American University of Iraq – Baghdad

What American University of Iraq – Baghdad does

American University of Iraq – Baghdad (AUIB) is a private, non-profit university founded February 14, 2021, and headquartered at the former al-Faw Presidential Palace complex on Airport Road, Baghdad, adjacent to Baghdad International Airport. The institution delivers American-style liberal arts higher education in English to Iraqi and international students through ten undergraduate colleges (Arts & Sciences, Business, International Studies, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Health Sciences, Law, Education & Human Development, Engineering, and an additional health sciences college) and two graduate programs (MBA and MEd in Higher Education Administration and Leadership). The technology stack is built entirely on best-in-class third-party platforms rather than proprietary systems, including Canvas for the Learning Management System, PeopleSoft Campus Solutions for the Student Information System, Oracle Fusion for ERP and HCM, Microsoft Office 365 with Azure AD single sign-on, Cisco networking, Huawei Wi-Fi, WorldShare and Bibliotheca RFID for the library, Turnitin for academic integrity, and Crestron/CleverTouch for classroom AV — managed in partnership with Al Tameer IT Solutions Company.

AUIB's business model is a tuition-driven subscription model with priced programs ranging from 5,700,000 IQD per year (Business, International Studies, Law, Education) to 14,000,000 IQD per year (Dentistry), an MBA at 42,000,000 IQD total, and English Language Academy fees by level. Net revenue is reduced by a scholarship and financial-aid layer including 60 full Builders of Iraq scholarships, Ministry of Higher Education free scholarships in medical fields, Martyrs Channel 50% discounts, and the Study in Iraq program for international students. The institution is accredited by the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and is actively pursuing U.S. programmatic accreditation through AACSB, ACBSP, and ABET, alongside IALS Voting Member status for the College of Law. Faculty are recruited internationally and hold terminal degrees from North American universities, supporting a pledged 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Distribution relies on a selective whole-person admissions process, direct on-campus enrollment in Baghdad, an internationally active Study in Iraq recruitment channel, and the American Space program (a joint initiative with the U.S. Department of State that is the largest American Space in the region), supported by AUIB FM 101.5 radio, events, and digital communications. The first commencement was held May 24, 2025.

Name

American University of Iraq – Baghdad

Legal name

The American University of Iraq – Baghdad

Website

https://auib.edu.iq

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

American University of Iraq – Baghdad (AUIB) is a private, non-profit university founded in 2021 that delivers American-style English-language higher education through ten undergraduate colleges and two graduate programs to Iraqi and international students at a 600+ acre Baghdad campus.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Online Nonprofit Universities (EDAHALAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

University/Institutional Scholarships & Tuition Waivers (EDAIAOAG), Articulation & Credit Transfer Partnerships (EDAIABAE)

Keywords

• Higher education
• Liberal arts education
• Graduate programs
• Professional degrees
• English language training

Headquarters

HQ city

Baghdad

HQ country

Iraq

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: Annual tuition charged per academic year by college program. Rates range from 5,700,000 IQD (Business, International Studies, Law, Education) to 14,000,000 IQD (Dentistry). Billed per semester or annually.
2. Graduate Tuition (MBA): Total integrated tuition for the MBA program is 42,000,000 IQD per academic year, billed at 21,000,000 IQD per semester.
3. English Language Academy (ELA) Tuition: Fees for English Fundamentals Program (EFP), Academic Success Program (ASP), and Community Education Program (CEP) charged per level. Admission fee of 80,000 IQD, ID card fee 40,000 IQD, technology fee 80,000 IQD.
4. Scholarships and Financial Aid: Merit-based and need-based scholarships provided directly by AUIB, including full scholarships (Builders of Iraq program offering 60 full scholarships), partial scholarships, and ministry-sponsored discounted tuition programs.
5. Ministry and External Scholarships: Revenue partially offset by Ministry of Higher Education free scholarships, Martyrs Channel 50% discounts, and Study in Iraq program for international students — reducing net revenue per student but enabling broader access.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

AUIB is a private, non-profit university that delivers American-style higher education across 10 undergraduate colleges (Arts & Sciences, Business, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Health Sciences, Education, Engineering, International Studies, Law) and 2 graduate programs (MBA and MEd in Higher Education Administration). It supplements academic programs with the English Language Academy (ELA) for English proficiency and supporting facilities including the American Space cultural hub, AUIB FM radio, AUIB Press, and dedicated research centers for policy and environmental sustainability. Tuition-based instruction is offered on a 600+ acre campus with selective whole-person admissions and a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Product overview

The American University of Iraq – Baghdad (AUIB) is a private, non-profit university offering an American-style education with a modular portfolio of 10 undergraduate colleges, 2 graduate programs (MBA and MEd), and supplementary academic services. The core academic structure comprises ten colleges: Arts & Sciences, Business, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Health Sciences, Education and Human Development, Engineering, International Studies, Law, and an additional health sciences college. AUIB provides English Language Academy (ELA) with Academic Success Program (ASP) and English Fundamentals Program (EFP) as foundational preparation. Supporting infrastructure includes Learning Management System (Canvas), Student Information System (PeopleSoft SIS), Library services (WorldShare + Bibliotheca RFID), AUIB FM Radio, American Space cultural center, Center of Excellence for Innovation and Development (CEID), and research centers for policy, climate, and institutional effectiveness. The institution follows a liberal arts foundation with Core Liberal Arts courses, emphasizing critical thinking and global engagement across all programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AUIB FM: AUIB's radio station operating at FM 101.5, part of the university's engagement and communications activities.
• AUIB Press
• English Language Academy (ELA)
• Center of Excellence for Innovation and Development (CEID)

Products and services

• College of Arts & Sciences Undergraduate college offering courses and majors in humanities, sciences, and liberal arts including history, literature, philosophy, biology, computer science, chemistry, physics, English literature, and psychology.
• College of Business Undergraduate college providing business education for careers in private sector, financial, management, and administrative fields; includes MBA program pathway.
• College of Dentistry Undergraduate professional degree program learning and research offering one of the most sought-after international professional skills; committed to integrated health approach for future-ready practitioners.
• College of Pharmacy Undergraduate college developing future leaders in pharmacy practice and science with purpose-built facilities supporting high-impact research and clinical innovation.
• College of Health Sciences Undergraduate college developing next generation healthcare professionals and specialists with programs in Dental Sciences, Radiologic Sciences, Optometry, and Anesthesia using latest technologies.
• College of Education and Human Development Undergraduate college established in partnership with Vanderbilt University's Peabody College, consistently ranked among the top five colleges of education in the U.S.
• College of Engineering Undergraduate college delivering theory and practice of engineering education in American university style, preparing programs for ABET accreditation in collaboration with Lawrence Technological University.
• College of International Studies Undergraduate college preparing future generation of world leaders for careers in diplomacy and government, fostering well-informed and socially-responsible citizens.
• College of Law Undergraduate college combining American-style liberal education with rigorous law curriculum meeting Iraqi Ministry requirements and Supreme Judicial Council standards.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) First-of-its-kind graduate MBA program consisting of 12 courses; full-time program tailored to working professionals, held at AUIB campus with executive-style scheduling.
• Master of Education (MEd) in Higher Education Administration and Leadership (M-HEAL) Executive-style master's degree for working professionals featuring 10 core courses and hands-on practicum for leadership development in higher education administration.
• English Language Academy (ELA) Intensive English proficiency program ensuring student success within the global workplace; includes English Fundamentals Program (EFP), Academic Success Program (ASP), and Community Education Program (CEP) charged per level.

Quantifiable outcome

• First graduating class (Class of 2025) commenced May 24, 2025 — first graduation ceremony marking major institutional milestone
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration12 records

AI capability2 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core and minor.

• GEMS School ManagementstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026AUIB has entered a landmark collaboration with GEMS School Management (GSM), a global leader in private education, to support the planning, development, and establishment of a world-class K-12 school affiliated with AUIB.
• Vanderbilt University (Peabody College of Education and Human Development)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Vanderbilt University's Peabody College — consistently ranked among the top five colleges of education in the U.S. — partnered with AUIB to establish the College of Education and Human Development. The partnership includes collaborative curriculum development, faculty exchange, and joint scholarship programs including the Future Educator of Iraq Scholarship.
• Lawrence Technological UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnering with AUIB to develop the College of Engineering curriculum. Lawrence Tech is a highly rated U.S. institution contributing to AUIB's engineering programs designed for ABET accreditation.
• Temple UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTemple University collaborates with AUIB on curriculum development for engineering and law programs, bringing its academic expertise to support the university's pathway to U.S. accreditation.
• University of ExetercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Exeter partners with AUIB on academic program development and research initiatives, supporting AUIB's international academic standards and curriculum design.
• George Mason UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeorge Mason University is listed as an international academic partner supporting AUIB's development of degree programs and academic standards aligned with U.S. institutions.
• Sapienza University of RomecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSapienza University of Rome supports AUIB's curriculum development and academic partnerships, contributing European academic standards to AUIB's program design.
• American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)coreOthersAUIB is a member of AACSB and is on a path to accreditation through this body, the premier accreditation organization for business schools worldwide.
• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)coreOthersAUIB holds membership in ACBSP, pursuing programmatic accreditation for business programs aligned with U.S. quality standards.
• U.S. Department of State (American Spaces Program)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint AUIB/U.S. Department of State program to promote critical thinking, cultural exchange, and U.S.-Iraq people-to-people connections. The American Space is part of a network of 600+ American Spaces in 140 countries. Serves hundreds of students and visitors monthly with speakers, workshops, digital resources, educational exchanges, and cultural programs.
• U.S. Chamber of CommercestrategicGTM or Marketing PartnerThe U.S. Chamber of Commerce supports AUIB through the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce affiliate membership, fostering business and educational connections between Iraq and the United States.
• Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (Iraq)coreOthersAUIB is accredited by the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The ministry also provides free scholarships for medical fields, Martyrs Channel 50% tuition discounts, and oversees the Study in Iraq program portal for international student applications.
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNDP partners with AUIB on development initiatives including the Wiqaya Project for water management, contributing to AUIB's research and community engagement in Iraq.
• International Water Management InstitutestrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner with AUIB in the Wiqaya Project, funded by UK International Development, alongside Al-Mustansiriyah University and UN-HABITAT, addressing water security and environmental sustainability in Iraq.
• UN-HABITATstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with AUIB on the Wiqaya Project addressing urban environmental sustainability and water security in Iraq, in partnership with the International Water Management Institute.
• British CouncilstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerBritish Council partners with AUIB on educational programs, certifications, and cultural exchange activities supporting English language learning and international academic standards.
• AmideaststrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmideast collaborates with AUIB on educational advising, exchange programs, and academic partnerships supporting Iraqi students' access to U.S. and international educational opportunities.
• University of BaghdadstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational academic partnership with Iraq's oldest and most prestigious university, supporting collaborative academic initiatives and research between the institutions.
• Mustansiriyah UniversitystrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerAUIB partners with Mustansiriyah University on joint academic programs and research, including collaborative conference participation such as the 5th International Dental Conference on AI in dentistry.
• Al-Mustansiriyah UniversitystrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in the Wiqaya Project alongside AUIB and UN-HABITAT, contributing to climate change, water security, and environmental sustainability research in Iraq.
• International Association of Law Schools (IALS)strategicOthersAUIB's College of Law has been admitted as a Voting Member of IALS, joining a global network of law schools to enhance academic standards and international recognition.
• GallupstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerAUIB signed an MOU with Gallup, the globally recognized leader in public opinion research, to advance leadership development and public opinion research in Iraq through collaborative programs and research initiatives.
• Supreme Judicial Council (Iraq)strategicOthersPartnership with Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council supporting AUIB's College of Law program development, which meets all requirements of both the Ministry of Higher Education and the Supreme Judicial Council.
• German Liaison Office for Commerce and Industry in Iraq (AHK)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAHK supports AUIB through business and commerce connections between Germany and Iraq, contributing to the university's industry engagement and graduate employment pathways.
• Al Tameer IT Solutions CompanycoreTechnology or IntegrationStrategic IT partner providing Al Tameer IT Solutions Company's managed services for AUIB's core IT infrastructure, ensuring fully integrated, robust systems with high serviceability to meet end-user satisfaction.
• CareemminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCareem, the ride-hailing platform, partners with AUIB to provide transportation services and support student and staff mobility on and around campus.
• EducationUSAstrategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe American Space at AUIB works closely with EducationUSA, the U.S. Department of State's network of 430+ student advising centers worldwide, to help students navigate the process for studying in the U.S.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• American University of Beirut: Premier American-style private, non-profit university in the Middle East offering U.S.-accredited liberal arts and professional degrees in English. Most direct comparable to AUIB on mission, pedagogy, and student profile, though operating in a more mature Lebanese market.
• American University in Cairo: U.S.-accredited, English-medium, private non-profit university in Cairo offering liberal arts and professional degrees. Closely comparable on the American-style education model in a non-Western, Arabic-speaking context.
• American University of Central Asia: Private, international, English-medium liberal arts university operating in a frontier/emerging market (Kyrgyzstan). Comparable on American-style non-profit model in a non-Western context.
• American University of Sharjah: U.S.-style, English-medium private non-profit university in the UAE offering a comprehensive college portfolio and U.S. accreditation pathway. Directly comparable on regional positioning and curricular approach.
• American University of Afghanistan: American-style university in a conflict-affected/emerging market (Afghanistan). Comparable on the American liberal-arts-in-fragile-state value proposition and donor/partnership-driven model.
• American University of Kuwait: Private, English-medium, American-style liberal arts university in the Gulf region. Comparable on mission and pedagogy, with a similar path toward U.S. accreditation.
• American University of the Kingdom of Bahrain: Became the first U.S.-accredited university in Bahrain under former AUIB President Dr. Bradley J. Cook. Directly comparable on accreditation journey, scale, and operating model.
• Lebanese American University: American-style, U.S.-accredited private non-profit university operating in Lebanon with multiple campuses. Comparable on the American liberal-arts-in-Middle-East value proposition.
• American University of Iraq, Sulaimani: Closest geographic peer — a private, non-profit American-style university also operating in Iraq. Same national market, similar mission and student segments, competing for Iraqi and international students.

Regional players

• University of Baghdad: Iraq's oldest and largest public university, competing for the same Iraqi student pool on price (subsidized) rather than pedagogical model. The dominant domestic incumbent AUIB must differentiate against.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/auib.edu.iq
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/auib

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about American University of Iraq – Baghdad