We are pleased to offer you a chance to visit Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR) on 17-18 September 2014 to find out how your university can be part of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s new Split-site PhD scheme. The split-site PhD scheme is a high priority on the higher education agenda in the region and we would like to ensure UK HEIs have all the information and contacts needed to be part of this important initiative.

There is strong government commitment for this new PhD route in terms of funding and support. The first round of the split-site PhD received a funding of $6 million with 120 PhD projects approved, with expectations for more PhD projects for the next rounds. As there will be a steady flow of funded PhD scholars in the future, this is a great opportunity for universities interested in the IKR market to develop sustainable and long term strategic linkages and partnerships through this scheme. 

The ultimate goal of the study tour is to help interested UK universities gain insight into the current education environment and create new opportunities for dialogue so that they can build effective collaboration with IKR universities through the split-site PhD scheme. In order to achieve this, the visit programme will include a networking event starting with presentations by UK university delegates followed by one on one discussions with potential university partners from Iraqi Kurdistan Region.  This would present a valuable opportunity to understand the structure and content of the split-site PhD scheme, discuss needs and issues facing it, identify possibilities for joint supervision and explore partnership building opportunities around that scheme.

We have already contacted IKR universities to gauge their interest and the response has been extremely positive.

The visit will take place on the 17-18th of September 2014 and will include:

• Briefing meeting with British Council
• Meeting with the Ministry of higher education and scientific research
• Split-Site PhD Forum

Please note that up to 10 UK HE institutions will be selected on a first-come-first-served basis.  The visit will be appropriate for both academics and administrators.