KRG Prime Minister’s decision sparks positive reaction among university students

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has announced a 20% reduction in parallel tuition fees at public colleges and institutes, a move welcomed by students across the region.

Approximately 25% of Salahaddin University's students, totaling more than 3,000 students, are enrolled in parallel programs.

Teachers and students alike express satisfaction with Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's decision, noting its significance during a period of economic uncertainty for themselves and their families.

Bushra Shamal, a student at Salahaddin University's College of Education, commended the discount on parallel tuition fees, stating that “it will enable students to focus more on their studies without worrying excessively about financial constraints.”

The total reduction in fees for parallel, diploma, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs for the current academic year amounts to 85% of the total annual tuition fee.

University faculty members view the discount as a crucial measure to alleviate the financial burdens associated with pursuing higher education.

Azad Aziz, head of the Kurdish language department at Salahaddin University's College of Education, emphasized the role of the discount in easing economic pressures on students and their families, particularly amid financial challenges stemming from federal government policies affecting the Kurdistan Region.

The KRG's ninth cabinet has consistently implemented tuition fee reductions in universities and colleges to facilitate access to education.

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani announced on Wednesday March 27, 2024, that the KRG has initiated the distribution of February salaries, alongside several other measures aimed at addressing economic instability in the region.

Read More: PM Barzani instructs KRG Ministry of Finance to distribute February civil servants’ salaries

Additionally, the Ministry of Municipalities and Tourism will commence the allocation and distribution of land to all eligible government employees.

Read More: KRG unveils land distribution program to tackle economic strain

Prime Minister Barzani outlined various decisions made during the Council of Ministers meeting, including:

- A 20% discount on accumulated electricity bills.

- A 20% discount on accumulated traffic fines.

- A 50% discount on meat import fees.

- A 20% discount on parallel study fees at public universities and colleges.

- Waiver of penalties for late social security contributions.

- A 20% discount on accumulated water charges.

- A 20% discount on municipal fees, particularly for tenants under the Ministry of Municipalities.

- Exemption from late tax penalties for professionals, traders, and low-income individuals.