[taba:dul] is Arabic for exchange. The verb form emphasises the mutual aspect and the word’s basic meaning includes the notion of change. This defines what the DAAD, together with German universities, is doing in Iraq: supporting, in partnership, the rebuilding of the Iraqi university system and supporting change through exchange on a personal level.

The Iraqi university system needs to be rebuilt following war and destruction. Germany has reached out to Iraq to support the great endeavours Iraq is making to rebuild it. The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) and the DAAD have therefore launched a jointly funded scholarship programme. Every year up to 100 Master’s and PhD scholarships can be awarded if there are enough qualified applicants. The final decision rests with a DAAD committee.