لوزارة التعليم العالي - الجمهورية العربية السورية

Overview

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Syrian Arab Republic (وزارة التعليم العالي والبحث العلمي) is the primary governmental body responsible for overseeing and regulating higher education and scientific research in Syria. Established in 1966, the Ministry's mission is to develop and promote high-quality tertiary education and research, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, and enhance the skills and capabilities of the Syrian workforce. It formulates policies, strategies, and plans for higher education, ensuring alignment with national development goals.

Historical and Legal Framework

The roots of higher education in Syria trace back to the early 20th century, with the establishment of the first public university in the Arab world. The Ministry was formally established in 1966 to centralize and regulate higher education across the country. In 1975, the Syrian Universities Law was enacted, granting the Ministry full control over universities and significantly reducing their autonomy. This law consolidated the Ministry's authority over academic institutions, curriculum development, and faculty appointments, aligning the higher education system with the state's political and ideological objectives.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives in Higher Education

The Ministry's mission is to develop and promote high-quality tertiary education and research, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, and enhance the skills and capabilities of the Syrian workforce. Its vision encompasses creating an inclusive, innovative, and culturally rich educational environment that meets the needs of the region's diverse population. The Ministry's objectives include:

• Enhancing the quality and accessibility of education at all levels.
• Promoting scientific research and innovation in educational practices.
• Aligning regional educational programs with federal standards.
• Supporting the professional development of educators and researchers.
• Encouraging the integration of traditional and modern educational paradigms.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

The Ministry is headed by a Minister appointed by the President of Syria. It operates as a central executive body within the Syrian government, exercising delegated powers in the field of education and science. The Ministry's structure includes various departments responsible for different educational sectors, such as general education, vocational training, higher education, and scientific research. While it functions within the framework of national laws, the Ministry retains a degree of autonomy to address the unique educational needs of Syria's diverse population.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

The Ministry plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality of higher education in Syria. Its responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing national policies for the accreditation of educational institutions.
• Conducting audits and evaluations of educational programs to ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Organizing and overseeing national examinations for secondary school graduates.
• Licensing educational institutions and monitoring their adherence to national regulations.
• Releasing statistical reports on key educational indicators to inform policy decisions.

These efforts aim to maintain high educational standards and promote continuous improvement within the country's educational system.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The Ministry actively seeks to enhance the quality and global competitiveness of Syria's education system through international cooperation. Notable initiatives include:

• Partnership with Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO): In June 2024, the Ministry signed a cooperation agreement with MGIMO to foster academic exchange, joint research projects, and the development of educational programs that align with international standards.
• Digital Transformation Initiatives: The Ministry has collaborated with various technology providers to implement digital solutions in education, aiming to bridge the digital divide and provide equal educational opportunities across the country.

These partnerships contribute to the modernization and internationalization of Syria's educational landscape.

Current and Future Impact on Higher Education

The Ministry's initiatives are poised to significantly impact higher education in Syria. Key developments include:

• Expansion of Engineering Education: The Ministry has increased enrollment in engineering programs by 15%, reflecting a strategic focus on developing a skilled workforce to meet the country's industrial needs.
• Introduction of Specialized Engineering Classes: In 2025, 15 specialized engineering classes were opened in four cities across Syria, aiming to provide targeted education and training in technical fields.
• Digitalization of Education: Efforts to implement digital tools and platforms in educational institutions are underway, enhancing access to resources and facilitating remote learning opportunities.

These actions are expected to strengthen the alignment of higher education with labor market demands and contribute to the socio-economic development of Syria.

Summary

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Syria plays a pivotal role in shaping the country's educational and scientific landscape. Through its governance, accreditation processes, and international collaborations, the Ministry strives to provide quality education that meets the diverse needs of its population. Its ongoing efforts in digital transformation, curriculum development, and capacity building are set to enhance the effectiveness and inclusivity of higher education in Syria, positioning it for future growth and development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the role of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Syria?
  The Ministry is responsible for developing and implementing educational policies, overseeing accreditation processes, and coordinating scientific research activities within Syria.
• How does the Ministry ensure the quality of higher education?
  The Ministry ensures quality through accreditation of institutions, conducting audits, organizing national examinations, and releasing statistical reports on educational indicators.
• What international partnerships does the Ministry have?
  The Ministry collaborates with institutions like Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) and engages in digital transformation initiatives to modernize education.
• What recent initiatives has the Ministry undertaken?
  Recent initiatives include expanding engineering education, opening specialized engineering classes, and implementing digital solutions in educational institutions.
• How does the Ministry support educators?
  The Ministry supports educators through professional development programs, curriculum development, and initiatives aimed at integrating traditional and modern educational paradigms.

Organization Name

لوزارة التعليم العالي - الجمهورية العربية السورية

Ministry of Higher Education of Syria

Acronym

MHE

Year of Establishment

1966

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Mezzeh Gamarik Square
Damascus
Damascus Syria

Phone

+963 (11) 213 3120

Fax

+963 (11) 212 8649

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Ministry of Higher Education of Syria's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Ministry of Higher Education of Syria's Wikipedia article

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