Ongoing efforts to enhance higher education in NE Syria Universities

The Council of Universities in North and East Syria expects the academic year to begin on September 26, 2025, following the announcement of supplementary exam results in mid-September.

Dr. Khalil Ali discussed with ANHA Agency the key developments for the 2025/2026 academic year, including the expansion of examination centers. He indicated that the number of admission centers will increase to seven: two in Aleppo (Sheikh Maqsoud and Al-Ashrafieh), one at Al-Sharq University in Raqqa, one in Kobani in the Euphrates region, and three in the Jazira region—at Rojava University in Qamishli, in Rimelan town, and in Al-Hasakah city.

The exact start date for the university entrance process in Northeast Syria has not yet been determined and will be announced after the completion of the supplementary exams.

Diverse Programs Across Universities

Universities in Northand East Syria offer dozens of majors. Rojava University has 30 departments across 11 faculties and three institutes; Al-Sharq University has 21 departments across 8 faculties and 4 institutes; and Kobani University has 20 departments across 4 faculties and 5 institutes.

New Faculties and Institutes

Dr. Ali stated that new faculties and institutes will be inaugurated, including the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Raqqa, the Faculty of Medical Sciences and Agricultural Engineering in Kobani, and institutes under the Directorate of Culture, such as the Higher Institute of Arts in Derik. Teacher-training institutes will open in Aleppo, Al-Hasakah, and Qamishli, alongside a health institute in Al-Hasakah. Plans are also under study for new institutes in the Tabqa Canton.

Centralized Barcode System for Admissions

Regarding the admission process across North and East Syrian universities, Dr. Ali explained that students can apply to any program at any university through a single center, with the option to modify up to ten choices to improve their chances. Admission is based on minimum grade thresholds for each department.

This year, a new system has been introduced to simplify procedures: the barcode system. High school diplomas (Baccalaureates) are now issued with a barcode allowing students to access their data, view available programs, schedule interviews for specialized programs (such as medicine and engineering), and receive admission results instantly.

The barcode system, a collaboration between the Education Directorate and regional universities, reduces the time needed for administrative procedures from weeks to minutes.

Dr. Ali added that science-stream students will undergo a computerized assessment exam consisting of 80 non-tricky questions designed to measure general knowledge without overburdening students. Vocational high school students are exempt, as their admission will focus on practical skills.

Recommendations for Students

Dr. Ali advised students to increase the number of program choices to enhance their chances of admission, utilize the barcode system for real-time tracking, and visit the new admission centers in Al-Hasakah to reduce overcrowding.

Dr. Khalil Ali emphasized that universities in the North and East Syria maintain extensive networks with several European and American universities, in addition to institutions in South America, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance academic cooperation and openness to diverse global experiences in higher education.

Dr. Ali also noted that Syrian universities—both under the previous regime and the transitional Syrian government—have historically been cautious in their interactions.

However, “we have always remained open to establishing ties with the universities of Northeast Syria,” he said, stressing the commitment to keeping education independent from political agendas.

He affirmed that he does not object to any communication or coordination with Syrian universities, stating: “We hope to witness tangible steps toward cooperation, especially following the issuance of recognized Syrian diplomas, which until now have not included universities from the Northeast Syria Region. We hope this situation changes soon.”

Dr. Khalil Ali called for joint meetings and the formation of coordination committees between the two sides, aiming to strengthen educational processes and exchange expertise, for the benefit of students and the future of higher education across Syria.

a.k

ANHA