Iraqi student’s protested globally in response to the salary cuts of crucial educational programs. Iraq’s higher education minister recently signed two pieces of legislation that significantly cut funding to students who wish to study abroad. The funding provided by the Ministry of Higher Education towards students has been limited to three years.
These crucial changes to the Iraqi education laws restrict students who depend on funding to live and support themselves while getting an education. While this affects students currently studying in Iraq, international students who chose to study abroad are strongly affected by the cut in funding to their programs.
While these measures are expected to occur by April, students at international campuses and Iraqi embassies all over the world came together on March 2 to protest. Peaceful demonstrations and sit-ins occurred globally in attempts to stop the progress of the funding cuts. The Iraqi government will still maintain its payment to other international universities, and no students will be kicked out of their programs; however, this means that students will have 50 per cent less money to spend on their family and costs of living.
Many Iraqi students with families will suffer from the spending cuts, undoubtedly affecting their studies and academic aspirations.
Scott Lucas, a professor of International Politics at the University of Birmingham, shows a growing concern towards affected students.
“The effect [of cutting funds] is compounded for some students by the unequal distribution of the cuts, set out by a special committee in the higher education ministry,” Lucas said. “The reduction in support for a single student is 15 per cent and 22 per cent for a married student without children. Married students with children will lose 33 per cent of their support, irrespective of the family size.”
While the cuts occur as a result of economic instability in Iraq, students and Iraqi citizens alike are urging the government to reconsider their actions. The opportunity to study abroad remains a crucial motivational factor for young students to succeed; with these funding cuts, many dreams will remain unattainable.
– Compiled by Emilio Ghloum