Iraq to double Yemeni student enrollment through new initiative

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Minister of Higher Education, Naeem Al-Aboudi, announced on Sunday that Iraqi universities currently enroll 500 Yemeni students annually and that a new initiative launching in March aims to double that number.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Yemeni Minister of Higher Education Khaled Ahmed Al-Wasabi, Al-Aboudi stated, “We have signed a memorandum of understanding with Yemen, and we have several key projects underway with its Ministry of Higher Education.”

He highlighted the Study in Iraq program, launched in May 2024, which has attracted over 3,500 international students. “This initiative began two years ago and has been well received by Arab, Asian, and even European countries. Currently, over 3,500 international students are studying in Iraq, with 500 of them from Yemen each year,” he said.

Al-Aboudi confirmed that the ministry will launch another initiative in March to boost Yemeni enrollment to 1,000 students annually. He added, “We have instructed our universities and colleges to support international students, offering both full and partial scholarships.”

Yemeni Minister of Higher Education Khaled Al-Wasabi praised Iraq’s role in fostering academic cooperation, saying, “We are pleased to revive cultural exchange between Yemen and Iraq. Our relationship dates back 80 years.” He noted that many officials managing Yemen’s state institutions are graduates of Iraqi universities, highlighting the contribution of Iraqi higher education to Yemen’s scientific and institutional development.

“We are signing this agreement to restore momentum and strengthen educational ties between our nations,” Al-Wasabi said, thanking the Iraqi government and Ministry of Higher Education for their initiative. He emphasized that within the Study in Iraq initiative, Yemeni students make up 35% of the international student population.

Al-Wasabi also announced plans to appoint a cultural attaché in Baghdad and expand educational agreements between Yemeni students and Iraqi universities. “We take pride in the academic and cultural excellence of Iraq’s universities,” he said.