The American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) is a not-for-profit, private institution for public benefit, located in the cultural capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, Sulaimani.[permanent dead link] The University offers an American-style liberal arts education to students from various economic, ethnic and religious backgrounds. Since its founding in 2007, the University has been committed to producing knowledgeable and skilled graduates.[4][third-party source needed]