His Excellency the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Naeem Al-Aboudi, announced on Sunday, August 17, 2025, the transformation of nine technical institutes in the four Iraqi Technical Universities into “Polytechnic” colleges. The experience is to be expanded next year to include other institutes transforming into polytechnic colleges. He expressed his confidence in the ability of universities and advanced cadres to bear the responsibility of this important and developed stage.
His Excellency the Minister stated that the strategic decision to establish technical polytechnic colleges is based on a clear philosophy aiming to enhance the linkage of academic education with the labor market. This decision represents a new pattern of education diversification, aiming to provide opportunities for students and attract them to this type of education. It also meets the societal needs for practically trained cadres to keep pace with scientific developments in various fields. This transformation represents a qualitative leap that keeps pace with the requirements of the stage and aligns with global trends in technical education. It will open broad horizons for students and graduates, and elevate the infrastructures and academic programs to a high level of development and modernization. The adoption of the polytechnic system also grants broader flexibility in establishing scientific departments that grant a Bachelor’s degree, contributing to the preparation of specialized competencies that meet the needs of the labor market and support sustainable development projects.
Within the polytechnic education system, the student will be able to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, administrative, and various other specializations within four academic years, or be satisfied with a Diploma degree after two academic years. This distinguished achievement for the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research came within its vision to work on providing a suitable educational environment to address many challenges, and keep pace with global developments in the fields of artificial intelligence, information technology, alternative energy, and other vital specializations.
Polytechnic Colleges are educational institutions specializing in applied education and practical training in the fields of engineering, technology, and applied sciences. These colleges focus on linking theoretical education with practical reality and providing students with the professional skills necessary to enter the labor market directly. They often offer shorter programs qualifying for technical diploma or bachelor’s degrees. Institutions bearing the name “Polytechnic” differ from one country to another, but they share a core focus on practical experience and intensive training.
Characteristics of Polytechnic Colleges: The characteristics and importance of applying the polytechnic system can be clarified according to the points below:
- Focus on Practical Application: The teaching method relies on intensive training in laboratories and workshops to ensure students are qualified to work in various industrial and technical fields.
- Technical Specializations: They offer programs in diverse fields such as Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil), Technology (Informatics, Communications), and Applied Sciences.
- Linking Education to the Labor Market: They aim to prepare graduates to work directly in various industries, providing them with good job opportunities.
- Shorter Study Duration: Compared to traditional universities, their programs are often shorter, granting technical diploma or bachelor’s degrees in a period of four years or less.
- Possibility of Continuing Studies: In some educational systems, polytechnic graduates can continue their studies to obtain higher degrees at universities.
Transformation of Karbala Technical Institute into Karbala Polytechnic College The strategic step of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research included issuing the Ministerial Order No. T M 3/8478 on August 17, 2025, to transform the Karbala Technical Institute, one of the formations of Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, into Karbala Polytechnic College starting from the academic year 2025/2026. The college includes nine engineering and administrative technical departments as follows:
- Engineering Technical Departments: The college includes five engineering departments which are (Electrical Engineering Technologies, Mechanical Technologies Engineering, Building and Construction Technologies Engineering, Information Technology Engineering, and Renewable Energy Technologies Engineering).
- Administrative Technical Departments: The college includes four administrative departments which are (Business Administration Technologies, Accounting Technologies, Tourism Technologies, and Financial and Banking Technologies).
The scientific cadres in all the college’s departments have commenced work to change all study curricula in accordance with the Bologna Process. Furthermore, all divisions and units have mobilized their efforts to fulfill the requirements for establishing the college and to provide the appropriate environment to welcome our dear students for the academic year 2025-2026.
And success is from God.
Prof. Dr. Fadel Mohammed Dhaher Dean of the College
