Baghdad: The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced on Saturday that public employees and those assigned to public service are prohibited from enrolling in evening undergraduate studies during their employment.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry’s Department of Studies, Planning, and Follow-up issued a press release stating that this decision applies to all public employees, including members of Parliament, ministers and those of equivalent rank, undersecretaries and those of equivalent rank, directors general and those of equivalent rank, and holders of senior special grades. These individuals will not be allowed to enroll in undergraduate evening studies while employed or assigned to public service, whether funding their education themselves or through study leave.

The Ministry highlighted that this decision stems from a directive by the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers dated June 21, 2026, and Cabinet Resolution No. (11) of 2026. The Ministry underscored that there exists no legal framework supporting the pursuit of an undergraduate degree while being employed in public service.

Furthermore, the Ministry pointed out that Amendment No. (11) of 2025 to Law No. (20) of 2020, which concerns the foundations for the equivalence of Arab and foreign academic degrees and certificates, has repealed Article (12), Paragraph (First) of the Law on the Foundations for the Equivalence of Arab and Foreign Academic Degrees and Certificates.