A Quest For Knowledge: Exploring Afghanistan's Academic Landscape

Afghanistan has 63 universities with 433 study programs, including 372 Bachelor's programs, 52 Master's programs, and 9 PhD programs. The country's higher education system has seen dramatic growth since 2001, with reports of the number of private institutions operating ranging from 68 in 2012 to 100 in 2014. This expansion has been fuelled by the growing demand for higher education among young Afghans, with public university enrolments rising from 7,800 in 2001 to 174,425 in 2015. The increase in educational opportunities has also benefited girls and women, who were previously excluded from attending school under the Taliban regime. Despite these improvements, Afghanistan's education system continues to face challenges, including gender inequality, outdated teaching methods, and limited capacity in the public sector.

Afghanistan's education system

The Afghan education system includes primary, secondary, higher, vocational, teacher training, and religious education. The Education Law of 2008 mandates nine years of compulsory education (primary education and lower secondary education). Free education through the bachelor's level is a constitutional right in Afghanistan.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) is responsible for the administration of primary education, secondary education, vocational education, and religious education, including funding, policy development, curriculum design, evaluation, and basic teacher education. The MoE oversees 34 provincial departments of education, which in turn supervise all district offices.

The Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) is responsible for the administration of higher education, including funding, policy development, institution establishment, quality assurance, and advanced teacher education.

Afghanistan's higher education system includes 63 universities with 433 study programs. There are 372 Bachelor programs at 63 universities, 52 Master programs at 17 universities, and 9 PhD programs at 4 universities. The oldest of these institutions are Kabul Medical University, established in 1923, and Kabul University, founded in 1931.

Primary education in Afghanistan runs from grades 1 to 6. Children typically begin school between the ages of six and eight. The primary curriculum is consistent nationwide, but teachers can tailor it to local content. Primary education is divided into two cycles. The first cycle covers grades 1 to 3 and includes subjects such as religious studies, first language (Dari or Pashtu), mathematics, arts, and physical education. The second cycle includes grades 4 to 6 and covers the same subjects as the first cycle, with additional subjects such as natural sciences, history, and geography.

At the end of grade 6, students must pass an examination to gain admission to lower secondary education. They can choose between continuing with an academic path or studying subjects like applied agriculture, aeronautics, arts, commerce, and teacher training. Secondary education includes two three-year cycles: lower secondary education (grades 7 to 9) and higher secondary education (grades 10 to 12).

Enrollment in higher education in Afghanistan has expanded dramatically since 2001. According to the World Bank, enrollments in Afghan institutions of higher education increased from less than 8,000 in 2001 to about 152,000 in 2012. Public institutions account for the majority of enrollments.

Despite the progress made, Afghanistan's education system still faces challenges. The adult literacy rate in the country as of 2015 was 38%, significantly below the international average of 84%. Participation rates in basic and secondary education are also low, with less than a quarter of pupils completing the first 9 years of education. Gender inequality, outdated teaching methods, and lack of qualified teachers are additional issues that need to be addressed.

Efforts by organizations like USAID and UNICEF are helping improve access to education, especially for girls, and are working towards improving the quality of education in Afghanistan.

Universities in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is a country in South Asia, bordered by Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China. Despite being plagued by war and political instability for several decades, Afghanistan has made progress in rebuilding its higher education system. The country's higher education system is overseen by the Ministry of Higher Education, which regulates and manages the country's universities and colleges.

There are 63 universities in Afghanistan with 433 study programs, including 372 Bachelor's programs, 52 Master's programs, and 9 PhD programs. The Polytechnical University of Kabul, also known as Kabul Polytechnic University, is ranked #1 in Afghanistan and has the highest student satisfaction rating of 4.4/5.0. The American University of Afghanistan is another top-ranked university in the country.

Other notable universities in Afghanistan include Nangarhar University, the second-largest educational institution in the country after Kabul University; Shaikh Zayed University; Dunya University of Afghanistan; and Badakhshan University.

While opportunities for international students in Afghanistan are limited due to security concerns, there is a growing number of programs available for those interested in studying in the country. These programs aim to promote cross-cultural understanding and provide a unique educational experience.

The average cost of living for students in Afghanistan is $261, with an additional $37-262 for rent, depending on the accommodation choice.

Gender inequality in education

Afghanistan has long been a hotbed of gender inequality, with women and girls facing various obstacles in education. Despite efforts to improve the education sector, the situation of female education remains poor. The country has one of the lowest literacy rates in the world, with an average of just 17% of women being literate, compared to 45% of men.

The educational system in Afghanistan has been deeply compromised by wars and conflicts lasting for over thirty years. The Taliban regime, in particular, destroyed almost all infrastructures, including the educational system, and imposed a ban on female education. This interruption caused irreparable damage, with women being the most vulnerable.

Since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, reconstruction efforts have led to significant progress in education. International donors have collaborated with the government, resulting in the reopening of schools and universities in most regions. Student enrollment has increased from fewer than 900,000 children, mostly boys, in 2001 to nearly nine million in 2020, with girls making up about 39% of the total number.

However, gender inequality in education persists. In 2015, the adult literacy rate in Afghanistan was estimated at 38%, significantly below the international average of 84%. Moreover, gender disparity in primary education is the highest in the world, with only 71 girls in primary school for every 100 boys. Cultural barriers, such as early marriage and a lack of female teachers, contribute to this disparity. Long and dangerous routes to schools, as well as a lack of sanitation facilities and surrounding walls, further hinder girls' access to education.

In recent years, the Taliban's takeover of the government has exacerbated the situation. The group has denied girls their right to education, with statements urging only male students to attend classes. This has reversed the progress made towards gender equality in education and sent a clear misogynistic message to the country.

To address gender inequality in education, it is crucial to develop and implement strategies that promote gender equality in schools and universities. This includes ensuring equal access to education for both genders, providing safe and gender-sensitive learning environments, addressing cultural norms and beliefs that hinder girls' education, and improving teacher training and resources. Additionally, the government and international donors should work together to provide sustainable funding and infrastructure support to ensure that all children, regardless of gender, have access to quality education.

The role of international aid in education

Afghanistan has one of the youngest populations in the world, with 41% of its population under 15 years of age. The country's education system has been deeply compromised by over thirty years of conflict and war. Since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, international aid has played a crucial role in the reconstruction of Afghanistan's education system.

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has been a key player in this process. Since 2008, USAID has helped increase access to education for three million Afghan girls, many of whom are attending school for the first time. Overall student enrollment has grown from 900,000 male students in 2001 to more than 9.5 million students in 2020, with 39% of them being girls. USAID has improved school infrastructure in rural areas, rehabilitated existing schools, and strengthened community-based education. They have also provided two-year scholarships to nearly 11,500 women to increase the number of female teachers and extend learning opportunities to girls in rural areas.

Other international organisations have also contributed to the advancement of education in Afghanistan. The World Bank has supported the country's education system and recognised the "shortage of higher education opportunities", which has resulted in many Afghan students pursuing degrees abroad. UNESCO has been supporting education in Afghanistan since its inception and has witnessed significant gains, particularly over the last twenty years. Despite the Taliban takeover in 2021, UNESCO remains committed to securing continuity of learning for all, with a particular focus on girls and women. They have developed the Multi-Country Preparedness and Response Plan (MCPRP) to address both immediate and medium-term education needs in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries.

In addition to international governmental organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have also played a vital role in supporting education in Afghanistan. The International Rescue Committee (IRC), for example, has been working in Afghanistan since 1988, providing humanitarian relief and recovery assistance to Afghans affected by crises. In 2023, the IRC met a wide range of humanitarian needs, serving nearly 2 million clients through health services and almost 200,000 through educational programs.

The crisis in Afghanistan has had a devastating impact on the country's education system, and the future remains uncertain. However, international aid from organisations such as USAID, the World Bank, UNESCO, and NGOs like the IRC has been instrumental in improving access to education, particularly for girls and women, and will continue to play a crucial role in the development of Afghanistan's education system.

Afghanistan's higher education system

Historical Context

The country's education system has been deeply compromised by decades of war and conflict. The Taliban regime, which controlled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 and again from August 2021, imposed strict restrictions on education, particularly for women and girls. During their first period of rule, girls were banned from receiving formal education, and women were prohibited from working and attending university.

Recent Developments

Since the overthrow of the Taliban in 2001, reconstruction efforts and international aid have led to substantial improvements. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other organizations have played a crucial role in this process. Enrollment numbers have increased across all levels of education. In 2020, there were over 9.5 million students enrolled, with girls accounting for 39% of the total.

Current State

Despite these gains, Afghanistan's education system still faces several challenges. The adult literacy rate remains low compared to neighbouring countries, and participation rates in basic and secondary education are also low. There is a shortage of qualified teachers, with many instructors lacking formal training. Outdated teaching materials and gender inequality are also prevalent issues.

Higher Education System

The Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) is responsible for administering higher education in the country, including funding, policy development, institution establishment, quality assurance, and advanced teacher education. One of the main goals has been to grant financial autonomy to universities, which currently cannot charge tuition fees or retain income.

Enrollment in higher education has increased dramatically since 2001, particularly with the first cohorts of students educated post-Taliban reaching university age. However, the public sector has struggled to keep up with the rising demand, leading to issues with capacity and infrastructure.

University Admissions

Admission to public higher education institutions is based on students' performance on the national university entrance examination, the Kankor Exam, which is not typically required for private institutions. Undergraduate education in Afghanistan follows a similar structure to the US system, with a general education year before selecting a major. The duration and requirements vary by major.

Postgraduate Education

While master's programs are limited, mostly offered in teaching and engineering, and mostly at private institutions, there has been some development in this area, with collaborations from universities around the world. PhD programs are almost non-existent in the country, with Nangarhar University launching Afghanistan's first PhD program in 2014.

Accreditation

Afghanistan's National Higher Education Strategic Plan 2010-2014 mandates that all public and private higher education institutions are subject to accreditation. The process is overseen by the National Commission on Quality Assurance and Accreditation (NCQAA), a relatively new organization under the MoHE.

Future Challenges

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