Colleges & Universities in Syria

Universities in Syria New

Introduction

What are the most popular Universities and Colleges in Syria? uniRank answers this question by publishing the 2025 Syrian University Ranking of 40 Syrian higher-education institutions meeting the following uniRank selection criteria:

  • being chartered, licensed or accredited by the appropriate higher education-related organization in Syria
  • offering at least three-year bachelor's degrees or postgraduate master's or doctoral degrees
  • delivering courses predominantly in a traditional, non-distance education format

2025 Ranking of Syrian Universities

2025 University Sub-rankings by Governorates

The Syrian Arab Republic is divided into 14 governorates (Arabic: muhafazah), which are further subdivided into 60 districts (Arabic: manatiq). The majority of higher education institutions meeting the uniRank selection criteria are located in the Damascus governorate, which hosts the capital and largest city, Damascus. The following uniRank sub-rankings and league tables consider all governorates that include at least one Syrian higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.


Aleppo (9)  
Al-Raqqah (1)  
Damascus (9)  
Daraa (1)  
Darra (1)  
Deir ez-Zor (1)  
Hama (3)  
Homs (3)  
Idlib (5)  
Latakia (1)  
Rif Dimashq (3)  
Tartus (3)  

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Overview of Universities in Syria

Overview of Syria Universities

Syria's higher education system comprises both public and private institutions offering diverse academic programs. The Ministry of Higher Education supervises all universities, maintaining quality standards nationwide. Public universities like Damascus University receive state funding and typically charge lower tuition fees, while private institutions emerged prominently after 2000 to expand access. Most universities offer comprehensive programs across humanities, sciences, engineering and medicine, though some specialize in specific fields. Academic degrees include bachelor's, master's and PhD levels, with instruction primarily in Arabic, though some private universities use English.

Top 10 Syria Universities

  1. Damascus University (جامعة دمشق) - DU
    Ranked #1 in Syria and #4835 globally. Located in Damascus, established 1923. Public, non-profit comprehensive university. Fields and levels: Not specified.
  2. Homs University (جامعة حمص) - HU: Country rank #2, world rank #8023. Located in Homs, founded 1979. Public, non-profit comprehensive university. Fields and levels: Not specified.
  3. Latakia University (جامعة اللاذقية) - TU
    Ranked #3 in Syria, #8551 globally. Located in Latakia, established 1971. Public, non-profit comprehensive university. Fields and levels: Not specified.
  4. Arab International University (الجامعة العربية الدولية الخاصة) - AIU: Country rank #4, world rank #8787. Located in Daraa, founded 2005. Private, for-profit comprehensive university. Fields and levels: Not specified.
  5. University of Aleppo (جامعة حلب) - AU
    Ranked #5 in Syria, #9295 globally. Located in Aleppo, established 1946. Public, non-profit comprehensive university. Fields and levels: Not specified.
  6. University of Kalamoon (جامعة القلمون) - UOK: Country rank #6, world rank #9505. Located in Deir attyah (Rif Dimashq), founded 2003. Private, for-profit comprehensive university. Fields and levels: Not specified.
  7. Syrian Private University (الجامعة السورية الخاصة) - SPU
    Ranked #7 in Syria, #10204 globally. Located in Damascus, established 2005. Private, for-profit comprehensive university. Fields and levels: Not specified.
  8. Al-Wataniya Private University (الجامعة الوطنية الخاصة) - WPU: Country rank #8, world rank #10323. Located in Hama, founded 2007. Private university (entity not reported). Fields and levels: Not specified.
  9. Manara University (جامعة المنارة الخاصة) - MU
    Ranked #9 in Syria, #10334 globally. Located in Baniyas (Tartus), established 2016. Private, for-profit comprehensive university. Fields and levels: Not specified.
  10. Al-Sham Private University (جامعة الشام الخاصة) - ASPU: Country rank #10, world rank #10404. Located in Damascus, founded 2011. Private university (entity not reported). Fields and levels: Not specified.

Analysis of University Types

Syria hosts 40 universities nationwide. Public institutions constitute 27.5% of higher education (11 universities), while private universities dominate with 72.5% (29 institutions). This distribution reflects significant growth in private sector education since 2000, expanding access beyond government-funded options.

Global Ranking and Standing

No Syrian universities currently rank in the global top 200 (0% of national institutions). Similarly, none appear in the top 1,000 worldwide (0%). This indicates opportunities for Syrian universities to enhance international competitiveness through research output and academic partnerships.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the oldest university in Syria?
A: Damascus University, established in 1923, is Syria's oldest and highest-ranked institution.

Q: Are public or private universities more common in Syria?
A: Private universities dominate, comprising 72.5% (29 institutions) versus 27.5% public (11 institutions).

Q: Do Syrian universities teach in English?
A: Some private universities offer English-taught programs, while public institutions primarily use Arabic.

Q: How many Syrian universities rank globally?
A: Currently no Syrian universities rank in the top 1,000 worldwide according to available data.

Q: Where are most universities located in Syria?
A: Major cities like Damascus, Aleppo and Latakia host multiple institutions, with Damascus containing several top-ranked universities.


Related Syrian University Lists

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Syrian universities and their online presence.


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