American University of Iraq, Sulaimani
The American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS), is a not-for-profit institution dedicated to
fostering educational excellence and innovation. It strives to be a valuable resource for the
entire community, offering programs and initiatives that support intellectual growth, professional
development, and cultural engagement. By serving the public benefit, AUIS aims to contribute to
a more informed, empowered, and prosperous society.
In 2006, the Board of Trustees of the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani, set out to establish
AUIS as a catalyst for innovation in higher education in Iraq, providing an alternative to the
“lecture-memorize-repeat” model so prevalent in Iraq and the Middle East. The University offers
a comprehensive American-style liberal arts education that develops strengths in critical
thinking, effective communication, a strong work ethic, good citizenship, and personal integrity.
The University is unique in its role as an institution of higher learning unaffected by sectarian
divides and affiliations, where students from every corner of the country, regardless of their
ethnic, religious, or economic background, are offered an education with a long-lasting impact
on their future and the future of the entire region. The value of diversity is emphasized in both
the academic and social communities at AUIS.
Forty-five students from across Iraq were admitted to the first undergraduate class at AUIS in
2007. The University simultaneously launched a professional MBA program for students
planning to study business and leadership at the graduate level. Since its founding, the
University has expanded its academic offerings to include bachelor’s degrees in business
administration, engineering, English and journalism, information technology, and international
studies, with each program’s requirements balanced by multidisciplinary core courses in the
humanities and sciences. Faculty members hold doctoral and master’s degrees from
universities in the U.S. or the UK. The language of instruction is English, and AUIS students are
required to have English language skills before entering the undergraduate program. Entering
students can develop their English proficiency in the Academic Preparatory Program, which is
accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA).
American University of Iraq, Sulaimani
Sulaimani – Kirkuk Main Road, Raparin
Sulaimani Governorate
Kurdistan Region, Iraq 46001
Tel: +964 770 461 5555
Fax: +1-202-204-5180
www.auis.edu.krd
Dr. Bilal A. Wahab, President
E-mail: president@auis.edu.krd
bilal.wahab@auis.edu.krd
Raz Jaff, Chief of Staff
E-mail: raz.jaff@auis.edu.krd