Higher Education between funding pressures and Academic Independence in Iraq

Abstract

The aim of Study to identify the obstacles and challenges of higher education in Iraq. Financing of higher education is both important and sensitive. Higher education is costly, on one hand, and faces competition from other important sectors for the distribution of public expenditure among these sectors, on the other hand. The lack of adequate funding for higher education affects its quality on one hand, and its access and diversity on the other, thus affecting the goals of economic efficiency and equity among the strata of society. Therefore, reliance on public (government) funding is no longer sufficient and it is necessary to rely on private sector funding, but taking into account students from poor segments. The contribution of private companies and businesses, as well as contributions from charities and others to support higher education and scientific research, can also be broadly and legally opened up, as recommended by research to diversify the sources of education and achieve the independence of universities while maintaining the principle of equal opportunities for all members of society.