Damascus, Sept. 10 (SANA) Student enrollment in Syrian schools has risen by more than 1.1 million from 2025, a surge the Education Ministry says signals a recovery in the education sector as displaced students return to classrooms, while adding pressure on staffing and school infrastructure.
Enrollment reached about 5.291 million students in 2026, up from 4,125,650 last year — an increase of roughly 28% — according to ministry figures. The number is projected to approach 6 million in 2027.
The ministry said in a statement that the increase reflects the return of large numbers of displaced Syrian students and renewed interest among families in education.
The sharp rise has also increased class sizes and caused overcrowding in some schools, prompting authorities to open 212 new schools while continuing to rehabilitate and equip other educational facilities.
Some schools have yet to receive enough desks and equipment, while others have temporarily introduced double-shift schedules to accommodate the additional students.
The ministry described the growing enrollment as both a sign of recovery in the education sector and a logistical challenge requiring a rapid response.
Efforts are underway to provide additional desks, textbooks and other educational supplies and to fill teaching vacancies. The ministry has also launched an application to help distribute substitute teachers more quickly and equitably based on individual schools’ needs.
Administrative procedures are also being streamlined to facilitate the enrollment of returning students, the ministry said, adding that work is continuing to ensure schools have the staff, equipment and other resources needed to accommodate the rising numbers.
More than 5.2 million students headed back to classrooms across Syria on Sept. 6 for the start of the 2026-2027 academic year, following preparations to receive students and ready schools for the new term.
The ministry said ensuring every child has access to education remains a priority as it works to expand school capacity and respond to the rapid growth in enrollment.
N.J/ABD
