New Erasmus+ Project: Sulaimani Polytechnic University (SPU) Partner in the RISE Project 2025-2027
Sulaimani Polytechnic University (SPU) through the International Relations is proud to be a key partner in the Erasmus+ Capacity Building for higher education initiative through RISE Project (Reinforcing Integration of Skills for Employability and Internationalisation 2025-2027). This ambitious project addresses critical challenges in the higher education sector of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, focusing on bridging the gap between academic learning and the evolving demands of the labor market.
As a forward-thinking institution, SPU is committed to enhancing the quality and relevance of higher education by fostering innovation, international collaboration, and the development of practical skills among students and staff.
SPU, through a dedicated and multidisciplinary team, has been actively engaged in the RISE Project. The team contributes to key activities across various work packages, including strategic planning, capacity building, and institutional development. Their efforts focus on aligning internationalization and employability goals, while fostering collaboration with local and international partners to support the broader objectives of the project.
About RISE
Reinforcing Integration of Skills for Employability and Internationalisation in Kurdistan region of Iraq
RISE
The RISE Project brings together leading universities and stakeholders from across Europe and the Kurdistan Region, creating a collaborative platform for knowledge exchange, curriculum development, and policy dialogue. SPU’s involvement underscores its strategic vision to be a catalyst for positive change in higher education, contributing to the socio-economic development of the region.
RISE Mission
The RISE Project is committed to empowering higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to become pivotal agents of social and economic progress, both locally and globally. By recognizing the vital influence of universities in cultivating responsible global citizens and bridging the gap between academia and industry, RISE seeks to advance internationalisation and nurture a new generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who are prepared to tackle challenges on both regional and international stages.
RISE Objectives
- Strengthen universities’ capacity to advance sustainable development by cultivating future scientists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
- Establish a unified framework integrating internationalization and employability to drive institutional development in universities.
- Build the capacities of academic staff and students to actively contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Promote an entrepreneurial mindset among students and graduates by strengthening university-industry collaboration.
- Advance university internationalization through mobility programs, strategic partnerships, and enhanced internationalization services.
Work Packages (WPs)
- Oversee both operational and financial aspects of the project
- Set up and maintain internal communication systems
- Carry out monitoring, evaluation, and quality assurance activities
- Package Duration: (January 2025 – February 2026)
- Place: Duhok – Kurdistan Region of Iraq
- Develop a roadmap for internationalisation- (For focuse Grroups )
- Create a roadmap for entrepreneurship and career development
- Organize workshops involving both internal and external stakeholders
- Present the finalized roadmaps publicly to university leadership and staff
- Package Duration: April – August 2025
- Place: Sulaimaniyah-Kurdistan Region of Iraq
WP3: Capacity Building Initiatives
- Identify training needs and design a blended (online and in-person) training program
- Develop an online preparatory course with certification
- Host a training week in Murcia
- Host a training week in Rome
- Conduct local training sessions
- Select and assign trainers and trainees for participation
- Package Duration: -Dec. 2025. Jan./Feb. 2026
- Place: Murcia, Spain -Dec. 2025
- Rome: Italy -Feb. 2026
- Put the developed roadmaps into practice
- Organize a Start Cup Competition featuring international students
- Hold a networking event with key stakeholders
- Package Duration: (Sep.- Oct. 2026)
- Place:Duhok & Zakho, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
WP5: Dissemination and Sustainability
- Create the project’s visual branding
- Develop a strategy for communication and dissemination
- Carry out dissemination activities
- Track and assess the impact of dissemination efforts
- Organize events to promote project outcomes
(February 2025 – January 2027)
Key Anticipated Outcomes
- Development of 7 internationalisation roadmaps
- Creation of 7 roadmaps focused on entrepreneurship and career advancement
- Formulation of a unified synergy roadmap for Kurdish universities
- Capacity-building training in Europe for 35 participants
- Local training sessions reaching 150 participants
- Compilation of a comprehensive training resources handbook
- Launch of an open online course
- Organization of an International Mobility Day at each Kurdish higher education institution
- Hosting of a Career Day at every Kurdish HEI
- Implementation of a Start Cup Competition involving international students
- Facilitation of collaboration among 29 students and staff from both Kurdish and European partner institutions for the Start Cup Competition
- Coordination of a networking event engaging stakeholders at the national, local, and international levels.
SPU Activities
Sulaimani Polytechnic University Joins Strategic Consultative Workshop of the RISE Project
The Activities and Initiatives of the RISE Project are Ongoing
Sulaimani Polytechnic University Announces a New Project: RISE, Funded by European Union Erasmus+
Gallery
SPU RISE Members
RISE Partners
- UNIMED – Mediterranean Universities Union
- University of International Studies of Rome (UNINT)
- University of Murcia (UMU)
- Duhok Polytechnic University
- Akre University for Applied Sciences
- Erbil Polytechnic University
- Sulaimani Polytechnic University (SPU)
- University of Duhok (UoD)
- University of Garmian
- University of Zakho
- Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research KRG(associated partner)
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
The project number is 101179468