The University of Zakho dates back to the year 2005 and within the framework of the directives and concerns of His Excellency Masoud Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Regional Government, and Mr. Nechirvan Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, made a decision to lay the foundation stone of the College of Education and the College of Commerce (during the fifth cabinet) in a university campus in Zakho, which at that time officially belonged to the University of Duhok. However, during the opening ceremony of both colleges in Zakho, the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government mentioned in his speech that this would be the basis for a prospective independent university in Zakho. In the academic year 2005/2006 students have been accepted at the two colleges mentioned above. On 8th of July 2010, a formal order was issued to establish a university in Zakho by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers in KRG (sixth cabinet) as a non profit state organization for higher education. In the academic year 2013/2014, the University of Zakho was constituted with 18 scientific sections and Colleges of Science and Humanities and the presidency of the university. For the academic year 2014/2015 the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research issued a ministerial order to open the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Department of Physical Education. They also opened the Department of Basic Education for teachers of primary and middle schools who have a diploma in order to develop the scientific level of the teachers. The program coordination was between the KRG Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the KRG Ministry of Education in the Kurdistan Regional Government.

EC-Council was formed as the result of very disheartening research after the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. Founder, Jay Bavisi, after watching the attacks unfold, postured the question, what if a similar attack were to be carried out on the Cyber battlefield? Would the information security community have the tools and resources at their disposal to thwart such an attack? At that time, the answer was no. EC-Council, officially incorporated as the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants, was formed to create information security training and certification programs to help the very community our connected economy would rely on to save them from a devastating Cyber Attack. EC-Council rapidly gained the support of top researchers and subject matter experts around the world and launched its first Information Security Program, the Certified Ethical Hacker. With this ever-growing team of subject matter experts and InfoSec researchers, EC-Council continued to build various standards, certifications, and training programs in the electronic commerce and information security space.

The University of Zakho is proud to announce a new milestone in its ongoing commitment to academic excellence and technological advancement in the region. We have officially signed a strategic Academia Partnership with EC-Council—one of the world’s foremost authorities in cybersecurity, professional training, and globally recognized certifications in this critical and rapidly evolving field. EC-Council (The International Council of E-Commerce Consultants), headquartered in the United States and operating in more than 145 countries, is renowned for developing the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification—one of the most respected credentials in the field of information security.This collaboration opens new pathways for our students and faculty members to access high-quality, globally recognized certifications, including: CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker): Equips learners with the skills to identify system vulnerabilities and conduct ethical penetration testing. CND (Certified Network Defender): Focuses on foundational cybersecurity skills essential for protecting network infrastructures. CHFI (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator): Specializes in digital forensics and cybercrime investigation, including the analysis of digital evidence following attacks. These certification programs are delivered through practical, hands-on training that meets international standards and reflects current industry demands. Students will also have access to Cyber Range Labs—realistic simulation environments that enable them to apply their knowledge in secure, real-world scenarios. This practical approach strengthens the capabilities of participants and enhances their readiness for careers both locally and globally. Through this partnership, the University of Zakho underscores its dedication to equipping the next generation with the skills and credentials necessary to lead in the digital era. It reflects our broader mission to foster innovation, empower learners, and contribute to building a digitally secure future for the region and beyond. Through this partnership, the University of Zakho reaffirms its commitment to preparing a new generation equipped with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the digital age. The university is set to launch specialized training programs in cybersecurity, based on internationally recognized EC-Council curricula. These programs will be delivered by a team of certified instructors who have received professional training from the EC-Council Academy in the field of cybersecurity. With this milestone, the University of Zakho proudly becomes the first university in the Kurdistan Region to establish an official partnership with EC-Council, positioning itself as a pioneer in cybersecurity education in the region. These courses aim to empower students to pass internationally accredited exams and obtain globally recognized certifications from EC-Council, enhancing their competitiveness in both local and global job markets.