The mental image is a commonly shared cognitive perception among members of a particular group toward an individual, a group of individuals, an institution, a company, or any specific entity. The concept of the mental image has become widely used over the past few decades across various and diverse fields of scientific knowledge, especially within the social sciences. It has also been extensively and clearly employed in communication and media studies. Most of these studies emphasize the importance of this activity in constructing an image—whether positive and favorable or negative—of institutions, organizations, individuals, or objects in the minds of audiences. The mental image plays a significant role in revealing our opinions, attitudes, values, and reactions toward different groups and events. It also holds great importance in individuals’ lives, as it plays a crucial role in the lives of states, companies, and institutions. This explains the keenness of all these entities to ensure that their mental image among others is positive and serves their goals and interests, as well as their efforts to eliminate any negative features or aspects that may exist or emerge. Although the term “mental image” emerged globally around the mid-twentieth century and has been addressed in scientific studies and research since then, it remains relatively new in communication and public relations research in Iraq. One example of the mental image can be seen in perceptions of graduates from Iranian universities and colleges, which have begun to supply Iraqis with academic degrees across various scientific and humanitarian disciplines, particularly for students who were unable to obtain such degrees within Iraq. Many Iraqis hold mental perceptions of graduates of Iranian universities, some negative and others positive. University of Al-Mustaqbal – the first private university in Iraq