Currently, the examination and university systems in Syria are not fully established. However, education documents obtained from Türkiye may be required during the application process. Therefore, it is recommended to obtain the following documents:

Documents Obtainable from Türkiye:

• Diploma and transcript: Can be obtained from the high school you graduated from or via the e-Devlet system.
• University Application Process: Universities in Syria may have different admission requirements. Therefore, it is important to check the official website of the university you are considering applying to or directly contact their student affairs office to learn:
  • Whether there is a university entrance exam requirement.
  • Whether additional documents are required for enrollment.

Certificate of enrollment (for transfer students) and transcript: Can be obtained from the school they attended or via the e-Government (e-Devlet) system.

• Equivalency: Equivalency is a process determined by the regulations of the destination country. However, at present, there is no established equivalency system in Syria. In the future, relevant authorities may establish equivalency procedures and evaluate applications. Until the process is clarified, the most important step is to ensure that you obtain all the necessary documents before leaving Türkiye. The recognition of documents in Syria will be determined by the competent authorities of that country.
• Document Recognition and Approval Process: Like equivalency, the validity of the documents also depends on the processes to be determined in Syria.
• Newly Established Consulates and Attaché Offices: There are plans to open consulates and attaché offices in Syria soon. Once these institutions become operational, new opportunities for document approval may be provided, and documents may be obtained directly from these offices.

• In Imam Hatip Middle Schools (Grades 5-8) and Anatolian Imam Hatip High Schools (Grades 9-12), Arabic is taught as a mandatory subject.
• In other primary, lower and upper secondary schools, Arabic is offered as an elective subject.
• Within the PIKTES project, Arabic language teachers are employed, and Arabic language classes are opened based on demand.
• Arabic language courses are also available at public education centers in each province and district in Türkiye.

In Türkiye Equivalency and grade placements are determined based on documents and equivalency commissions. How this process will be conducted in Syria will depend on decisions taken in Syria. For a more detailed answer, please refer to Question 3.

As of January 2025, educational activities continue in several higher education institutions, primarily at the University of Damascus. However, uncertainties persist regarding academic infrastructure, administrative processes, and security conditions. The operation of universities and their long-term implications are expected to become clearer soon.

If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in Türkiye and wish to continue your education in Syria, you may need to obtain the following documents:

• Student Certificate: This document confirms your enrollment at a university and can be obtained from the student affairs office of your university or via the e-Devlet system.
• Transcript: This document shows your academic record and can be obtained from the student affairs office of your university or via the e-Devlet system.
• It is recommended to check the website of the university in Syria where you plan to apply to learn about any additional documents required for the application process.

• Transcript (academic record): Can be requested from the student affairs office of your university.
• Diploma or Temporary Graduation Certificate: Can be obtained from your university or via the e-Devlet system.

• Equivalency: Equivalency is a process determined by the regulations of the destination country. Until the process is clarified in Syria, the most important step is to ensure that you obtain all the necessary documents before leaving Türkiye. The recognition of documents in Syria will be determined by the competent authorities of that country.
• Document Recognition and Approval Process: If a document obtained from a higher education institution in Türkiye needs to go through an approval process, it may need to be approved first by the Higher Education and Foreign Education General Directorate of the Ministry of National Education (MoNE), then by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and finally by the Embassy or Consulate of Syria. The consulate may charge a fee for this process and request additional documents.
• Newly Established Consulates and Attaché Offices: There are plans to open consulates and attaché offices in Syria soon. Once these institutions become operational, new opportunities for document approval may be provided, and documents may be obtained directly from these offices.

• The process of freezing enrollment varies by university. First, check the regulations on your university’s student affairs or academic department’s website.
• Generally, you must provide a valid reason for freezing enrollment. Commonly accepted reasons include:
  • Health Issues
  • Financial Difficulties
  • Family Reasons
  • Mandatory Military Service (Applicable for male students from certain countries)
  • Relocation or Visa Issues
• Universities may require the following documents for a leave of absence application:
  • A petition
  • Medical report (if freezing due to health reasons)
  • Financial hardship document (if citing financial difficulties)
  • Other supporting documents
• Once your documents are complete, submit them to the student affairs office or faculty secretary. Applications are typically accepted within the academic calendar deadlines.
• After review, the university will inform you of the decision. If approved, your student status will be updated to “Enrollment Frozen” in the system. However, note that approval is not guaranteed.

Additional Information:

• The maximum leave of absence period is usually two years (four semesters).
• During this period, some student rights may be restricted (e.g., scholarships may be suspended).