The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MHESR) oversees the administration of institutions of higher education in Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The work of the Ministry covers areas in both higher education and scientific research polices.
Higher education is based on academic study and research, and normally builds on four years' full time education at stage one leading to BSc or its equivalent. Institutions of higher education in Kurdistan are mainly state-funded, but increasing number of private Universities are being inaugurated.