Baghdad: The Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Abdul Hussein Al-Moussawi, has directed an immediate halt to all applications for establishing new private universities and colleges. This directive also includes the suspension of applications for opening new academic departments within existing institutions, effective Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Media and Government Communication Department at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced that this decision aligns with the Ministry’s strategic vision. The aim is to regulate and reassess private education to ensure the strengthening of the educational process and the improvement of academic performance.