TLDR: Dr. Naeem Abd Yaser Al-Aboudi, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, has overseen the final preparations for the launch of the Colleges of Excellence and Artificial Intelligence at Baghdad University, set to commence operations for the 2025/2026 academic year. This initiative marks a significant stride in Iraq’s commitment to advanced education in digital and AI fields, with a ministerial order issued on August 8, 2025, solidifying the establishment and setting a deadline of August 20, 2025, for logistical readiness.
Baghdad University is on the cusp of a transformative educational expansion with the impending inauguration of its new Colleges of Excellence and Artificial Intelligence. Under the strategic guidance of Dr. Naeem Abd Yaser Al-Aboudi, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, preparatory meetings have culminated in the official establishment of these institutions, poised to welcome students for the academic year 2025/2026.
Dr. Al-Aboudi has consistently emphasized the critical need for Iraq’s academic system to align with global digital and knowledge transformations. This vision materialized with a ministerial order issued on August 8, 2025, formally establishing both colleges. The order also stipulated August 20, 2025, as the deadline for completing all necessary logistical and human resources requirements, ensuring a smooth commencement of studies.
The College of Excellence is designed to offer a diverse range of programs, including Applied Information Systems, Data Science, E-Business Management, Accounting and Banking, Philosophy, and Sociology. Complementing this, the College of Artificial Intelligence will focus on cutting-edge specializations such as engineering applications, biomedical applications, and big data. Furthermore, postgraduate (Master’s) programs in Artificial Intelligence are set to launch, with an application start date of August 3, 2025. These Master’s specializations will encompass Computer Vision, Data Science, Robotics and Drone Engineering, and Digital Health, Medical Diagnosis, and Bioinformatics.
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Throughout the preparatory phase, Dr. Al-Aboudi has directed the Directorate of Studies, Planning and Follow-up to establish rigorous admissions controls and application mechanisms. This is aimed at attracting highly qualified students and fostering an innovative educational environment that can absorb and nurture new talents. The establishment of these colleges underscores the Ministry’s commitment to advancing the quality of higher education, promoting research and innovation in emerging technologies, and fostering institutional collaboration to develop skilled human capital essential for inclusive and sustainable growth across various sectors.
