[REVISION HISTORY]
Syrian higher education policy changes
1 recorded revision of this situation.
What changed
2026-10-11 03:43 UTC → 2026-10-16 21:45 UTC ·
added
removed
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. This decree provides term, providing opportunities for various undergraduate and postgraduate students who had previously exhausted their permitted examination or failure attempts between 2010 and 2026. Shortly after, attempts. Following this, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced new admission rules for the same academic year that include gender-based restrictions. While most specializations remain open Damascus University continues to all, admit women are excluded from specific programs at to all programs, new specialized state institutions have implemented strict exclusions. At the National University for Defense Sciences—such as military engineering, Sciences, programs in law, economics, management, and economics—and certain programs at 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. Restrictions also apply to Sciences, women are barred from most tracks, with the exception of cybersecurity programs. Graduates from the university’s security and technical institutes specializing are required to serve in oil and gas, railway transport, and radio 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 television directing. reinforce gender stereotypes. While officials stated maintain these measures are determined by the Ministries of Defense and Interior to prepare officers for specific duties, critics have argued that argue the policies limit educational freedom and conflict with constitutional guarantees regarding women’s rights to education. exclude women from training as officers, lawyers, or administrators within the state's military and security apparatus.
Versions
- 2026-10-16 21:45 UTC Syrian higher education policy changes
- 2026-10-11 03:43 UTC Syrian higher education policy changes
Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.