Study abroad
Study in Syria
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Syria
Higher education in Syria, in Western Asia, gives international students a chance to study in a new academic and cultural setting. Universities and other institutions offer programmes at different levels, from first degrees to postgraduate study, across subjects such as business, engineering, health, science and the humanities.
The economy has strengths in healthcare, agriculture and culture and heritage, which is reflected in many study options. Teaching is often in Arabic, so check the language of instruction and any language requirements for each course. Start with the subjects available here, then compare institutions, costs and application steps.
Travel and safety conditions may change at short notice; official travel advice from your own government is the place to start.
Why study in Syria?
Students choose Syria for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life in Western Asia. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.
- Industry context: Healthcare, agriculture and culture and heritage matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences and Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, with options differing between universities.
- Cities and campus life: Damascus, Aleppo and Latakia each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Syria means everyday contact with Arabic and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Talking to current students and reading official course pages will give you a realistic picture of what studying here is like, beyond what any general guide can say.
Top subjects to study in Syria
Choosing a subject is the first big decision. For Syria, the areas below are a sensible place to begin; they reflect local strengths such as healthcare, agriculture and culture and heritage, not a league table.
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
- Engineering
- Education, PGCE & Teaching
- Business & Management
Because healthcare, agriculture and culture and heritage matter locally, students in related fields may find useful context for projects and internships. Each subject has its own page for Syria on this site, with its specializations.
When choosing between these areas, think about what you enjoy studying, the entry requirements for each course and the kind of work you would like to do afterwards. A specialization can matter as much as the broad subject.
Scholarships to Study in Syria
Finding funding for Syria takes time, so start looking as soon as you have a shortlist of courses.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Syria
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Eligibility, the amount of support and deadlines vary, and competition can be strong. Apply to several suitable options and confirm what each award covers. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Syria
There is no national intake date for Syria: each university or college sets its own calendar.
Application deadlines can fall many months before the course begins, especially for competitive programmes and for students who need a visa. Start by checking the deadline for your specific course, then work backwards to leave time for documents, language tests, applications for funding and the visa process.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Syria
Fees for international students in Syria are set by each institution and can differ considerably between programmes.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Longer programmes, foundation years and placements all affect the total you will need, so build your budget from the institution’s current published fees.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Syria
Rules on studying in Syria as a foreign national depend on your citizenship and course, so the first step is to find out which category applies to you.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Syria in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Syria
A realistic budget for life in Syria starts with housing, which is usually the largest single expense. Costs in Damascus can differ noticeably from those in Aleppo or Latakia and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Universities often publish current estimates of living costs; use them as a starting point and add a buffer for unexpected expenses.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Syria
What are the advantages of studying in Syria?
It depends on your goals. Syria offers programmes across many subjects, a location in Western Asia and study in Arabic (with some English-taught options). Students interested in healthcare, agriculture and culture and heritage may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Syria?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences and Engineering. The subjects page for Syria lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When do courses start in Syria?
Start dates vary between institutions. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Syria?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Syria?
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Syria.
Are scholarships available for international students in Syria?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Which cities are popular with students in Syria?
Damascus, Aleppo and Latakia are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Syria?
Many courses are taught in Arabic. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
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