The American University of Iraq Foundation (AUIF) was incorporated in the United States in 2013 to support the mission of American University of Iraq, Sulaimani by building awareness of the University and its mission, and soliciting contributions.
American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) is the first non-governmental, not-for-profit, American-style university in Iraq. Founded in 2007 and operated for the public benefit, it is also the first non-governmental university in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region to be accredited by both the federal Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government. A certified member of the Association of American International Colleges and Universities (AAICU), the University welcomes students from diverse communities throughout Iraq, the Kurdistan Region, and beyond.
The Foundation is a distinct and independent non-profit corporation that promotes and supports university-level education in Iraq based on American models. Accordingly, it is a tax-exempt organization, incorporated under the laws of the United States and has been determined by the IRS to be a public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
At a time when the Kurdistan Region and nation of Iraq were looking toward the future with renewed ambition, it became clear that higher education needed to evolve—preparing students not only for local success, but also for meaningful engagement with a rapidly connected world. As access to knowledge expanded and global distances narrowed, young people needed more than education—they needed the skills, perspective, and confidence to participate in an increasingly complex and global world.
Founded in 2007, the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) set out to offer a different kind of education—one that values inquiry over memorization, discussion over passive learning, and interdisciplinary thinking alongside specialization. Its aim has been not only to educate, but also to shape individuals who think independently, communicate clearly, and contribute thoughtfully to society.
This vision was built with care. Beginning with just 60 students, AUIS grew intentionally, ensuring strong academic support and a high-quality student experience. English as the language of instruction opened access to global opportunities, while diverse faculty and interactive classrooms fostered critical thinking and active learning.
Over time, AUIS expanded beyond the classroom, establishing centers and initiatives where knowledge was applied through research, professional training, and public dialogue. These efforts reflect a core belief that education is a pathway to growth and prosperity, not just a degree.
Today, with over 1,700 students, AUIS continues to grow while maintaining its commitment to academic excellence. Its graduates leave not only with qualifications, but with an analytical, adaptable, and globally aware mindset prepared to navigate the future and contribute to shaping it.
Academic Quality. AUIS is recognized for its strong commitment to academic quality and institutional excellence. Its programs and operations are guided by rigorous quality assurance measures overseen by the Ministry's Quality Assurance Committee. Accredited by Iraq's Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) since 2017, AUIS was the first private university in the Kurdistan Region to achieve this distinction.
U.S. Accreditation Pathway. The university also pursues U.S. regional accreditation as a key goal, reinforcing its mission to deliver high-quality, American-style liberal arts education aligned with international best practices and global standards.
CEA Accreditation. The Academic Preparatory Program (APP) is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA), reflecting the rigor of the APP and its curriculum in preparing students for university-level study.
Global Membership. The university is a member of the Association of American International Colleges and Universities, a global network that supports American-style higher education and reinforces AUIS's position as a credible institution aligned with international standards.
Extending its impact far beyond the campus gates, AUIS has built a constellation of forums, summits, and programs that connect knowledge to community, students to industry, and the region to the world.
A space of global dialogue where policymakers, scholars, and voices from around the world annually engage in meaningful exchange on pressing regional and international issues.
A space of reflection and expression where culture, history, and identity are explored through academic and creative lenses, welcoming voices from across the world.
A meeting point between ambition and opportunity, where companies discover promising talent and students step into internships and careers that shape their futures.
Hosted by AUIS's Moulakis Library, this initiative brings learning and creativity to orphaned and underserved children, nurturing confidence, curiosity, and a sense of belonging.
Where high school students take their first steps into university life—engaging in dialogue, discovering new fields, and gradually expanding the way they see the world.
The Society of Petroleum Engineers Summit connects students with industry professionals, turning classroom knowledge into real-world insight in fields shaping the region's future.
The Applied Science and Engineering Summer Program deepens experience through hands-on innovation, where students design, build, and present solutions to real challenges.
Bringing international law to life through powerful advocacy and debate. AUIS students have won the national round for several consecutive years—a reflection of the Law program's excellence.
AUIS measures its impact not only in degrees earned, but in the lives it helps to shape and transform.
Life at AUIS is shaped by an active and engaging campus environment where students are encouraged to grow academically, socially, and personally. Alongside rigorous academic study, students take part in a wide range of experiences that enrich their university journey—joining student-led clubs, participating in extracurricular activities, engaging in research projects, and contributing to community service initiatives.
The campus is designed to support every aspect of student life, whether providing dedicated learning spaces for study and collaboration, or spaces for students to unwind and recharge. This balance allows students to develop not only academically, but also in terms of confidence, leadership, and independence.
Through constant engagement with peers, faculty, and the wider community, students build essential skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
With more than 2,600 graduates, AUIS alumni form a growing network of professionals and leaders across Kurdistan, Iraq, and beyond. They benefit from strong academic foundations that open doors to careers in diverse fields and to advanced studies at leading international universities.
AUIS graduates are recognized for their critical thinking, communication skills, and adaptability, giving them a respected standing within their communities. With this comes responsibility—they serve as ambassadors of the university's values, contributing positively to society and supporting future generations of students.
| Name | Role | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| Hawraa Ismael | Consultant / Project Manager | UNICEF |
| Omed Al Haidar | Health and Nutrition Specialist | UNICEF |
| Kaiwan Aziz | Senior Project Control Associate | UNHCR |
| Murtaja Talib | Digital Risk Consultant | EY |
| Aaya Bashar | Manager, Data & Technology | EY |
| Zhiwar Jawhar | Project Manager & Editor | Meta |
| Tebeen Ibrahim | Program Manager, Global Risk Operations | Meta |
| Zmnako Ahmed | Business Support Engineer | Meta |
| Shene Mahmood | Operations Support Engineer | Huawei |
| Rawa Azad | Regional Category Procurement Engineer | Huawei |
| Muhammed Faraj | Head of EU 3P Transportation Finance | Amazon |
| Dalya Hameed | Senior Wireline Field Engineer | SLB (Schlumberger) |
| Azhin Abdulkarim | International Economic Analyst | Wells Fargo |
| Name | Degree | University |
|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Balisani | MBA (Investment) | University of Oxford |
| Tara Burhan | Master's in Public Policy | University of Oxford |
| Rahi Rahbar | Master's in Political Sociology | London School of Economics |
| Alka Aziz | Graduate Studies | Harvard University |
| Safa Fadhil Jafar | MSc in Emerging Economies & International Development | King's College London |
| Azhin Abdulkarim | Master's in International Economics & International Relations | Johns Hopkins SAIS |
At AUIS, student success begins before entering degree programs. The Academic Preparatory Program (APP) reflects the university's commitment to preparing students for academic success in their undergraduate studies.
APP is not simply an English course—it is an intensive program focused on academic English, critical thinking, writing, and research skills. It equips students with the confidence and competence needed for university-level studies.
Beyond academics, APP fosters essential life skills, including time management, effective communication, and independent thinking.
AUIS offers undergraduate and graduate programs aligned with international standards—spanning the sciences, business, engineering, the humanities, law, and the health sciences.
Leads research and policy dialogue on regional and global issues, bringing together scholars and decision-makers through major initiatives such as the Sulaimani Forum.
Delivers practical training and certification programs that align with market needs, strengthening professional skills and workforce capacity.
Serves as a hub for research and dialogue on energy and natural resources, supporting informed policy, sustainable development, and engagement with one of the region's most vital sectors.
Promotes environmental awareness, sustainability, and the preservation of green spaces as part of American University of Iraq, Sulaimani's broader vision.
Prepares students for the professional world through career advising, skills training, internship opportunities, and employer connections.
Advances research and dialogue on gender, inclusion, and social development, fostering a more equitable society.
Together, these centers extend AUIS's impact beyond campus, connecting knowledge with practice and strengthening the university's role in the broader community and societal development.
AUIS is an independent, not-for-profit higher education institution whose vision is made possible through the continued support of donors and partners. Each contribution directly advances this shared vision by expanding access to quality education, strengthening academic excellence, and enabling the university to grow in service to its students and the local, regional, and national communities.
Scholarship funds for students from diverse backgrounds.
Academic programs and research initiatives.
Campus development and facilities.
Supporting AUIS is an investment in a vision that places education at the center of opportunity, growth, and the future of Kurdistan and Iraq.
The overall objective at AUIS has, as I noted earlier, always been to establish and build a beacon of true academic excellence, with top-notch faculty, exceptional students, and superb instruction in English, to establish a university where the values and freedoms that Americans and America have traditionally held are clearly encouraged, featured, and cherished.