During the first week of June, the Austria Community Centre at the University of Kurdistan Hewlêr (UKH) welcomed a delegation from Montanuniversität Leoben (MUL), also known as Technical University of Leoben, UKH’s partner university. The delegation included Prof. Dr. Holger Ott, Chair of Geoenergy/Reservoir Engineering Department and Prof. Dr. Riyaz Kharrat, Professor at the Geoenergy Department and representative for international relations affairs. The delegation was welcomed by Dr. Zana Ibrahim, UKH’s Interim President and Prof. Dr. Dana Mawlood, UKH’s Vice President (Administration and Director of the Austria Community Centre).
The visit is the outcome of UKH’s continuous cooperation with MUL since 2023, and the recent agreement and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focusing on various academic exchanges and other programmes for students at both universities, including an agreement to establish a Dual MSc. Programme in Reservoir Management (Petroleum Engineering) starting in the coming academic year 2025/2026. Thus, the visit of the delegation initiated a committee of four professors, two from each university to interview shortlisted candidates for the dual programme, which was concluded successfully.
Eventually, MUL announced the notable expansion in granting UKH students ten scholarships, doubling the number of scholarships agreed earlier for each academic year. These scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students across various disciplines, including Petroleum Engineering, Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Business Management and Economics. The selected students will have the opportunity to enroll in a one-semester exchange programme at MUL, allowing them to learn from leading experts.
UKH students are set to gain unique academic and professional advantages through the university’s expanding international partnerships. These opportunities include access to world class education, hands on experience in advanced research environments, and direct engagement with global experts. Students will also benefit from cultural exchange, broadened perspectives, and enhanced career prospects, making them more competitive in both local and international job markets.
