Tishk International University (TIU), (previously Ishik University), is a private university established in 2008 in Erbil-Kurdistan, Iraq and owned by local and international investors and educators. Tishk International University is granted ISO 9001:2015 Certificate for the Quality Management System and is a member in the Union of Arabic Universities. The university started educational service with 5 faculties containing 9 departments on the first campus in Erbil. The rules and regulations of Tishk International University allow international students from any country to join any study program within the University. In the academic year 2015–2016, the number of international students studying at the University reached 100 students. Teaching language at Tishk International University is English, except the law program which is based on Arabic language. Also Tishk International University has adopted the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to assess the achievement of expected learning outcomes. At TIU the academic year is divided into two main terms: fall and spring. In addition, the University offers intensive summer schools which allow students to study a number of courses and cover the required credits.
At Tishk International University, several programs are awarded International Accreditation. These are Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Interior Design, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, accredited by the “Central Evaluation and Accreditation Agency” (ZEvA); Physics Education, Biology Education, Mathematics Education, English Language Teaching accredited by the “Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges & Universities” (ASIC), Law program accredited the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Center of AArU (The Association of Arab Universities), and Mechatronics Engineering, Nursing, and Medical Analysis by ASIIN (The Accreditation Agency for Study Programmes in Engineering, Informatics, Natural Sciences and Mathematics). Tishk International University has also been awarded Institutional Accreditation by ZEvA in January 2021.
In July 2022, Tishk International University was awarded the new version of the ISO 21001:2018 certificate by Bureau Veritas Certification Holding SAS-UK Branch. The certificate is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Services Body (UKAS). The new version of the certificate was re-designed by Bureau Veritas as the company is approaching its 200th anniversary. In May 2018, TIU was certified to ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems Certificate by Bureau Veritas Certification Holding SAS-UK Branch. The Certificate was accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Services Body (UKAS). There are more than 100 international staff working in both academic and non-academic positions, from a wide range of countries such as Turkey, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Syria, Kenya, Nigeria, India, Yemen, Russia, Bangladesh, UK and United States.
2014-2015 Academic Year was a turning point for the University from many angles:
o A new building dedicated to the Faculty of Education was constructed.
o Sulaimani campus was established
o The Research Center and Engineering Consultation Bureau were established.
o The University was certified with ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System.
o Memorandums of Understanding with more than 40 universities from around 20 countries all over the world were signed.
o Student Exchange Programs started with 16 students.
o Double Diploma opportunity with University of North American University in Houston, Texas was implemented.
o TIU became a member of the Global Engineering Deans Council (GEDC).
o TIU became a member of the Association of Arab Universities.
