Study in Iraq - Educational System

GENERAL INFORMATION

As the “Cradle of Civilisation” Iraq has a long educational heritage. However, the educational system in Iraq has suffered along with all other sectors due to chronic shortages of resources resulting from the UN sanctions imposed on the country when it invaded neighboring Kuwait in 1990/91. Iraqi schools have little or no access to books, supplies, equipment or any other resources.

Literacy
Iraq has a heritage of education that goes back a long time, and Iraq is known to have a relatively high literacy rate, however statistics for Iraq are scarce and literacy rates in particular are not readily available.

IRAQ EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

Pre-higher education:
Duration of compulsory education:
Age of entry: 6
Age of exit: 11

Structure of school system:

Primary School
Length of program in years: 6
Age level from: 6 to: 11
Certificate/diploma awarded: Primary Baccalaureat/Certificate of Primary Studies

Intermediate Secondary School
Length of program in years: 3
Age level from: 12 to: 14
Certificate/diploma awarded: Third Form Baccalaureat OrCertificate of Intermediate Studies

Preparatory Secondary School
Length of program in years: 3
Age level from: 15 to: 17
Certificate/diploma awarded: Sixth Form Baccalaureat (Adadiyah)

Vocational Secondary
Length of program in years: 3
Age level from: 15 to: 17
Certificate/diploma awarded: Vocational Baccalaureat

SECONDARY EDUCATION

Secondary education is divided into two three-year cycles. The intermediate cycle follows a common curriculum and culminates in the Third Form Baccalauréat or Certificate of Intermediate Studies. Promotion to a higher class is based on passing the end of year examinations (pass mark 50%). Students with the highest pass marks can choose between Science, Arts or Vocational Secondary schools and those with the lowest mark go to vocational schools. The preparatory cycle covers three years. In the general academic schools some specialization is introduced: students choose scientific or literary studies leading to the Sixth Form Baccalaureat. Vocational secondary education is divided into agricultural, industrial, veterinary or commercial studies. Courses lead to a Vocational Baccalaureat.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Higher education is provided by universities, both public and private, private colleges and the Technical Institutes's Commission which comprises twenty-eight institutes. They exist as legal entities in their own right and are controlled by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Apart from the private colleges, institutions are all financed by the State. Other institutions of higher education exist under different ministries.

FOREIGN STUDENTS ADMISSION

Admission requirements: Foreign students should not be over 24 years of age, hold the Iraqi Secondary School Certificate or its equivalent .

Entry regulations: Foreign students should have a visa.

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS