There are seven universities in the Kurdistan Region. The three largest are Salahaddin University in Erbil, the University of Suleimani, and the University of Dohuk. They offer studies in various subjects leading to specialised diplomas, bachelors and masters degrees, and doctorates.

Salahaddin University was established in 1968 in the city of Suleimaniah, and was moved to the city of Erbil in 1981. After the Ba’ath regime withdrew its administration in the aftermath of the Gulf War, in 1992 the Kurdistan Regional Government established the University of Sulaimani and the University of Dohuk.

The two more recently established institutions are the University of Koya and Hawler Medical University.

Kurdistan also has two universities that teach exclusively in English.

The University of Kurdistan - Hawler started its first academic year in September 2006. The only language of instruction at the university is English.

At the American University of Iraq - Sulaimani all instruction is in English. It offers an intensive English programme to prepare students for its first degree programme, a Bachelors in business administration.