Certificate Equivalency Instructions

Certificate Equivalency Instructions for Graduates of Non-Iraqi Medical Colleges

As per the official letters from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research / Scholarships and Cultural Relations Department / Office of the Director General, the following instructions outline the procedures and options available for graduates of non-Iraqi medical colleges.

Procedure for Graduates of Non-Iraqi Medical Colleges

Graduates holding a Bachelor of Medicine from non-Iraqi universities are required to visit one of the following exam centers based on the geographical area:

  • University of Baghdad
  • Al-Mustansiriya University
  • Al-Nahrain University
  • Basra University
  • Mosul University
  • Dhi Qar University
  • Kufa University
  • Kirkuk University
  • Anbar University

University Admission Procedure

The university receives the student and issues a university order if the student meets the conditions specified by the Ministry. The university order will determine one of the following two pathways for the student:

Pathway 1: Parallel Equivalency

If the university from which the student graduated is considered non-credible, the option of parallel equivalency is applied:

  • The student must register and attend classes with the final year students at one of the government medical colleges.
  • The student is not allowed to take the equivalency exam directly. They must attend classes and take all exams according to the applicable rules.
  • The student is subject to the same rights and responsibilities as non-Iraqi students (including parallel study fees plus 15%).
  • Distribution of students is centrally managed by the College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, based on geographical area as determined by the residence card.
  • One academic year is equivalent to three attempts (first round, second round, and supplementary round).
  • If the student fails, they are dismissed but retain the right to three further attempts in the equivalency exam system at the University of Baghdad. Failure in these attempts leads to permanent dismissal.

Pathway 2: Certificate Equivalency Exam

If the university from which the student graduated is considered credible, the student can take the equivalency exam:

  • The exam (both theoretical and practical) will be conducted centrally by the University of Baghdad.
  • The student must pass both the practical and theoretical exams individually. Passed components do not need to be retaken.
  • Six attempts are allowed (two exams per year), with fees paid as follows:
    • 150,000 IQD per subject for the first attempt
    • 180,000 IQD per subject for the second attempt
    • 210,000 IQD per subject for the third attempt
    • 240,000 IQD per subject for the fourth, fifth, and sixth attempts
  • If the student fails all six attempts, they are dismissed permanently.

Switching Between Pathways

If the university order grants the student the right to take the equivalency exam but the student prefers the parallel equivalency option, they are allowed to do so. In this case:

  • The student is centrally assigned by the College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, to medical colleges based on geographical area.
  • One academic year is equivalent to three attempts. If the student fails, they retain the right to three further attempts in the equivalency exam system at the University of Baghdad. Failure in these attempts leads to permanent dismissal.

Prohibition of Mixing Pathways

Combining the parallel system and the equivalency exam system is strictly prohibited. If a student wishes to switch from one system to another, they must take all subjects anew.