Access to Education

Attention! All services and assistance of UNHCR and its partners are free of charge!

Do you need information on Access to Education for Returnees from Lebanon to Syria?

If you are under 18, find more resources just for you at help.unhcr.org/lebanon/are-you-under-18.

Important Update for Parents with School-Aged Children

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) has announced that non-Lebanese children can register for second-shift schools (KG through Grade 9) from 1 October to 13 November.

What You Need to Do

1. Go to the nearest public school operating second shifts (PM shift).
   The opening of these schools depends on the Ministry’s final decision and the number of students registered by 13 November.
2. For families with UNHCR certificates or valid residency permits:
   • If your child attended school in Lebanon last year OR
   • If your child is 5 years old and ready for KG3 or Grade 1, register them at the nearest school before 13 November.
3. For families without residency permits and with expired UNHCR certificates:
   • If your child qualifies for second-shift schools, you can request a certificate renewal through one of the following:
     • The HELP Online Contact Form: help.unhcr.org/lebanon/contact-us
     • The UNHCR Call Center: 📞 04726111
   • UNHCR will review your request and contact you for a renewal appointment.
4. For families in the process of obtaining or renewing residency:
   • Provide the school with the official General Security Office receipt as proof of the process.
5. For families without any of the cited documents:
   • Schools will register your child and they can attend classes.
   • A list of children without these documents will be referred to General Security Office via the General Directorate of Education. Families will be given time in the 2025/2026 school year to initiate residency or explore durable solutions, including return to Syria.

Important Update on Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutes and Schools

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) has announced that non-Lebanese students can register in official and private Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutes and schools for the 2025–2026 academic year.

What You Need to Do

🗓️Registration Period:
Registration is open now for all levels and programs in public and private TVET institutions. Families are encouraged to register as soon as possible before 7 November 2025.

📑 Required Documents

To register, non-Lebanese students must present one of the following:

• A valid legal residency permit.
• A valid UNHCR certificate (not expired).
• An official receipt from the General Security Office showing that the student or their parent/guardian has started the residency renewal or application process.

Students who do not yet have any of the above documents can still be registered. The school or institute will add the student’s name to a special list and submit it to MEHE by 7 November 2025, which will then be shared with the General Security Office for follow-up. This ensures that all interested students are given a fair chance to pursue technical and vocational education while documentation is being arranged.