Academic Calendar (Above First Stage) — 2025/2026
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research – Iraq
| Academic Year Details | Day | Date | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start and end of the first semester | Sunday | 21/09/2025 – 31/12/2025 | 15 weeks | — |
Mid-year exam dates
|
Sunday | 04/01/2026 | — | — |
| Start and end of the mid-year break | Sunday | 18/01/2026 – 31/01/2026 | 2 weeks | — |
| Start and end of the second semester | Sunday | 01/02/2026 – 14/05/2026 | 15 weeks | — |
Final exam dates
|
Sunday | 17/05/2026 | — | — |
| Start of the second-round exams | Tuesday | 01/09/2026 | — | Universities may adjust if overlapping with preparatory-school exams |
| Start and end of summer vacation | Wednesday | 01/07/2026 – 31/08/2026 | 2 months | — |
|
Summer training for college students (Applied specializations including engineering, medical colleges, and technical institutes) |
Wednesday | 01/07/2026 – 31/08/2026 | 2 months | — |
|
Start and end of preparatory courses for new students (According to university councils) |
Wednesday | 01/07/2026 – 26/08/2026 | 8 weeks | — |
Notes
- University scientific councils set and approve exam dates. The exam period per term must be between one and two weeks.
- Official holidays and special occasions are not counted within exam days.
- Late registrants (within 10 days from the start of the semester) are not entitled to exam postponement.
