University of Kufa: A Prestigious Iraqi Institution
Overview of the University of Kufa
The University of Kufa is a leading higher education institution located in the historic city of Kufa, Iraq. Established on December 23, 1987, the university has grown from a modest institution with only two faculties—Women’s Education and Medicine—into a comprehensive academic hub offering a variety of programs across disciplines. Today, the University of Kufa plays a vital role in the intellectual and cultural life of Iraq, attracting students from across the country and beyond.
The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Kufa holds special historical significance, as it was initially part of Al-Mustansiriyah University before becoming an independent faculty under the Kufa umbrella in the 1980s. Over the years, the university has continually expanded, reflecting Iraq’s educational needs and the demands of the modern job market.
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Historical Growth and Academic Expansion
The expansion of the University of Kufa reflects its continuous growth and commitment to meeting Iraq’s educational needs. In 1989, the Faculty of Arts was established with two initial departments: History and Arabic Language. This marked the beginning of the university’s gradual development into a comprehensive academic institution. By 1993, the university expanded further with the addition of three new faculties: Administration, Sciences, and Engineering. In 1997, the Faculty of Agriculture was inaugurated to promote agricultural education and research, addressing the importance of this sector in Iraq’s economy. The growth continued in 1999 with the establishment of the Faculty of Pharmacy, enhancing the university's contribution to healthcare education.
In 2013, the Department of Political Science, which was originally part of the Faculty of Law, became an independent faculty in response to the growing interest in political studies and governance. This step was part of a broader effort to diversify academic offerings. The university expanded further in 2014 with the creation of the Faculty of Languages, a faculty designed to embrace Iraq's linguistic diversity and train skilled translators. In 2017, the establishment of the Graduate Studies Faculty addressed the increasing demand for postgraduate education and advanced research programs.
Currently, the University of Kufa encompasses 22 faculties and 109 departments, offering a broad range of academic disciplines. These faculties span across the humanities, sciences, engineering, and medical fields, positioning the university as a key player in Iraq’s higher education landscape.
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The University’s Academic Ranking and Achievements
The University of Kufa has gained significant recognition in international university rankings. In the QS World University Rankings 2024, the university earned a position between 1204 and 1400, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence, research, and innovation.
Moreover, the university’s website, uokufa.edu.iq, achieved notable success in the July 2011 Webometrics ranking, which assesses universities based on their web presence and quality. The University of Kufa secured first place among Iraqi universities and was ranked 6097 globally out of more than 12,000 universities.
In subsequent Webometrics rankings, the University of Kufa maintained a prominent position, ranking 2815 globally and becoming the third-best university in Iraq. The University of Technology followed closely, ranking 6503 globally, alongside several other Iraqi universities, including institutions from Kurdistan.
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Leadership of the University of Kufa
Since its establishment, the University of Kufa has been led by several distinguished presidents who have contributed to its development. Below is a list of university presidents from 1987 to the present:
1. Prof. Dr. Yahya Tawfiq Al-Rawi
2. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dawood Suleiman Aziz Dhafer
3. Prof. Dr. Yahya Tawfiq Al-Rawi (second term)
4. Prof. Dr. Khalil Ibrahim Al-Taif
5. Prof. Dr. Nabeel Al-Rawi
6. Prof. Dr. Hassan Issa Al-Hakim
7. Prof. Dr. Abdul-Razzaq Abdul-Jaleel Al-Eisa
8. Prof. Dr. Aqeel Abdul Yaseen Hussein Al-Kufi
9. Prof. Dr. Mehdi Muhammad Rida Abdul Sahib Al-Sahlawi
10. Prof. Dr. Mohsen Abdul-Hussein Abdul-Amir Al-Zalimi
11. Prof. Dr. Yasser Lafta Hassan Al-Mansouri (current president)
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Faculties at the University of Kufa
The University of Kufa boasts a variety of faculties that reflect Iraq’s diverse academic landscape. Below are the current faculties:
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Nursing
Faculty of Medicine
Faculty of Islamic Education
Faculty of Pharmacy
Faculty of Archaeology
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Faculty of Agriculture
Faculty of Jurisprudence (Fiqh)
Faculty of Dentistry
Faculty of Sciences
Faculty of Mixed Education
Faculty of Physical Education
Faculty of Administration and Economics
Faculty of Computer Science and Mathematics
Faculty of Languages
Faculty of Law
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Future Plans and Development
The University of Kufa has ambitious plans for the future, aimed at increasing student capacity through both horizontal and vertical expansion. The university plans to increase the number of students accepted in all stages by enhancing the capacity of existing faculties. This will be achieved by adding more classrooms and laboratories to meet the growing demand.
In addition to expanding existing faculties, the university aims to establish new academic departments in specialized fields that align with the demands of the labor market. Through this proactive approach, the University of Kufa strives to remain a leading institution for education in Iraq.
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Research Centers and Campus Facilities
The University of Kufa houses several important research centers and facilities:
Center for Information and Rehabilitation Research – Located in Najaf, on the Kufa-Najaf road
Permanent Campus for the University Presidency – Known as the University City
Central Library Building
Kufa Studies Center – Dedicated to research on the cultural and historical significance of Kufa
Center for Continuing Education – Provides training courses for students and professionals
For students and visitors, the university offers easy access to its campuses and facilities. A key location is the Faculty of Sciences building, which can be found on maps.app.goo.gl6
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Academic Calendar and Visiting Information
The University of Kufa follows a typical academic schedule with classes held from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM. The university remains closed on Fridays and Saturdays, so it is advisable to plan visits during the working week. Visitors are encouraged to check the university’s website or contact the administration in advance to confirm class schedules and other arrangements.
The University of Kufa continues to evolve as a key academic institution in Iraq, combining historical legacy with a modern vision. As it grows in both size and reputation, the university plays a crucial role in educating the next generation of Iraqi scholars and professionals. For students and visitors, exploring the University of Kufa offers a glimpse into Iraq’s vibrant academic environment, set against the backdrop of the city’s rich historical significance.