On August 30, 2017, the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research awarded full recognition (accreditation) to The American University of Kurdistan. In doing so, AUK became the first and only private university in the Kurdistan Region to receive accreditation before graduating any of its students.
Governmental accreditation ensures that educational institutions meet and maintain standards of academic excellence. Colleges and universities around the world recognize their accreditation status as a major criterion for admission to international research consortia and exchange programs. In addition, students holding degrees from accredited institutions are significantly more likely to be admitted to international graduate programs.
The AUK is committed to raising the standards of higher education in the region and to providing its students with all the opportunities afforded to internationally respected universities. To that end, the University will continue to seek professional, program-level accreditations, partnerships with other prestigious organizations, and ultimately, institutional regional accreditation from the United States.
The American University of Kurdistan has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.). Candidacy for Accreditation is a status of affiliation with the Commission which indicates that the institution has achieved initial recognition and is progressing toward accreditation.
Candidacy is not accreditation nor does it assure eventual accreditation.
Inquiries regarding the status of an institution affiliated with the Commission should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:
New England Commission of Higher Education
301 Edgewater Place, Suite 210, Wakefield, MA 01880
(781) 425 7785
E-Mail: info@neche.org