Based on the First Amendment No. (11) of 2025 to the Law on the Foundations for the Equivalency of Arab and Foreign Certificates and Academic Degrees No. (20) of 2020, and in affirmation of the legal framework governing study inside or outside Iraq for employees, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announces that the principle of studying while employed shall no longer be recognized, effective 13/10/2025.

Accordingly, the provisions of the Instructions for Granting Study Leave No. (165) of 2011, along with the relevant legislation, shall be applied.

With regard to the circulating inquiries on this matter, it is clarified that any previous provisions concerning study while employed are deemed null and void pursuant to the aforementioned amendment. This amendment shall have no retroactive effect and shall be enforced from the date it enters into force, while preserving the legal entitlements of employees who commenced their studies prior to that date.