Lebanon’s higher education sector remains resilient amid deep economic, political, and social crises. Institutions are increasingly adopting online and hybrid learning models, driven by student demand for flexibility. At Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, 55% of students preferred such modalities, prompting calls for enhanced digital course design, interactivity, and stronger tech support. Schools are also investing in ICT infrastructure and generative AI tools to support personalized and sustainable learning.
National Qualifications Framework and Quality Assurance Agency
Concurrently, the country is working to establish a national qualifications framework and quality assurance agency, aiming to align programs with labour-market needs while strengthening governance and institutional oversight. Despite these initiatives, challenges persist: currency devaluation has slashed faculty salaries, raised tuition costs, and driven staff attrition—undermining educational quality and access. Expert shortages have also delayed program licensing processes.
Inclusive Education
Another critical trend is inclusive education, highlighted by approaches to support Syrian refugee youth, who face significant barriers to university enrolment. Meanwhile, lifelong learning initiatives and entrepreneurship programs are emerging to help address youth unemployment and brain drain.
In summary, Lebanon’s higher education landscape is evolving toward digital innovation, quality reform, and inclusion strategies—yet must overcome severe financial constraints and governance challenges to secure a sustainable future.
Sources
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Mallah Boustani, & Sayegh. (2024). The impact of COVID‑19 on curriculum and employability in Lebanon. Behavioral Sciences, 13(5), Article 128. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13050128
Najjar, N., Rouphael, M., Bitar, T., & Hleihel, W. (2025). The rise and drop of online learning: Adaptability and future prospects. Frontiers in Education, 10, Article 1522905. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1522905
Lebanese Centre for Studies. (2025, February 14). Higher education in Lebanon: A surplus of universities producing unemployed graduates. Al Safa News.
Erasmus+ & UNESCO. (2025). Country strategic framework: Lebanon. Erasmus Networks Platform.
Al‑Fanar Media. (2025, June). Lebanon’s higher education crisis: Expert shortage threatens quality assurance. Al‑Fanar Media.
Rouba, T. (2025). Rethinking higher education in protracted crises: Policy responses and lived experiences of Syrian refugees in Lebanon. International Review of Education, 71(3), 339–359. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11159‑025‑10153‑6
Continent States University. (2025). Lebanese academic frontier: A roadmap to success in higher education.
Reddit user. (2025, January 11). Entrepreneurship event dreams. Reddit.