University of Koya is located in Koi Sanjaq, near Arbil (Hewler), capital of Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It was established in 2003 The university included six colleges: Engineering, Agriculture, Science, Law, Arts, and Education.
Right after the uprising of March 1991 and the liberation of large parts of Iraqi Kurdistan, a climate of freedom and democracy prevailed. The long-standing dream of the Kurdish people which was seen in forming Parliament as well as Kurdistan regional government came true. Kurdistan regional government as its national duty played a vital role in setting up civil institutions generally and academic institutions specifically. In addition to developing Salahaddin University, the government began re-opening Sulaimany University and established Duhok University.
Continuing to attach further importance to higher education as a topical and scientific urgency, the Kurdistan regional government opened both colleges of Education and Sharia and Law during the academic year 2000-2001 in Koya which were affiliated to Sulaimany University. Later, they became the foundation stone of Koya University with the direct support and assistance of his Excellency Mr. Jalal Talabani, Iraqi president, which led to the establishment of Koya University, promising a fresh horizon to the people of Kurdistan. Thus, on 11 October 2003 in the presence of the president, the Prime Minister, the ministers, local dignitaries, students and teachers, the foundation of Koya University was laid by Jalal Talabani.
In accordance with the ministerial order issued by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research/ Private Office no.370/1/6 on 28//1/ 2004 and in compliance with the article(1) of Council of Ministers Presidency order no.(218) on 29 November 2003 Koya University was established for the academic year(2003–2004).
At the end of academic year 2003-2004, the first graduation session of Koya University was held on July, 20th, 2006.