baghdad, followed by the Universities of Anbar, Nahrain, Babylon, Al-Mustansiriya, Tikrit, and Mosul. This distribution reflects the growing diversity and regional reach of academic excellence across Iraq’s governorates.

According to the Ministry’s statement, Iraq ranked 29th globally in terms of the number of universities featured in the Times Higher Education rankings, and seventh worldwide in the Sustainable Development Index. These achievements underscore the commitment of Iraqi academic institutions to upholding quality standards, advancing scientific research, and promoting community service.

Education experts noted that this achievement represents the outcome of sustained national efforts to modernize curricula, promote research innovation, and expand international academic cooperation—restoring Iraqi universities to their historic role as leaders in regional education and scholarship.

The inclusion of such a large number of Iraqi institutions in global rankings sends a strong message of progress and optimism, reaffirming that Iraqi higher education is steadily reclaiming its pivotal role in building human capital and driving sustainable development.

Dina Damak