The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and Syria’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research signed a memorandum of understanding for the planned Syrian-Turkish University in Damascus, the capital of Syria. The parties also signed a cooperation agreement on higher education and scientific research at the same ceremony.
Before the signing ceremony, delegations led by YÖK President Erol Özvar and Syria’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Marwan al-Halebi met.
Emphasis on cooperation between universities
Speaking at the meeting, Erol Özvar said that common historical, cultural and civilizational ties unite Turkey and Syria. Özvar described the two countries as friends and brothers, adding that the recent momentum in bilateral relations had also had a positive impact on cooperation in higher education.
Özvar said strong and sustainable partnerships between universities would contribute to the development of the academic environment. He added that the cooperation would contribute to the future of both countries, regional stability and ties between their peoples. Özvar said he expected the meeting to place higher education cooperation on an institutional and long-term footing.
Özvar said Turkey would continue to provide comprehensive support to Syria in strengthening its education infrastructure, adding that Turkish universities were ready for various cooperation models with Syrian higher education institutions.
Undergraduate and graduate programs planned
Özvar said the parties could conduct joint work to launch undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs. He added that YÖK was also ready to support the development of technical infrastructure, digitalization and information sharing.
Syria’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Marwan al-Halebi thanked Turkey for its support for Syria’s education system and its contributions to developing cooperation.
The meeting also addressed the establishment of joint working groups to carry out cooperation between YÖK and the Syrian ministry in various areas.
Legal framework for the university to be prepared
The memorandum of understanding emphasized Turkey and Syria’s determination to strengthen cooperation in higher education, scientific research, innovation and academic exchange. Work will be carried out on the legal basis, governance system, academic structure, student admission rules, quality assurance mechanisms and administrative organization of the planned Syrian-Turkish University in Damascus.
Following the preparation of the legal and institutional documents, the projects will be submitted to the relevant competent authorities for evaluation. The university’s definitive establishment will depend on the signing of subsequent bilateral agreements and the completion of the necessary legal processes in both countries.
Scholarships, recognition of diplomas and academic exchange
The cooperation agreement on higher education and scientific research aims to strengthen coordination between universities and education and research institutions in Turkey and Syria. The agreement provides for the development of technology-focused education programs, support for digital infrastructure and the implementation of joint scientific research projects.
- Allocating reciprocal scholarships and places for students
- Mutual recognition of academic degrees and diplomas
- Facilitating transfers of Syrian students between universities
- Expanding exchange programs for faculty members and students
- Opening joint programs at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels
- Cooperation in education quality and accreditation
The agreement also provides for the annual organization of the Turkish-Syrian Universities Forum, hosted alternately in one of the two countries. The parties will also assess the possibility of implementing a twinning universities program and conduct joint work on the planned Syrian-Turkish University in Damascus.
