About Us
The American University of Iraq – Baghdad (AUIB) is a private, non-profit University launched in February 2021. AUIB follows in the tradition of the three historical institutions of Baghdad: the House of Wisdom; al-Nizamiyah Madrasah, often described as the largest university in the medieval world; and al-Mustansiriyah Madrasah. As such, AUIB is steeped in the rich historical academic and intellectual traditions of Iraq while embracing the pedagogy and cutting-edge knowledge of the 21st century as embodied in the American-style system of higher education. As a bridge between historical traditions and modern technologies and knowledge, AUIB offers students a solid foundation for lifelong learning built on centuries-old cultural and academic traditions with an openness to global developments.
The American University of Iraq – Baghdad
Our History
The American University of Iraq – Baghdad (AUIB) is a non-profit University that opened its doors to students on February 14, 2021. Its state-of-the-art campus is the former al-Faw Presidential Palace located next to the Baghdad International Airport. AUIB first opened with three colleges; Arts and Sciences, Business, and International Studies. Since then, Colleges of Pharmacy, Dentistry, Health Sciences, Law, and Education have also opened with several more planned to open in the next few years.
AUIB is accredited by the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, while also on a path to accreditation in the United States. In addition to seeking institutional accreditation, AUIB is also developing all its colleges and programs in the expectation of applying for programmatic accreditation as soon as it is eligible. To achieve that, the university is partnering with key universities in the U.S. and Europe, such as Vanderbilt, Exeter, Temple, Lawrence Tech, Sapienza Rome, and others to develop curricula that will match or exceed international standards. In the meantime, AUIB is developing graduate programs with its top-rated, accredited university partners to offer their degrees in Baghdad at a substantial cost savings to the students.
AUIB aspires to be a comprehensive university, internationally recognized for research and teaching, thought leaders on contemporary issues that benefit the public and preserve the heritage and culture of Iraq, while preparing entrepreneurial, innovative graduates to meet the demands and the challenges of Iraq’s economic and social development in an increasingly dynamic and diverse world. It is a university for all of Iraq’s ethnic and religious communities and dedicated to serving every province of the country. AUIB is truly the comprehensive, American-style university for all Iraqis.
Why Study at AUIB
Learn MoreFuture of AUIB
What does the future hold for AUIB?
A lot! Our university is young, growing, vibrant, and exciting. We are adding new buildings, hiring new faculty from around the world, and adding majors and programs for our students every year. With a thousand or more students joining us every year, we are one of the fastest growing universities not only in Iraq but in the larger region.
Let’s start with new colleges. We have just opened our College of Education and Human Development with Vanderbilt University, consistently ranked in the top five colleges of education in the U.S. We will soon open our new College of Engineering with Lawrence Technological University and Temple University, both of them highly rated in the U.S. and globally. In the coming years, we will also open a College of Medicine, and a College of Agriculture, and other colleges to meet the needs of Iraq’s development in the future.
We are also building new partnerships with top universities in the U.S., Europe, and globally to ensure our students have the opportunities they deserve as they prepare for careers in the global economy. These partnerships will give AUIB students unprecedented opportunities for graduate studies in the U.S. with globally recognized universities. We are also adding staff to support the success of our students and ensuring that they have the support they need not only to succeed, but to flourish in their studies.
AUIB is not just an American-style university, but a vibrant and growing community of scholars and students with an exciting future. Make AUIB your academic home!
Our Vision
The American University of Iraq – Baghdad aspires to be a globally recognized university that leads through innovation, entrepreneurship, and intellectual excellence. empowering graduates to strengthen Iraq’s future and contribute to a more stable and prosperous world.
Our Mission
The American University of Iraq – Baghdad provides an American-style education through innovative, high-quality teaching, research, and community engagement, equipping students with transferable, industry-aligned skills for work-ready success, lifelong learning, and contributions to Iraq and beyond.
Our Core Values
Student-Centeredness
Places student learning, development, wellbeing, and success at the center of institutional planning and decision-making.
Integrity
Affirms the expectation that all members of the University community act honestly, responsibly, and ethically.
Excellence
Guides AUIB’s pursuit of high-quality teaching, research, service, governance, and operations.
Innovation
Encourages creativity, entrepreneurship, technological engagement, and the practical application of knowledge to real-world challenges.
Continuous Improvement
Supports regular review, assessment, and evidence-informed enhancement.
Sustainability
Reflects responsibility for AUIB’s long-term institutional, financial, social, and environmental well-being.
Transparency
Supports trust, accountability, and clear communication among students, faculty, staff, leadership, partners, and the public.
Our Faculty & Staff
In The News
Innovate, Learn, Succeed
AUIB Convenes Second Annual Iraq Political Science Day
The American University of Iraq-Baghdad (AUIB) held its second annual Iraq Political Science Day, bringing together researchers from Iraq and abroad, across the diverse disciplines of the social sciences, thus […]
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AUIB’s College of Dentistry Organizes Annual White Coat Ceremony
In an annual tradition established by the American University of Iraq-Baghdad (AUIB), another student cohort of the university’s College of Dentistry (CoD) marched in the academic procession, under the proud […]
Learn MoreUpcoming Events
Last day to Withdraw ASP/EFP Fall Term 2 classes
UGRD / GRAD Registration Period for Spring Semester
UGRD Last day of classes – Fall Semester
Global Partnerships
