It was established in 1960 with the idea of establishing an Institute of Industrial Teachers, outlined by the Ministry of Education in cooperation with UNESCO, the founding of the Institute was declared on 22 January 1960, The course of studies was limited to five years after acquiring the high school graduate Certificate, in the subject of Engineering Applications, the first batch was accepted with 45 male students, all of whom were graduates of Industrial secondary Schools .

Since founding, the objectives of the Institute were identified by the need for Engineering Technologists, to work in the industrial sector, with emphasis on Engineering projects and Applications research labs, it was also charged with the task of preparing teachers to train professionals in the Industrial and Professional trades, aiming to solve the problems of availability of trainers and workers in those trades, and enabling specialists to manage departments and laboratories .

As founded the Institute included the following sections: The name of the institute was changed, a few months after its inception, to the Higher Institute of Industrial Engineering, then subsequently renamed after an order by the Ministry of Higher Education, due to its increased importance and to reflect its advancement, and in agreement with UNESCO in 1967, to The Higher College of Industrial Engineering and subsequently amended to the college of Engineering Technology, while simultaneously annexed to the University of Baghdad, Final disengagement of the Faculty from the University of Baghdad, was issued by The decision to establish the University of Technology on 1 April 1975, by a Presidential Decree.

There are also a large gym center, two football (soccer) fields, a mosque, and a 13 different factories/shops for more practical experience for the students.

It is located on Al Sina'a Street in Baghdad's east side.