In the framework of the RISE project – Reinforcing Integration of Skills for Employability and Internationalisation in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq – 7 universities from the Kurdistan region of Iraq have taken a significant step forward in shaping their future strategies for internationalisation and career development. Through an inclusive and participatory process, a series of focus groups were held as part of Work Package 2 (WP2), which aims to define tailored Roadmaps to guide universities in these two essential domains.
The focus groups represented a foundational moment in the RISE project’s implementation, setting the stage for the upcoming Consultative Workshop that will take place in Sulaymania, Kurdistan region of Iraq, on 18-19 June 2025. These conversations allowed universities to identify their priorities, challenges, and opportunities, drawing insights directly from those who live and shape the academic environment: students, academic staff, and administrative personnel.
An inclusive approach across two strategic pillars
A total of 42 focus groups were conducted across the 7 participating institutions – Akre University for Applied Sciences, Duhok Polytechnic University, Erbil Polytechnic University, Sulaimani Polytechnic University, University of Duhok, University of Garmian and University of Zakho – 21 dedicated to International Relations Offices (IROs) and the 21 to Career Development Centres (CDCs).
More in details, each university organised 6 focus groups involved three target groups students, academic staff, and administrative staff, with a total of 397 participants, offering a rich and multi-perspective view of the institutions’ current standing and future aspirations:
- 7 focus groups with students (157 participants);
- 7 focus groups with academic staff (111 participants);
- 7 focus groups with administrative staff (129 participants).
This inclusive methodology ensured that each voice was heard – from the students striving for international and career opportunities, to the staff responsible for building partnerships and delivering services. The focus groups served not only as a data-gathering activity but also as a space for strategic reflection, exchange, and shared ambition.
Rethinking internationalisation: priorities for a more connected university
Within the International Relations Offices, one message came across clearly: the need for more structured, strategic, and inclusive approaches to internationalisation.
Academic staff highlighted the importance of strengthening global partnerships, especially through collaborative research and joint academic programs in different priority areas according to the specificity of their institutions. They also stressed the need for clear policies to guide memoranda of understanding (MoUs), sponsorships, and partnerships.
Administrative staff emphasised the need of improving internal systems – from student admissions to scholarship management – and called for digital upgrades that would allow universities to better present themselves on the international stage. Meanwhile, students pointed out their desire for more accessible mobility programs, foreign language support, and curricula that integrate international perspectives.
A recurring theme was the aspiration to build truly global campuses – places where students and staff from different countries feel welcomed, supported, and inspired. The creation of international offices in each college, the promotion of intercultural training, and the development of inclusive campus infrastructure were all highlighted as essential steps.
Employability and entrepreneurship: bridging education with the labour market
On the employability front, the focus groups convened around the Career Development Centres (CDC) revealed a shared desire to close the gap between education and the labour market. Academic staff called for a stronger integration of entrepreneurship across academic disciplines, as well as support for student-led innovations through incubation and mentoring.
Administrative staff, on the other hand, pointed to structural and procedural gaps: the absence of centralized policies for entrepreneurship, a lack of incentives for staff involvement, and limited coordination among departments. They also underscored the importance of fostering direct links with industry and enhancing the visibility and role of CDCs within the institutional ecosystem.
From the student side, the needs were both practical and visionary. There is a growing demand for modernized curricula that include career development modules, more internship opportunities – both local and international – and greater access to resources for launching entrepreneurial ventures. Many students expressed the need for better coordination between their universities and external actors, including the private sector and government institutions.
Building the road ahead
The outcomes of these focus groups mark an essential milestone in the RISE project’s journey. They provide a solid evidence base for the definition of institutional Roadmaps that will guide partner universities from the Kurdistan region of Iraq in enhancing their international engagement and preparing students for the rapidly evolving job market.
The upcoming consultative workshop in Sulaymania will serve as a crucial moment to validate these findings and transform them into actionable strategies. It will also offer a unique opportunity for cross-university dialogue, peer learning, and collaboration with external stakeholders.
Through this process, the RISE project is not only reinforcing skills for employability and internationalisation – it is fostering a collective vision for higher education in the Kurdistan Region: one that is globally connected, locally relevant, and future-facing.