Delvin Barzani

Ishik University Erbil

ISHIK UNIVERSITY is a private university owned by Fezalar Educational Institutions which was established in Erbil in 1994 by Turkish and Iraqi investors and educators during the civil war in the region. In 1994, the Institution started with Ishik School in Erbil with high standards providing local and universal values. The aim was to provide education to everybody regardless of belief, ethnicity, social status or political ideas. Ishik Schools gained a good reputation in Kurdistan Region and Iraq. In 2007, the institution developed the idea of a private university with the support of students' families. In 2008, KRG Ministry of Higher Education approved the establishment of Ishik University. In 2008-2009, education started as only English Prep on the ground floor of Ishik Private High School, temporarily. For 2009-2010, students were accepted to 5 Bachelor's Degree Programs and 8 English Prep. Programs. The same year, an unused workshop of Industrial School and Ishik High School's some other parts were converted into Education Faculty. In 2010-2011, 9 Bachelor's Programs were started in the new campus on 100 Meter. During 2011-2013, it became Center of TOEFL and Continuing Education. In 2014-2015, Ishik had 6 faculties with 15 departments and gave alumni from all faculties. Additionally, in 2014-2015, Ishik Sulaimani Branch was opened and started education with prep classes of Engineering and Business Faculties. The same year, Student Exchange Programs started with 16 students. Application for Master's Degree awaits for the approval of Ministry.