Sulaimani, Iraq – July 16, 2012 – The American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) is pleased to announce a significant reduction in tuition rates. The university's new, merit-based tuition scale, which will go into effect this fall, aims to give Iraq’s best students access to the university’s top-ranked, American-style education, regardless of their family income. Going forward, all new students’ academic tuition will be based on their baccalaureate scores. Higher baccalaureate scores will result in lower tuition rates (see table below for figures), with additional discounts for students that demonstrate financial need.  

“As an independent, not-for-profit university we do not receive funds from the government to operate like the established public universities in Iraq.  Consequently, we must charge a fee,” explained AUIS President, Dr. Athanasios Moulakis. “Yet, we are committed to becoming the university of choice for all qualified students.  This bold move to reduce tuition in order to provide greater access to our innovative academic programs is evidence of that.”  

Students that demonstrate financial need will receive an additional tuition discount, so that all qualified students, regardless of financial resources, can have access to high quality education. Students that qualify for financial aid can move one level down the tuition scale from their merit level, with the exception of students below 75. For example, a student who initially qualifies for the $2,500 bracket will ultimately pay $1,500 if he or she qualifies for financial aid.

Additionally, students’ tuition rates can decrease over time based on academic performance. Students that earn high marks in their courses at AUIS will be eligible to receive an additional tuition discount after their second academic year.

“AUIS seeks to admit the best students in Iraq, regardless of their financial resources,” said Director of Enrollment, Paul Craft. “Our new tuition structure therefore rewards merit: tuition rates are pegged to baccalaureate score; the better the student, they less he or she pays. Though, in the past, AUIS has had a reputation for being expensive, this is no longer true.”

Current AUIS students will also see a tuition reduction this fall. All students will receive a 20 percent tuition cut at the beginning of the next term.

About the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani  

AUIS is Iraq’s only private, non-profit university.  The mission of the university is to provide advanced academic programs at international standards of quality in higher education for the professions and general education.  Academic programs, taught in the English language by international faculty members, are designed to meet or exceed accreditation standards set by regional accreditation organizations in the United States.  

It is the objective of the University to produce graduates of responsible character with the necessary knowledge and skills for professional and national leadership.  Students are prepared for successful careers in a modern, democratic, pluralistic society and in a global environment.  The educational program of the university is designed to develop strength in critical thinking, the ability to communicate well, a strong work ethic, good citizenship and personal integrity.  Broad-based education, rooted in the American liberal arts tradition, as well as skill development is achieved at the University through teaching excellence, quality scholarship, and caring student services. 

The core values of the university are freedom and responsibility, democracy, free expression and inquiry, equal opportunity, individual rights, tolerance, and honorable personal and professional behavior.  These values apply equally to all members of the university community, including students, faculty and staff members, administrators, persons invited to participate at the university, and members of the board of trustees and advisory bodies.  The university is, by design, an institution that is non-governmental, non-partisan, nonsectarian, independent, not-for-profit, and guided by the highest ethical standards.  It is committed to integrity and the rule of law in all of its dealings with public officials and private interests.  Academic freedom is a principle guaranteed in teaching, learning, and research in a manner identical to that found at regionally accredited colleges and universities in the United States. The university does not discriminate on the basis of gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, occupation, politics, economic standing, or any other common human demographic factor in its admission of students or administration of the University or its policies. 

For more information:

Kyle Long, Director of Communications & Institutional Development, +964 (0) 770 461 5555, kyle.long@auis.edu.iq 

For Kurdish speaker: Bzhar Ali, Media Specialist, +964 (0) 770 152 1893, bzhar.ali@auis.edu.iq 

For Arabic speaker: Diyar Abubakr, Media Specialist, +964 (0)771 195 4205, diyar.abubakr@auis.edu.iq