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Evidence-based fact finding
Systematic literature and legal analysis, online surveys, focus groups and interviews create a robust understanding of reform needs.
DAAD-funded pilot project
Strengthening Syrian higher education through evidence, dialogue and academic cooperation.
SyrIA supports the sustainable renewal and international connectivity of Syria’s higher education system through fact finding, practice-oriented training, strategic dialogue, coaching, digital tools and professional project management.
Implemented by
Funded by
Call for Expressions of Interest
Trainers and Workshop Facilitators for the SyrIA Project
The German Jordanian University (GJU) is currently establishing a pool of qualified trainers, facilitators and higher education experts for the project.
“SyrIA – Syrian Innovation in Academia”
Within the framework of the project, a series of workshops and training sessions for academic and administrative staff of Syrian universities will be implemented during 2026–2027.
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Project launch milestone
Jordanian–Syrian Dialogue Forum marks the launch of the SyrIA project at GJU
The German Jordanian University hosted the Jordanian–Syrian Dialogue Forum for the Development of Higher Education on 3 and 4 May 2026.
High-level dialogue on the development of Syrian higher education
The forum marked the public launch of a structured Jordanian–Syrian–German dialogue on higher education reform, bringing together ministries, university leadership, DAAD, the German Embassy, GJU, and partner institutions around a shared agenda for academic recovery, cooperation, and institutional renewal.
Across the public session and the following working meetings, participants discussed the Alliance for Syrian Higher Education, the SyrIA project roadmap, the planned fact-finding mission, and concrete next steps for capacity building and academic cooperation.
Project overview
From needs assessment to sustainable reform support
SyrIA combines empirical analysis with capacity building and structured policy dialogue to support the modernization of Syrian higher education during a phase of transformation.
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Practice-oriented training
Workshops and training formats address needs in curriculum development, teaching, quality assurance, digitalization and internationalization.
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Strategic dialogue
Dialogue events bring university leaders, ministries and international partners together to discuss reform priorities and cooperation.
At a glance
Project facts
The pilot project is anchored at GJU and implemented with German institutional cooperation and Syrian higher education stakeholders.
2026Project start
2027Project end
6Core measures
400Planned training participants
Core activities
A structured programme for impact
Each activity builds on the previous phase and contributes to a long-term knowledge and data foundation for follow-up projects.
M/A1 Fact Finding & Quality Assurance
Empirical assessment of needs, reform dynamics and implementation realities.
M/A2 Workshops & Trainings
Interactive blended learning formats for faculty, deans and administrative staff.
M/A3 Dialogue Events
High-level exchanges on higher education policy and strategic reform topics.
M/A4 Coaching & Mentoring
Follow-up support to transfer outcomes into institutional practice and action plans.
M/A5 Digitalization
Digital preparation, documentation and quality assurance through online tools.
M/A6 Management & Dissemination
Coordination, reporting, open access publication and communication of results.
Latest
News and updates
May 2026Jordanian–Syrian Dialogue Forum for the Development of Higher Education held at GJU under the SyrIA Project
The German Jordanian University hosted the Jordanian–Syrian Dialogue Forum for the Development of Higher Education on 3 and 4 May 2026 as part of the Syrian Innovation in Academia (SyrIA) project. The forum brought together high-level representatives from the Jordanian and Syrian higher education sectors, including university presidents, ministry officials, DAAD representatives, the German Embassy in Amman, and partner institutions from Germany and Syria.
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April 2026Signing of the SyrIA project agreement between GJU and DAAD
The signing of the SyrIA project agreement marked the formal start of the project and laid the foundation for its implementation from March 2026 to December 2027.
Read full articleFact-finding phase
The project begins with a comprehensive empirical assessment of the Syrian higher education system, reform dynamics, needs and implementation realities. The findings will inform further trainings, dialogue events and cooperation formats.
Timeline
Planned implementation
Key milestones are presented in chronological order from the project launch phase through implementation, dissemination and final consolidation.
03–06/2026
Fact finding and report preparation
Empirical needs assessment, interviews, observations and preparation of the analytical report.
03/05/2026
Public Jordanian–Syrian Dialogue Forum
Formal public afternoon programme at the German Jordanian University in Madaba.
26/06/2026
Stakeholder event in Brussels
Engagement with European and international stakeholders on higher education cooperation with Syria.
07/2026
Stakeholder event in Amman
Discussion of findings, cooperation opportunities and next steps with regional and international stakeholders.
09/2026–10/2027
Workshops, trainings and dialogue events
Implementation of the core capacity-building and structured exchange activities.
11/2026
First project conference
Presentation of interim findings and discussion of recommendations for the next project phase.
01–11/2027
Coaching and mentoring
Follow-up support for participants to transfer project outcomes into institutional practice.
11/2027
Second project conference
Presentation and consolidation of evaluated project results, recommendations and follow-up perspectives.