Higher education in Afghanistan includes public universities and licensed private universities or other higher-education institutions. Local terms include تحصیلات عالی for higher education, پوهنتون for university and موسسه تحصیلات عالی for a higher-education institution. In 2024, Afghanistan had 170 universities according to sector data: 40 public and 121 private institutions, with the remaining institutions reflected differently across available statistical classifications. Lists, licences and active programmes can change, so an institution's current approval must be checked directly. A bachelor's programme usually requires completion of Grade 12 and participation in the General Kankor examination administered by the National Examination Authority, known locally as NEXA. The result, selected programme, available capacity and the annual admission notice determine placement. The annual notice specifies subjects, programme codes, deadlines and required documents. The 1405 application forms required an electronic tazkira. Night study, called شبانه, and 14-pass or specialised programmes provide additional admission pathways under their own annual rules; the 1405 forms listed a 400 AFN examination fee for these options. Master's and doctoral programmes generally use separate NEXA or institution-specific examinations and guidelines. Private institutions may admit students through their own procedures, but the Ministry of Higher Education licence and the approval of the specific programme still need verification. Programme length depends on the field and its official specification. Programmes commonly last three, four or five years; a Ministry of Higher Education example lists four years for a Bachelor of Engineering programme. Universities generally use semester and credit systems, while calendars, attendance rules and examination arrangements depend on the institution and programme. Health and other regulated fields may add practical training, examinations or professional licensing requirements. Costs include tuition at private institutions, Kankor or other examination fees, accommodation, transport and learning materials. Private tuition differs by institution and programme, and no reliable current nationwide tuition table establishes one standard amount. Scholarships may be offered through Ministry of Higher Education calls, while study abroad also depends on the host institution, visa rules and personal financing. Access for women and girls is subject to a countrywide prohibition on university and tertiary education in force since December 2022. As of September 2026, no reopening had been documented, and 2024 university enrolment data recorded no female students. Medical education for Afghan women, including nursing and midwifery at public and private medical institutes, was also closed from 2 December 2024. UNESCO has reported that the restriction covers face-to-face and online female higher education; no recognised domestic replacement has been established. The de-facto Ministry of Higher Education regulates institutions, admissions, curricula, quality assurance, licences and the award process. NEXA administers Kankor and other examinations, while higher-education institutions manage teaching, admissions and student records. Before enrolling, check the institution, campus and exact programme for a current licence, approved curriculum, qualified faculty, adequate laboratories, attendance and examination procedures, and a clear diploma process. The Ministry suspended seven private universities for one year and cancelled two private licences in 2026 over findings including fictitious students, missing leadership or laboratories, and attendance, examination or curriculum violations. Students normally have duties concerning attendance, examination integrity and conduct. Complaint and appeal procedures depend on the institution, Ministry directorate or examination authority involved. A local diploma and transcript follow the institution and Ministry process. A foreign qualification requires evaluation or equivalence through the Ministry; an original diploma, transcript, tazkira or passport may be required, and equivalence is not automatic. A degree does not itself guarantee employment or a professional licence. Medical graduates may additionally face requirements involving the Afghanistan Medical Council or an exit examination. After graduation, possible paths include employment, regulated practice, master's or doctoral study, scholarships and study abroad, each with separate admission, recognition or licensing conditions.
Study in Afghanistan
Tertiary study in Afghanistan takes place at universities and other licensed higher-education institutions and leads to qualifications such as a bachelor's degree, master's degree or doctorate. Public and private institutions offer different programmes, costs and admission procedures. Access, programme availability and institutional stability vary strongly by province and institution.
Tip
Treat tertiary study in Afghanistan as a programme- and institution-specific decision, not simply as a choice between universities. If you are eligible for the formal admission process, begin with the current annual notice and verify the exact campus and programme before paying fees. For women and girls, current evidence does not support planning on domestic recognised tertiary enrolment or treating online study as an equivalent replacement.