about the event

Next Step is the region’s leading and pioneering education event, designed to connect high school graduates and universities in a dynamic and supportive environment. It is the biggest opportunity for 12th grade students to take their next step toward higher education and future success. The fair brings together a wide range of universities, institutions, and experts who are ready to guide students through the admissions process. Attendees will discover academic programs, meet admission representatives, and receive personalized advice on applications, scholarships, and financial support opportunities. Beyond information, Next Step Fair is about empowerment. Students can explore their options, ask questions, and gain confidence as they prepare for their educational journey. It is also a valuable platform for universities to meet promising candidates and showcase what makes their programs unique. Engaging, informative, and inclusive, Next Step helps students, parents, and universities collaborate on shaping brighter academic futures, making the transition to higher education an exciting and meaningful experience. Next Step’s Goals in alighns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Quality Education: We are committed to ensuring inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education while promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. Through Next Step, students gain access to resources, guidance, and opportunities that help them unlock their full potential. Decent Work & Economic Growth: We aim to contribute to sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth by fostering pathways to higher education and meaningful employment. Climate Action: Recognizing our responsibility to the planet, we support urgent action to address climate change and its impacts. By encouraging sustainable practices within the fair and raising awareness among participants, Next Step aligns with the global call for climate responsibility.

Next Step’s Goals

in aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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Quality Education


Expanding education with digital literacy and AI integration.

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Decent work and economic growth

Preparing the next generation with future-ready skills.

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Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure

Leveraging AI and technology for sustainable growth.

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Climate Action


Using innovation and awareness to support climate resilience.

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Partnerships for the Goals

labels.Strengthening global and local partnerships for education, technology, and sustainability



Event Date

Event will be held on 28-29-30 September, 2025

Event Time

10:00AM - 8:00PM

Event location

Event will be held at Sulaimani, Cultural Factory (Kargay Kltury)

Why Next Step is your Big Step

Explore Opportunities: Discover universities, programs, and what they offer.

Get Guidance: Meet admissions staff and hear tips from current students.

Plan Your Future: Learn about scholarships, financial aid, and career paths.

NEXT STEP PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING SERVICES

1. Direct Connections with leading universities and colleges.

2. Insight into Admissions processes, academic life, and campus culture.

3. Exploration of Opportunities for undergraduate programs and future career paths.

4. Information on Scholarships and Discounts to support your education journey.

5. Seminars and Workshops covering diverse and practical topics.

6. Exchange Programs Abroad to broaden your global learning experience.

7. Internship and Volunteer Opportunities for hands-on growth and networking.

8. Interactive Activities and Tournaments designed to inspire and engage.

9. Personalized Academic Guidance to help shape your educational path.

10. Graduate Study Opportunities and pathways for studying abroad.

11. Commitment to Education, Opportunity, and Sustainability (EOS) as core values of the fair.

Strategic Partners



Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research

Institutional Partner Supporter

Mj Holding
Qaiwan Group
Halabja Group
Click Iraq
Lafarge

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Why Attend the Next Step Fair?
Why Attend the Next Step Fair?
Why you are coming to Next Step fair?
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Universities and Institutes Attending

Sulaimani Polytechnic University (SPU)
University of Sulaimani (UoS)
Charmo University (CHU)
Koya University (KU)
University of Raparin (UoR)
Univercity of Diala
University of Jordan
Bahcesehir Cyprus University
European University in Cyprus
American University in Iraq-Sulaimani (AUIS)
University of Kurdistan Hewler (UKH)
American University in Kurdistan-Duhok (AUK)
Tishk International University (TIU)
Human Development University (HDU)
Qaiwan International University
Cihan University of Sulaimaniya (CUS)
Komar University of Science and Technology
Knowledge University
Al-Qalam University
Azmar Technical and Vocational Institute (ATVI)
Bright Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI)
Lwtka Technical and Vocational Institute (LTVI)
Sama Aviation Training Center (SATC)
Gihan Vocational and Technical Institute (CVTI) Cihan University of Sulaimaniya (CUS)
Kurdistan Technical Institute
Komar Technical and Vocational Institute
National Institute for Technology (NIT)
Nostalgia Institute
CIS College Erbil | Vocational & Training Center
University College of Goizha – Sulaimani (UCGS)
Kurdistan Accrediting Association for Education (KAAE)
Centre Of Excellence for training and development

Seminar and Panel Discussions

Next Step Fair Initiatives and Investment in Future Leaders

Seminar

Dental workforce projections to 2040 in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Seminar

Advancing Academic Programs

The Role of the Kurdistan Accrediting Association for Education (KAAE)

Seminar

Koya Green University

Strategic Pathways for Advancing Student Success through Sustainability and Employability

Seminar

Komar University and its advancements in AI through the Dr. Kobot initiative

Seminar

Bridging Erbil and Baghdad Through Higher Education

The Role of Student Enrollment in Building Academic Integration

Panel

Higher Education 2030

Visions and Innovations from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Panel

Unlocking Opportunities for Quality Education, Workforce Skills, and AI Innovation in Iraq’s American Universities

Panel

Kurdistan National Security

Ethical Policy and the Strategic Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education Reforms

Panel

Agenda

Registration & Welcome Remarks

09:00-10:30

Opening Ceremony

10:30-11:00

Visionary Speech Student Journey via Next Step Fair Keynote Speeches

Opening Seminar

11:00-11:15

Next Step Fair Initiatives and Investment in Future Leaders

Panel Discussion

11:20-11:50

Bridging Erbil and Baghdad Through Higher Education: The Role of Student Enrollment in Building Academic Integration

Seminar

11:55-12:10

Dental workforce projections to 2040 in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Panel Discussion

12:15-12:50

Higher Education 2030: Visions and Innovations from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Next Step Fair Booth Sessions

09:00-01:00

Next Step Fair Lunch Break

01:00-02:25

Seminar

02:30-02:45

Advancing Academic Programs: The Role of the Kurdistan Accrediting Association for Education (KAAE)

Panel Discussion

02:50-03:25

Unlocking Opportunities for Quality Education, Workforce Skills, and AI Innovation in Iraq’s American Universities

Seminar

03:30-03:45

Koya Green University: Strategic Pathways for Advancing Student Success through Sustainability and Employability

Seminar

04:45-05:00

Komar University and its advancements in AI through the Dr. Kobot initiative

Next Step Fair Workshops

02:00-04:00

Introduction to Robotics and Physical Computing

Next Step Fair Fun Activities

09:00-06:00

1. Chess Tournament 2. FIFA Tournament 3. weightlifting

Registration & Welcome Remarks

09:00-10:25

Panel Discussion

10:30-11:15

Skills for Success: The Power of Professional and Vocational Training

Seminar

11:20-11:40

ZankoLine as a National Platform: Challenges, Opportunities, and Innovations

Panel Discussion

11:45-12:30

Career Development Centers: Advancing Education, Workforce Skills, and Artificial Intelligence for the Future Labor Market Demands

Seminar

12:35-12:50

Kurdistan Technical Institute: A Preferred Destination for Technical Excellence

Next Step Fair Booth Sessions

09:00-01:00

Next Step Fair Lunch Break

01:00-02:25

Panel Discussion

02:30-02:55

Strategic Initiatives by Lutka Vocational and Technical Institute to Identify and Develop Workforce-Relevant Skills

Seminar

03:00-03:15

Critical Thinking and New Education Methods: Building the Future University Environment

Panel Discussion

03:20-04:05

The Impact of Education, Opportunity, and Sustainability on Student Perspectives: Advancing Environmental Responsibility Through the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Seminar

04:10-04:25

The Role of Vocational and Technical Institutes in Solving Unemployment Issue

Seminar

04:30-04:45

Studying Abroad: The Kurdistan Regional Government’s Strategies for Securing International Grants and Scholarships for Students

Roundtable

05:00-09:00

The Future Role of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Advancing Education, Higher Education, and Scientific Research

Next Step Fair Workshops

02:00-04:00

AI Foundations for Learning and Exploring

Fun Activities & Dialogue Discussions

09:00-06:00

1. Chess Tournament 2. FIFA Tournament 3. Weightlifting

Registration & Welcome Remarks

09:00-10:25

Seminar

10:30-10:45

Pedagogical Innovation: Modern Strategies and Contemporary Approaches for Effective Teaching and Learning

Panel Discussion

10:50-11:35

Developing Vocational Pathways and a Sustainable Workforce by Applying Liberal Arts, Creativity, and Critical Thinking to Support Sustainable Development

Seminar

11:40-12:05

Nutrition Education in Universities: Promoting Food Waste Reduction for Environmental Protection and Food Security

Panel Discussion

12:10-01:00

Next-Generation Workforce Skills: Embedding Career Competencies in the Curricula of Vocational and Technical Institutes

Next Step Fair Booth Sessions

09:00-01:00

Next Step Fair Lunch Break

01:00-02:25

Panel Discussion

02:30-03:15

Stories from 12 Graduates: Challenges and Opportunities of the ZankoLine System

Panel Discussion

03:20-04:05

Qaiwan International University: A Gateway to Local and Global Opportunities

Panel Discussion

04:10-04:40

Your path to top universities worldwide starts at the University of Sulaiman

Seminar

04:45-05:00

Integrating Artificial Intelligence into the Kurdistan Education System: Opportunities for Teaching and Learning

Next Step Fair Workshops

02:00-04:00

Scholarship and studying abroad

Closing Remarks

06:00-07:00

1. Reading key recommendations of roundtable discussion 2. Exhibition Organizers 3. Key Stakeholders

Fun Activities & Dialogue Discussions

09:00-06:00

1. Chess Tournament 2. FIFA Tournament 3. weightlifting




Exhibitors