Turkey‑Syria higher education cooperation

In early August 2026, Syrian Minister of Higher Education Marwan al‑Halabi traveled to Ankara to meet with officials at the Turkish Aviation University and Hacettepe University. These discussions focused on rebuilding Syria’s higher education sector following the post-December 2024 reconstruction phase, specifically targeting academic programs, infrastructure, and the newly created Syrian University of Defence Sciences.

The visit resulted in a framework agreement with Turkey’s Higher Education Council (YÖK) to facilitate staff and student exchanges and joint research projects. This was formalized through a comprehensive cooperation pact between YÖK President Erol Özvar and Minister al-Halabi. The agreement outlines the establishment of a joint Syria-Turkey University in Damascus and includes provisions for the mutual recognition of academic degrees, diplomas, and support for the digital infrastructure of Syrian universities.

Furthermore, a joint Syrian-Turkish committee has been formed to address the status of universities in northern Syria. This committee is tasked with resolving academic and legal issues regarding these institutions before the upcoming academic year to ensure educational stability and quality.