About AUK
Founded in 2014 as a non-profit institution of higher learning by Masrour Barzani, the American University of Kurdistan is dedicated to preparing future generations of leaders through curricular and co-curricular excellence in an American style education focusing on transformative knowledge, innovative research, ethical community service, respect for inclusion and diversity, global connectedness, and life-long learning, all aiming to ensure economic, environmental, social and political advancement- regionally, nationally and globally.
Timeline of University History
| December 2013 | Laid the cornerstone of the American University of Kurdistan |
| December 2014 | Established the initial Colleges and Academic Programs |
| January 2015 | First Day of Classes |
| March 2016 | Grand opening of the Mustafa Barzani Building (AUK Campus) |
| August 2016 | Opening of the College of Engineering |
| December 2016 | Conference on the Independence of Kurdistan |
| August 2017 | Received recognition from the Ministry of Higher Education in Baghdad |
| July 2018 | Granted licenses by the Ministry of Higher Education in Erbil to open Colleges of Medicine and Nursing |
| April 29th, 2019 | Construction completed on the Female Residence Facility |
| September 2019 | Addition of the College of Nursing (first cohort entered fall 2020) |
| September 2019 | First Commencement Ceremony |
| November 2019 | First Middle-East Peace and Security Forum (MEPS) |
| October 2020 | Receipt of first Grant from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs; Grant titled "Supporting American-style Higher Education in Iraq"; subsequent grants awarded in October 2021 and October 2022. |
| July 2021 | Int. Nursing Conference in Kurdistan Region |
| September 2021 | National Conversation on K-19 Education in Kurdistan |
| October 2021 | German Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) awards formal recognition to AUK |
| April 2022 | The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) determines AUK to be eligible to proceed with an application for candidacy for accreditation |
| April 2023 | AUK Simulation Conference |