Syrian higher education policy changes

In early October 2026, the Syrian government introduced significant changes to higher education regulations. President Ahmad al-Sharaa issued Presidential Decree No. 180, which established an exceptional academic year for the 2026-2027 term, providing opportunities for students who had previously exhausted their permitted examination or failure attempts.

Following this, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced new admission rules that include gender-based restrictions. While Damascus University continues to admit women to all programs, new specialized state institutions have implemented strict exclusions. At the National University for Defense Sciences, programs in law, economics, management, and social sciences are reserved exclusively for men. Additionally, male students are the only ones permitted to enroll in military colleges for the land, naval, and air forces. The only component of this institution open to women is the Higher Institute for Applied Sciences and Technology, which does not require a military service commitment.

At the Syrian University for Security Sciences, women are barred from most tracks, with the exception of cybersecurity programs. Graduates from the university’s security and technical institutes are required to serve in the Internal Security Forces or other designated bodies for 10 to 20 years.

Human Rights Watch has characterized these rules as discriminatory, stating they violate international legal obligations and reinforce gender stereotypes. While officials maintain these measures are determined by the Ministries of Defense and Interior to prepare officers for specific duties, critics argue the policies limit educational freedom and exclude women from training as officers, lawyers, or administrators within the state's military and security apparatus.