Al-Qalam University College

Al-Qalam University College is a private university college located in the city of Kirkuk, northern Iraq. It has been established according to the Iraqi higher education and scientific researches ministry regulations (The ministry official letter for opening Al-Qalam university college was No. 427 of 2009). This University college started as a college with only three departments which were (English Language, Physical Education and AlQuraan Science). The other departments were established gradually until now which contains 14 Depts. including four medical-related specialty departments. 

Al-Qalam University College graduated more than 6000 individuals with Bachelor's degrees in different specialties. Currently, more than 250 employers are working inside the college including the Academic staff in each department, Management staff, Researchers, and service staff. 

Our vision is  to be distinguished nationally and internationally for providing high-quality learning opportunities and for carrying out research, enterprise, and community engagement activities that are strongly linked to the needs and development of Iraq and the wider region.  

Our mission is  to educate and train young talents to become the driving force for sustainable development, improving the standard of living, and leading an intellectual life in the our region and in Iraq in general. More specifically, Al-Qalam university college's mission is to be recognized as a Centre of Excellence for:

Providing high-quality learning opportunities that are driven by local vision and governed by high international standards;  Producing graduates that not only have skills and knowledge in their discipline areas but are critical thinkers able to shape the future of the region and beyond;  Disseminating and applying knowledge to further the industrial, economic, cultural and social development of Iraq and the region; Continuing education and life-long learning that plays a key role in the up-skilling of the workforce in Iraq and the region;  Carrying out research, enterprise, and community engagement activities that directly address the needs of Kirkuk city. The academic objectives of Al-Qalam university college focus on:


1. Offering academic flexibility by means of Choice based credit systems and the like. 2. Identifying and introducing new specializations and offering programs in emerging areas therein3. Incorporating into the curriculum the Application orientation and use high standards of competence for academic delivery4. Designing and implementing educational system adhering to outcome-based International models.5. Introducing and implementing innovation in the teaching  and learning process to strengthen academic delivery

This foundation is regarded as the pioneer of private sector higher education institutions in Kirkuk city as it is the first higher education establishment. It helps Kirkuk's community in several aspects. Al-Qalam university college provides a good job opportunity for Kirkuk's graduates for working as staff within the university. It also helps society through preparing the good quality graduates to the markets with various specialties. 

Regarding research, Al-Qalam University College focuses on  

Promoting inter-disciplinary studies and creating needful facilities that enhance inter-disciplinary research and innovation. Creating an ambiance that is conducive  for undertaking sponsored research, internal funded research, and offering consultancy services to a wide spectrum of originations Designing innovation centers with industry collaboration. also, t o create the environment to innovate and incubate the products and services that address the societal requirements Maintaining high standards in achieving research outcomes and  promoting International conferences / Seminars / Workshops / in collaboration with professional bodies for the creation of avenues for research exchange.

The university is also working for better employability to

To provide skills through curriculum and training that are essential in fostering entrepreneurial thoughts, employability prospects and at the same time provides the necessary support for incubating the innovations and assisting them for prospective commercialization.To provide the necessary business infrastructure that allows attracting and sustaining the industry to commence their business establishments within the University Campus and aid in life long sustenance of employment.To develop an industrial cluster that helps the students to start their industry after incubating the products at the incubating centers which will create jobsTo develop National depositories for meeting the goals of the National skill development councilTrain people to profile neighborhoods and communities for the needs and commercial opportunities.

Regarding the linkage objectives, AlQalam university college offers to promote collaborations with international and national organizations for advancements of academics, research, Technology transfer, and Intellectual property rights.