Iraq postpones start of 2026–2027 academic year to October 11

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraq’s Ministry of Education announced on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, the postponement of the official start of the 2026–2027 academic year to Sunday, October 11, pushing back the previously scheduled launch date of September 20.

According to an official statement issued by the Media Office of the Minister of Education and carried by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Minister Abdul Karim Abtan Al-Jubouri issued the directive to grant administrative and teaching cadres the operational bandwidth needed to conclude second-round examination cycles for non-terminating grades and finalize campus preparations nationwide.

The ministerial directive also incorporated seasonal climate considerations, citing prevailing high temperatures across the country as a primary factor behind the delay to ensure student health and classroom safety.

Ministry officials underscored that the additional three-week window will be utilized to wrap up logistical, technical, and administrative arrangements, enabling local directorates across all governorates to complete physical facility upgrades and coordinate school readiness before millions of pupils and students officially resume classes across Iraq.