Syria is home to a rich educational heritage, with universities that date back nearly a century. Despite various challenges over the past decade, these institutions continue to provide quality education, foster research, and shape the next generation of leaders. In this article, we explore the top 10 universities in Syria—each offering unique strengths across a range of disciplines, from humanities and social sciences to engineering and medicine.
1. Damascus University
Founded in 1923, Damascus University is not only the oldest but also the largest public university in Syria. It comprises over 20 faculties, including Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Arts. The university’s main campus in Baramkeh is complemented by branch campuses in several governorates, serving more than 180,000 students. Damascus University is renowned for its Arabic language center, one of the largest of its kind, which attracts international learners from across the Arab world.
2. University of Aleppo
Established in 1958, the University of Aleppo has grown into a major center for higher education in northern Syria. With faculties ranging from Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine to Architecture and Economics, it serves approximately 90,000 students. The university is particularly noted for its contributions to regional development through research in water management and agricultural sciences.
3. Tishreen University
Located in Latakia on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, Tishreen University was founded in 1971. It offers programs in Fisheries, Marine Sciences, Dentistry, and more. The university’s Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences is one of only a few in the region, reflecting its coastal specialization. Its vibrant student life benefits from the city’s historic and cultural heritage.
4. Al-Baath University
Al-Baath University, established in 1979 in Homs, has become a leading center for oil and gas engineering, thanks to its proximity to Syria’s petroleum industry. It also offers programs in Education, Fine Arts, and Computer Engineering. With a student body of around 80,000, Al-Baath supports numerous research centers focused on renewable energy and environmental studies.
5. University of Kalamoon
Founded in 2003 in Deir Atiyah, the University of Kalamoon is one of Syria’s prominent private universities. It offers a diverse range of programs including Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Information Technology. Its modern campus and partnerships with international institutions have positioned it as a growing hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
6. International University for Science & Technology (IUST)
Established in 2005 near Damascus, IUST is a private, non-profit institution emphasizing engineering, medical sciences, and business administration. The university boasts state-of-the-art laboratories and hosts an annual innovation fair, showcasing student research in robotics, biotechnology, and software development.
7. Al-Andalus University for Medical Sciences
Al-Andalus University, opened in 2005 in Qadmus, specializes in medical and health sciences. It offers Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy programs under modern clinical training facilities. The university places strong emphasis on practical experience, with affiliations to several hospitals in the Tartus governorate.
8. University of Homs
Originally a branch of Damascus University, the University of Homs gained independence in 2014. It provides undergraduate and graduate programs in Medicine, Engineering, and Education. The Faculty of Medicine is particularly well-regarded for its research into tropical diseases and public health initiatives.
9. Al-Furat University
Located in Deir ez-Zor and founded in 2003, Al-Furat University serves the northeast region of Syria. With faculties in Petroleum Engineering, History, and Law, it plays a pivotal role in post-conflict reconstruction studies. Its Petroleum Engineering program leverages local industry connections for student internships and collaborative research.
10. Syrian Virtual University
Launched in 2002, the Syrian Virtual University (SVU) was the first distance-learning institution in the Arab world. SVU offers online bachelor’s and master’s programs in Computer Science, Business Administration, and English Literature, enabling over 30,000 students—including many working professionals—to earn degrees remotely.
Conclusion
Syria’s universities blend historical legacy with modern academic pursuits, offering students a wide spectrum of disciplines and research opportunities. Despite the country’s challenges, these top institutions continue to uphold high educational standards and foster innovation. For prospective students, each of these universities presents unique strengths tailored to diverse academic and professional goals.
