The University of Alkafeel is located in Najaf, Iraq and was established in 2003. It was previously known as the College of Humanitarian Studies and then Alkafeel University College before adopting its current name.
It consists of five colleges and three departments. The colleges include dentistry, pharmacy, laboratories and medical techniques, technical engineering and law. The departments cover media, sharia and religious tourism. Many of the courses are taught in English.
It is owned by the Al-Abbasiya holy shrine. The university has been recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
There are a number of laboratories for basic science research as well as specialised laboratories for dental anatomy, dental materials and a manufacturing lab. There are also labs that undertake research in medical bacteria, diseases and medicines and an X-ray lab.
The university aims to achieve the highest academic ranking among all of the universities in Iraq. It plans to achieve this by making connections with international institutions and by continuing the develop the region.
The institution has set up a number of goals including to provide high standards of education, to educate students with the true value of Islamic knowledge, to provide training for all university staff, to focus on advance scientific research, to prepare students to teach science and prepare graduates to work in both the private and governmental sector.
The university has also set out its future vision which includes opening new colleges, attracting high-profile scholars, to start providing post-graduate study, and build international contacts.