The Directorate of International Academic Relations & Media is an administrative body at the University of Garmian possessing distinct specifications that distinguish it from the rest of the directorates affiliated with the university presidency. This is because of its ability to convey the academic message of the institution to the outside world and its interconnectedness.
The directorate is managed by Assistant Professor Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Tofiq, working in full coordination and cooperation with the President of the University, Vice President for Scientific Affairs, and the Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs to deliver the scientific, academic, social, and cultural goals that it aspires to achieve to students and academics from inside and outside the country.
The directorate's strategic plan encompasses the following key pillars:
Managing all aspects related to the enrollment of students, alumni, and staff of the university seeking to study at universities outside the country, from undergraduate-level courses to postgraduate programs, ensuring comprehensive support from the beginning of the process until the equalization of certificates.
Attracting the largest possible number of students from outside the country to the university to complete their studies in the various levels and specialization available at the university. This is in addition to providing all the required assistance and guidance in coordination and cooperation with colleges and academic departments.
Taking extra care for the establishment of international cooperation concerning students and staff mobility for the academic, cultural, and competition purposes.
Engaging in international academic and research projects, particularly those funded by the European Union within the Erasmus+ program or the German DAAD organization, fostering partnerships with local and international universities.
Promoting international scholarships from various countries and organizations, including the British Chevening and American Fulbright scholarships, among alumni and staff of the university for wider inclusion.
Establishing academic agreements and partnerships with international and local universities, facilitating joint endeavors in scientific, social, cultural, and environmental fields.
Facilitating conferences, seminars, research collaborations, and training workshops in collaboration with academic institutions and international research institutions, encouraging faculty participation, and providing visa support for attendees.
Collaborating with international universities to enhance the research aspect of postgraduate studies, including doctoral studies within split-site PhD programs, in addition to providing the appropriate ground for researchers to conduct joint research with researchers from outside the country.
Coordinating with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Kurdistan Region of Iraq to disseminate information regarding scholarships and fellowships offered by foreign countries or universities.
Monitoring the progress of students studying abroad and offering assistance to overcome obstacles, while ensuring timely communication of updates and directives from relevant authorities, particularly the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the region, and the Ministry of Higher Education and the Department of Missions and Cultural Relations in the federal government in Baghdad.
Additionally, the Media Unit within the directorate is responsible for disseminating academic opportunities, training courses, and university events at different local and international institutions through official channels, including the university website and social media platforms, while also covering all university activities and events in collaboration with local, regional, and international organizations.