UOD, June 8, 2026 | University Press Office (UNPO)

As students and faculty members come together to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026, the College of Languages at the University of Duhok proudly marks another milestone in preparing graduates who will contribute to education, communication, translation, and cultural exchange in Kurdistan and beyond.

An Introduction to the College

The College of Languages at the University of Duhok was formally established in 2016 when the Departments of Kurdish Language, English Language and Translation, and were separated from the College of Humanities to form the cornerstone of the new college. However, the origins of these departments date back much earlier. The Department of Kurdish Language was first introduced in the College of Arts in 1994, followed by the Department of English Language and Literature in 1995, while the Department of Translation was established in 2010.

During the last two years, the Department of Arabic Language and the Department of Persian Language were also added, further expanding the college's academic and cultural scope.

The college aims to teach English, Kurdish, Persian, and Arabic languages and graduate qualified students in the fields of translation, interpretation, and teaching, while continuing to broaden the range of languages it offers to meet the demands of an increasingly interconnected world.

Academic Programs

The College of Languages is dedicated to creating an intellectually challenging academic environment through excellent teaching and diverse educational programs.

In 2017, the college launched an MA TESOL program, followed by a PhD program in Applied Linguistics and Translation in 2020 to meet the growing need for qualified English language instructors at the university.

The college currently offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in:

• English Language and Literature
• Kurdish Language and Literature
• Translation

In addition to postgraduate programs in:

• TESOL
• Linguistics
• Translation
• Kurdish Language

The recent addition of the Arabic and Persian Departments reflects the college's vision of expanding language education and intercultural communication.

The Graduating Class of 2025–2026

The College of Languages currently serves more than 900 students. This year, 172 students from the Departments of English Language, Kurdish Language, and Translation graduate and begin a new chapter in their academic and professional lives.

The Graduation Photo session was marked by a sense of pride and accomplishment as students celebrated the culmination of years of dedication, learning, and personal growth. Surrounded by friends, and faculty, graduates reflected on the experiences that shaped them and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Future Career Opportunities

Through courses in language, linguistics, literature, translation, and pedagogy, students strengthen their abilities in reading, writing, listening, and speaking while also engaging in extracurricular activities that support professional growth.

Graduates of the college have a wide range of career opportunities, including:

• Teachers and lecturers in schools and universities
• Professional translators and interpreters in governmental and private sectors
• Media and public relations specialists
• Journalists and content creators
• Professionals in international organizations and NGOs
• Tourism and cultural exchange specialists
• Entrepreneurs who establish language institutes, translation agencies, publishing projects, or digital communication businesses

Graduates Reflect on Their Journey

Yusif Shamal Habeeb

Department of Kurdish Language

Reflecting on his four years at the University of Duhok, Yusif described the experience as a journey of learning, growth, and perseverance.

"After four years of studying and learning, we have finally reached a goal we once dreamed about. These years were full of knowledge, self-development, and personal growth. There were many challenges along the way, but they never stopped us from pursuing our ambitions."

Looking toward the future, Yusif hopes to continue serving and promoting the Kurdish language through education and cultural activities.

His advice to future students is:

"Stay committed to your goals, make the most of every learning opportunity, and appreciate the support of your teachers and family throughout your academic journey."

Botan Abdullah Hasan

Department of Translation

Botan highlighted both the academic and personal growth he experienced during his years at the college.

"Reflecting on my university years, I am proud of how much I've grown while mastering my craft and building lasting connections. This journey has been a challenging yet rewarding chapter that has truly prepared me for the professional world."

After graduation, Botan hopes to pursue a career in translation and international communication, where he can apply the skills he developed at the university.

His message to future students is:

"Take advantage of every opportunity to learn, practice, and build relationships. The experiences you gain at university will shape your future in ways you may not expect."

Waleed Ali Yousif

Department of English Language

Waleed described his university experience as one filled with valuable lessons and memorable moments.

"During these four years, I went through many beautiful and difficult experiences that made me stronger. Every step was full of hope, learning, and personal growth."

Looking ahead, Waleed is excited to begin the next stage of his professional journey and hopes to continue developing his language and communication skills.

"This day is not only the end of my studies, but also the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I am proud to have been part of this university, and these memories will always stay with me."

For younger students, he offers the following advice:

"Believe in yourself, work consistently, and enjoy the journey. The challenges you face today will become the achievements you celebrate tomorrow."

Celebrating Achievement and Looking Ahead

The graduation of the Class of 2026 represents not only academic success but also the beginning of new opportunities for a generation of graduates equipped with linguistic, cultural, and professional skills that are increasingly valuable in today's interconnected world.

The University of Duhok congratulates all graduates of the College of Languages and wishes them continued success in their future careers and academic endeavors.

We invite alumni, prospective students, families, and friends to explore the graduation photo gallery and celebrate the achievements of the College of Languages Class of 2026.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MEDIA COVERAGE FOR THE PHOTO SESSION

University Press Office, June 8, 2026
Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali, Hogir Najm Abdullah
Photography by: Ali Habib Habib, Mohammed A. Tahar, Harman Jangeer Ahmed