Duration of Postgraduate Studies in Iraq

– Actual Study Duration:
🔹 Higher Diploma: One calendar year / two years, depending on the specialization and study program.
🔹 Master’s Degree: Two calendar years, including the thesis defense.
🔹 PhD Degree: Three calendar years, including the dissertation defense.

– Minimum Duration:
🔸 Master’s Degree: 18 months
🔸 PhD and Research-based PhD (without coursework): 30 months

Note:
It is permissible to submit the thesis/dissertation within the minimum duration, but the defense is not allowed before that period.
The duration is calculated from the official start date of study until the date of submission to the academic department.