Historic Global Recognition Celebration

Tishk International University proudly celebrates a historic milestone, marking its strongest global and regional performance in the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. These achievements affirm TIU’s position as a leading institution of higher education in Iraq, the Kurdistan Region, and the Arab world.

On November 3, 2025, TIU organized a Ranking Achievement Celebration Ceremony at the New Dentistry Building. The event was graced by representatives from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (KRG) , university leadership, faculty members, and local media outlets.

Global and Regional Rankings

QS World University Rankings 2026 (First-time inclusion):

  • 🥇 1st in the Kurdistan Region

  • 🥈 5th in Iraq

  • 🌍 1201–1400 band globally

QS Arab University Rankings 2026:

  • 🥇 1st in the Kurdistan Region

  • 🥈 8th in Iraq

  • 🌍 95th across the Arab Region

Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026:

  • 🥇 1st among all universities in Kurdistan and Iraq

  • 🌍 1001–1200 band globally

THE Impact Rankings 2025 (Assessing contributions to UN SDGs):

  • 🥇 1st in the Kurdistan Region

  • 🥈 4th in Iraq

  • 🌍 1001–1500 band worldwide

Leadership Reflections

“These results reflect TIU’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, societal development, and sustainability.”
— Asst. Prof. Dr. Idris Hadi, Head of the Board of Trustees

“These remarkable achievements are the outcome of the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff, students, and partners, who continually strive for innovation, sustainability, and meaningful impact.”
— Prof. Dr. Sultan Abu-Orabi, President of TIU

During the ceremony, Appreciation Certificates were presented to Deans, Heads of Departments, and Unit Directors in acknowledgment of their significant contributions to TIU’s institutional success and ranking achievements.

Commitment to Quality and Accreditation

TIU’s success is reinforced by its institutional accreditation from the German Accreditation Agency ZEVA, along with 18 internationally accredited programs by renowned agencies such as ZEVA, ASIIN, FIBAA, and AHPGS.

Several additional programs are currently undergoing accreditation, ensuring that all TIU undergraduate programs with graduates meet European quality standards and are globally recognized.

A Vision for the Future

As TIU continues to lead higher education in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, the university remains steadfast in advancing quality education, research excellence, and impactful community engagement — shaping a brighter and more sustainable future for the region and beyond.

Keywords: QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education, THE Impact Rankings, TIU Achievement, Global Recognition, Academic Excellence, SDG Contribution, Institutional Accreditation, ZEVA, Kurdistan Region Higher Education