Financing for equity in primary and secondary education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to schools
3. Education resources to students and families
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Introduction
In Iraq, while the constitution establishes a federal structure, provincial governments (including those of the Kurdistan Regional Government—KRG) largely depend on the central government and function as de facto administrative units of federal authority. Budget and expenditure decisions are made centrally, and a significant proportion of staff delivering public services, including education, at the governorate level are central government employees.
Article 115 defines the shared powers between the federal and local governments, including education, health, and general planning. In the event of a conflict of laws, local law prevails (Article 111), granting local governments broad powers to implement local educational policies.
Public education is free at all levels, with the government subsidising curricular materials and supplies. The Ministry of Education (MOE) oversees national education policies, planning, and curriculum development. Three governorates form the KRG, which enjoys constitutional autonomy under Article 117 but is expected to coordinate with Baghdad on policy areas including education, health, and water. In return for its contributions to federal revenues, the KRI share of the federal budget takes the form of direct and indirect allocations. Following 2003, education management was decentralised to provincial education councils. However because of several challenges regarding transparency and clearly defined roles and responsibilities, the MOE is pushing for a new School-Based Management (SBM) system (see education resources to schools).
1. Education resources to subnational governments
Under Iraq’s decentralisation reforms, education authorities at sub-central levels (Education Directorates) and individual schools carry out selected administrative, financial, educational, and legal functions. These include contracting temporary staff, preparing training plans, approving staff transfers, managing school canteens, and handling budgets.
Article 121 of the Constitution stipulates that regions and governorates should receive an equitable share of national revenues, sufficient to fulfil their responsibilities while considering local resources, needs, and population share. However, no formal mechanism has been identified for allocating educational resources specifically to sub-national governments.
In the Kurdistan Region, education is managed locally, maintaining its previous laws since 1992 (Article 141), supported by a share of federal revenues, reflecting unequal decentralization.
2. Education resources to schools
The Ministry of Education (MoE), in partnership with UNICEF and the World Bank, implements the School-Based Management (SBM) programme to provide grants to primary and secondary public schools. Schools are managed by School Management Committees, which assess needs and develop improvement plans to enhance the learning environment and educational outcomes. By transferring financial and administrative responsibilities to schools, the programme aims to increase accountability and improve the quality and effectiveness of education. The unit cost is based on the number of students per school. It included training for principals and teachers, distribution of guideline materials, development of school improvement plans, and monetary transfers to participating schools.
The Accessibility System
The Accessibility System in Iraqi schools is an educational system that enables students who are unable to attend regular education due to emergency or exceptional circumstances (such as displacement, war, or economic and social conditions) to complete their studies. Sometimes known as "Support for Enrollment in Emergencies," it aims to ensure the continuity of education for students affected by crises. This program aims to provide a flexible learning opportunity for students unable to attend school regularly, such as those displaced or living in remote or conflict-affected areas. This program allows students to study independently, relying on textbooks and educational materials. Students sit for official examinations at the end of the school year without having to attend daily classes. Additional support, such as remedial courses or educational materials, may be provided by government agencies or international organizations (such as UNICEF).
3. Education resources to students and families
The Iraqi School Student Grant is a government programme administered primarily by the Iraqi Ministry of Education, in cooperation with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. It aims to provide monthly financial support to students from low-income families to alleviate economic burdens and prevent school dropouts. It includes students in primary and intermediate education in public schools, focusing on underserved rural and remote areas.
The amount of support varies by educational level, but the consensus suggests varying amounts based on need. It is disbursed via social welfare cards or bank accounts.
It is disbursed monthly throughout the academic year (approximately 9-10 months) and may extend for three consecutive years based on annual evaluation.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA), in partnership with UNESCO and the World Bank, developed a Child-Sensitive Cash Transfer programme targeting pregnant women, children under five, and school-age children. The initiative integrates cash transfers with health and education services to address exclusion, improve access to essential services, and promote human development.
The pilot took place in Al Sadr City between 2018 and 2019, with a subsequent round launched in 2022 that remains ongoing. Households with school-age children received an additional transfer over eight months if the child maintained attendance, defined as not being absent for more than three days per month. The programme is implemented within the broader Social Safety Net framework.
5. School meal programmes
National School Feeding Programme
The National School Feeding Programme, implemented jointly by the Ministry of Education and the World Food Programme (WFP), began in 2004, building on school feeding initiatives in Iraq dating back to 1934. WFP serves as the implementing partner, while the Higher Committee for School Nutrition and its governorate-level subcommittees coordinate the programme nationally. The programme provides in-school snacks and take-home rations four days per week throughout the academic year, with at least four nutritionists involved in its implementation. Complementary educational activities are also integrated, focusing on food and nutrition to promote healthy eating habits among students.
This profile was reviewed by Hazri bin Jamil, Professor.
