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 8th, 2013 | Laid the cornerstone of the American University of Kurdistan |
December 1st, 2014 | Established the five initial Colleges and Academic Programs; Business and Finance, Computer Science, Interior Design, Public Policy, and Media & Mass Communication |
January 11th, 2015 | First Day of Classes at AUK |
March 14th, 2016 | Grand opening of the Mustafa Barzani Building (AUK Campus) |
August 1st, 2016 | Addition of the College of Engineering |
December 16th, 2016 | Conference on the Independence of Kurdistan held at AUK; Launch of Kurdistan Journal of Politics and Economy |
August 30th, 2017 | Received recognition from the Ministry of Higher Education in Baghdad |
July 5th, 2018 | Granted licenses by the Ministry of Higher Education in Erbil to open Colleges of Medicine and Nursing |
April 29th, 2019 | Completed construction on the first Student Residence Hall |
September 1st, 2019 | Founded the College of Nursing |
September 19th, 2019 | AUK's first commencement ceremony |
November 19th, 2019 | Held the first Middle-East Peace and Security Forum (MEPS) |