This paper draws on a qualitative study, using
both primary and secondary data generated
from document analysis, interviews and
focus group discussions with 24 academics
and 14 students in three universities in
Northern Syria to report on the situation of
higher education sector in areas beyond
the control of the Assad regime. The study
reveals that these new universities have
urgent needs such as reconstruction work on
buildings and support for their academic and
administrative staff and students to be able
to operate meaningfully under the conditions
of ongoing civil war
