Iraqi Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Naeem Al-Aboudi, mentioned in May 2023 that many Iraqi youths are interested in pursuing higher education in Iran. He emphasized the high demand for studying in Iran among Iraqi students due to the friendly and neighboring relationship between the two countries. Currently, around 75,000 Iraqi nationals are studying in Iranian universities, showing the strong academic ties between the two nations.

During a meeting in Tehran between Al-Aboudi and Zolfigol, the importance of enhancing cooperation in the fields of science and research was highlighted. Both officials agreed that detailed planning and the formation of special working groups are necessary to boost cooperation. Zolfigol also emphasized the need for joint scientific exchanges and holding joint seminars between Iran and Iraq to further strengthen collaboration.

In July 2022, Vahid Haddadi-Asl, Iranian deputy science minister expressed Iran’s priority to increase academic cooperation with Iraq among Islamic and neighboring countries. He mentioned that Iraq has the highest number of foreign nationals studying in Iran and it is essential to address any issues they may face. By holding joint meetings between heads of universities and research technology centers in both countries, cooperation can be further enhanced.