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 to 31 October.

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 31 October.
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 31 October.
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.