What is the education system in Afghanistan?

Primary education

Primary education lasts six years, from 1st to 6th grade and is intended for students from 6 to 12 years old. The curriculum is consistent across the country, but teachers can adapt it to the local context of a province or region. Community-based education is provided in less secure areas, such as the southern provinces. Imams often provide this type of education in mosques, and the emphasis is mainly on religious subjects. Students complete their primary education with an exam that gives them entry to primary secondary education (Maktabeh Motevasteh).

Incomplete secondary education

Partial secondary education is provided as preparation for higher secondary education (Doreye Aali). Undergraduate secondary education also includes entry into technical and vocational secondary education. Pupils complete their lower secondary education with an exam that entitles them to enter higher secondary education.

Higher secondary education consists of 3 years of upper secondary education, from 10th to 12th grades for students of 14th grade.

Secondary professional and technical education

After successful completion of partial secondary education, students can get admission to technical and secondary vocational education. Students can choose a shortened technical program with a nominal duration of 3 years or a longer program with a nominal duration of 5 years. The program is also considered as 14th grade. After completing the 14th grade, students receive a Certificate of Vocational Education.

International schools are the best place for international students in Afghanistan. The schools are aimed at international students and follow the curriculum model from the USA, Great Britain or France. The main training can be in any language (usually taught in several languages), but is usually in English or French, with other additional languages ​​offered. Schools often provide internationally recognized accreditation, such as the International Baccalaureate. Admission and enrollment procedures vary from school to school. Places are often limited and preference is given to students based on nationality. Tuition tends to be expensive by local standards but offers a high standard of learning, boasting smaller class sizes, top-notch facilities and an extracurricular program. Some schools have boarding schools, but most only offer day classes. National and local authorities and representatives of international organizations, especially the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Framework for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women ( "UN-Women") jointly developed specific measures to encourage women to obtain education both in Afghanistan and abroad.

Higher Education

To gain admission to higher education, students must pass a national exam after obtaining their 12th-grade certificate. Students may be admitted to specialization within the degree program if they pass the exam, depending on their grades and personal interests. The entrance exam is held once a year. If students fail the exam, they must retake it a year later. The entrance exam is not a prerequisite for admission to private universities.

In Afghanistan, higher education is provided by public and private higher education institutions. There are 19 public and more than 75 private higher education institutions in Afghanistan. The latter was created only recently. As a result of the extraordinary growth of private higher education institutions, the Ministry of Education is currently pursuing a policy of ending the establishment of private universities.

There are several higher education institutions in Afghanistan, established and accredited by other countries, in which international students study.

For example, American University in Afghanistan, Kateb University, and Cardan University.

What are the requirements for foreign students who decide to study in higher education institutions in Afghanistan?

Visa requirements for international students vary by nationality. Students are generally allowed to stay in Afghanistan for one year without leaving but must have proof of enrollment at a local college or university.

Any foreign national who intends to enter Afghanistan for the purpose of study must:

• Obtain an Afghan visa (if applicable) to facilitate their entry into the country.
• Entry into Afghanistan from and through authorized ports of entry only.
• Present a valid passport to the immigration officer at the point of entry. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the planned return from Afghanistan.
• Declare the purpose of entering Afghanistan and the intended educational institution.
• Proceed to the designated immigration office upon entry and obtain a student card to study in Afghanistan.

What documents should be submitted to apply for a student visa to Afghanistan?

It is necessary to provide:

• acceptance letter confirming that the applicant has been offered a full-time place at a recognized educational institution
• applicants must be able to demonstrate proof of sufficient funds to support themselves in the country
• it is necessary to confirm that the cost of the course has been paid in full
• it is required to take out private health insurance and provide documentary evidence of this
• the candidate must have a clear intention to return to their country after the study period
• bachelor/postgraduate certificates
• level certificate O-level certificate (if applicable)
• training should be conducted only in approved and licensed educational institutions.
• proof of housing reservation/rent
• Birth Certificate
• driver's license
• marriage certificate (for spouses)

All immigrants in Afghanistan must respect and comply with national immigration laws, guidelines and formalities.

Can students work?

Students can look for part-time jobs at their college or university. Work may include Digital Marketing, Supermarket Cashiers, Community Volunteering, Cleaning, Data Entry, Debt Collection, English Teaching, Computer Operations, Information Technology Support, Call Center Opportunities, Bar Attendant, and Freelance.

Scholarships

Students interested in studying can receive federally funded scholarships to private colleges and universities. Although some of these programs are fiercely competitive because the field of study in Afghanistan is country-specific, they make up for it by generously offering substantial scholarships or even full tuition to students, especially those from low-income backgrounds. In addition, most universities provide scholarships to those with outstanding academic performance in Afghanistan. Scholarships are awarded for the program in which the student is enrolled and continues for the student's standard study period. The average scholarship duration is four years for those starting directly as a freshman.

Merit scholarships

Many foundations and some public universities offer scholarships to those with outstanding academic performance. Scholarships are awarded for the program in which the student is enrolled and continues for the student's standard study period. The usual duration of the scholarship is five years for those participating in the language preparation program and four years for those who start directly as a freshman. At core universities, students do not risk losing their scholarships, despite academic difficulties, as long as they comply with compulsory attendance. Almost all universities provide partial scholarships, which depend on the applicant's academic merit and cover 30% to 95% of the total cost. Many research, government, and private organizations may provide scholarships, such as Fulbright scholarships https://af.usembassy.gov/education-culture/educational-exchanges/fulbright/, 

Afghanistan Government Scholarships for International Students, Chevening Scholarships.

Training courses

«ICT sector development program in Afghanistan» with the financial support of the World Bank - https://projects.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/project-detail/P121755?lang=en

Preschool programs, and courses to improve the qualifications of teachers and women are presented in the programs of the Afghan Institute of Education https://www.sakena.org/who-we-are.php