Syria recognizes AANES school certificates, approves 938 Kurdish schools
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Syria’s Ministry of Education and Education on Thursday approved basic education certificates and school records previously issued by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), allowing students to enroll or transfer to Syrian government schools.
Under a decision, students holding basic education certificates issued by the Kurdish AANES can enroll in the first year of general secondary school at schools across Syria, provided they meet the required 55 percent grade and other admission criteria.
The ministry also approved the transfer of students holding recognized school records issued by the former administration to transitional grades. Students can use available school documents, including report cards or proof of their academic progression, to complete registration.
The decision cited Law No. 31 of 2024 and Decree No. 13 of 2026 concerning Syrian Kurds and its implementing regulations, saying it aimed to ensure continuity of education and facilitate students’ access to schooling.
Separately, the ministry announced a preliminary list of 938 schools authorized to teach Kurdish across Syria.
Hasakah Governorate accounts for 608 schools, including 162 in Hasakah city, 88 in Qamishli, 125 in Amuda, 78 in Chel Agha (al-Jawadiyah) and 67 in Tirbe Spiyeh (al-Qahtaniya). Aleppo has 308 schools, including 296 in Afrin and 12 in Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood. Damascus has 17 and Hama five. The list does not include Kobani.
The move comes as Kurdish students, teachers and parents continue protests against limiting Kurdish instruction to three weekly classes. Demonstrations have been reported in Hasakah, Qamishli, Amuda, Tel Tamr, Chel Agha and Derik (al-Malikiyah).
Protesters are demanding broader mother-tongue education and constitutional recognition of Kurdish, arguing that three classes a week do not provide adequate education in their language.