The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research signed a cooperation agreement with Hungary granting 250 scholarships to Syrian students across bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs. The agreement was signed in Damascus by Higher Education Minister Marwan al-Halabi and Chargé d’Affaires István Gyula Soós, marking what officials described as a step toward strengthening academic ties between the two countries.
Expanding Academic Cooperation
Minister Halabi said the agreement represents the first formal higher education cooperation framework with Hungary since the political transition, describing it as a milestone in rebuilding Syria’s academic sector. He noted that over 800 students applied for the scholarships through registration links announced last December. From that pool, 250 students will be selected according to specified academic criteria and grade averages.
Halabi said the scholarships include exemptions from tuition and accommodation fees, as well as monthly stipends. He added the agreement opens the door to broader cooperation in scientific research, academic exchange and quality assurance, including potential visits by Hungarian professors to Syrian universities and joint accreditation initiatives. He emphasized investing in human capital is central to Syria’s long-term recovery and development.
Hungarian Support and Future Prospects
For his part, Soós described the agreement as the first official document signed between the two countries following the fall of the former government. He said Hungary supported Syrians throughout the years of conflict through humanitarian assistance and now seeks to elevate cooperation to the governmental and institutional levels.
He stressed that the scholarships, which cover a wide range of academic disciplines, reflect Hungary’s view that education is foundational to building a stable future. According to Soós, approximately 500 Syrian students are currently enrolled at Hungarian universities, where they demonstrated strong academic performance. Officials from both sides said the agreement is expected to serve as a starting point for expanded collaboration in research, faculty exchange and student mobility programs in the coming years.
