The college, situated within the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan underneath the licence of prime minister Masrour Barzani, has the capability for 8,000 college students within the first six years and is the premier college within the Center East to supply direct British levels.
College of London vice chancellor professor Wendy Thomson mentioned it was a “nice honour” to attend the opening ceremony of BIU on September 7, alongside prime minister Barzani, the UK’s Lord Boateng and senior BIU workers.
“That is the primary worldwide college in Iraq, and I’m delighted that College of London programs are a part of its academic supply. Universities like BIU are making a serious contribution to the way forward for younger individuals on this area,” mentioned Thomson.
The aim-built campus, protecting 1,500sq ft, has devoted scholar lodging to cater for college kids from Iraq and the broader area, with the expectation that the majority college students will come from worldwide faculties within the area.
These college students, after finishing a degree 3 award, historically apply to universities in Europe, America or Australia.
Nevertheless, because of the rising problem of acquiring visas and the cultural shift since Covid in direction of college students in Kurdistan staying throughout the area, extra are searching for internationally recognised packages delivered nearer to residence.
Universities like BIU are making a serious contribution to the way forward for younger individuals in [Iraqi Kurdistan]
Wendy Thomson, UOL
Although BIU was formally opened in September 2024, the primary cohort of scholars have been actively finding out on the College of London’s worldwide Basis program (IFP) final 12 months and at the moment are commencing their undergraduate research.
BIU is presently permitted to supply the IFP and BSc Enterprise Administration {qualifications}, providing packages from the College of London and the College of Surrey.
“Right here we aspire to empower minds, domesticate cultural understanding, and foster a neighborhood that transcends borders,” mentioned Eleanor Andressen BIU vice chancellor, including that the college’s “state-of-the-art amenities” would “redefine” training within the area.
In recent times Iraq’s larger training sector has been severely broken by recurrent conflicts, however the authorities coverage of creating a college in every governorate has led to the creation of a number of new universities.
As acknowledged on its web site, BIU goals to “shut the hole that presently divides entry to world class larger training, guided by UOL’s “wealthy historical past and pioneering spirit”.
“Our long-term technique is guided by the necessity to develop twenty first century abilities and dedication to the ethos of the UN Sustainable Improvement Objectives,” it continues.
“Universities like BIU are making a serious contribution to the way forward for younger individuals on this area,” a UOL spokesperson instructed The PIE Information, highlighting the alternatives for particular person and societal development and the pivotal function of upper training in sustainable growth.
