BAGHDAD — INA
Sixty Iraqi students are currently pursuing their academic studies with distinction at the China University of Petroleum under the "Pioneers of Excellence" program, a move that embodies the ancient Arabic proverb, "Seek knowledge, even unto China."
The initiative is a joint venture funded by PetroChina West Qurna 1 and PetroChina Halfaya. Since departing Baghdad on April 15, the students have spent over two months studying at the China University of Petroleum (East China).
This marks the first program in which the Iraqi government has utilized the Training, Technology Transfer, and Scholarship Fund (TTSF) to send Iraqi students to study in China.
PetroChina has placed significant emphasis on developing local Iraqi talent alongside its energy cooperation projects.
The launch of the "Pioneers of Excellence" program reflects the Iraqi government's confidence in Chinese technology and engineering standards within the oil sector. It also underscores PetroChina's commitment to social responsibility and the strengthening of China-Iraq energy cooperation.
Crucially, this represents a qualitative shift in bilateral cooperation—moving beyond the supply of equipment and technical support to human capacity building and deepening people-to-people exchanges.
The participating students represent an elite cohort selected from various Iraqi governorates following rigorous competition. They passed multiple stages of written examinations and interviews organized by Iraq's Ministry of Oil and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Hussein Haider, a student from Baghdad, explained that his awareness of how many major oil facilities and key technologies around Baghdad rely on Chinese technology reinforced his desire to study at the China University of Petroleum (East China).
Another student, Aws Jalal Ali, had previously received an offer to study at a British university but chose to decline it after being accepted into the China University of Petroleum (East China).
"This is a precious, unmissable opportunity because China is the best choice," Ali stated.
Meanwhile, the Training and Development Department at the Iraqi Ministry of Oil previously confirmed that the students had proceeded to one of the premier Chinese universities specializing in petroleum to complete their studies.
"We look forward to their return after graduation to serve as the foundational pillars of the Iraqi oil sector and to contribute their expertise toward its development," the department added.
On April 19, the opening ceremony for the "Pioneers of Excellence" program was held at the China University of Petroleum (East China).
Chen Peizhong, the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Basra, delivered a recorded video address urging the students to study diligently, develop their skills, learn about China, and build friendships with the Chinese people to serve as ambassadors of the historic ties between China and Iraq.
Dr. Mohanad Najah, the Scientific and Cultural Counselor at the Iraqi Embassy in China, also delivered a video message, stating:
"You are the pioneers, and you represent the future of the energy sector in Iraq. Studying at this prestigious university is a rare and valuable opportunity. I hope you acquire the knowledge and technical skills our homeland needs to rebuild and modernize the oil sector."
The China University of Petroleum (East China) has designed a tailored academic program for the students based on a "0.5+4" model, which includes six months of preparatory study followed by four years of undergraduate degree coursework.
The students are currently studying four core subjects: Chinese language, mathematics, physics, and chemistry, alongside regular academic support sessions to prepare for the unified examination organized by the China Scholarship Council.
Academic supervisor Su Hui praised the students' discipline and adaptability to the new educational environment.
"They have demonstrated a high level of commitment and discipline, and they do not yield to challenges," Su Hui noted, adding that "a student’s excellence depends not on talent alone, but on perseverance and discipline."
The Iraqi students continue their studies with utmost diligence, expressing gratitude to the Iraqi Ministry of Oil and PetroChina for this valuable opportunity, while looking forward to achieving academic success and returning to contribute to the future of the Iraqi oil sector.