Afghanistan has reached a significant milestone in the development of its higher education system, with five public universities now offering doctoral (PhD) programs across 31 academic disciplines, the Ministry of Higher Education announced.

According to the ministry, the expansion of doctoral education reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen the country's academic capacity, promote advanced research and develop a highly qualified workforce capable of contributing to Afghanistan's long-term development.

The newly expanded PhD programs cover a broad range of fields, including Islamic sciences, engineering, computer science, agriculture, health sciences, law, language and literature, and mathematics, providing students with greater opportunities to pursue advanced studies within the country.

Officials said enrollment in doctoral programs has reached an unprecedented level, marking the highest number of PhD candidates in Afghanistan's history and representing a major step forward for the nation's higher education sector.

The Ministry of Higher Education noted that expanding postgraduate education remains one of its strategic priorities, with efforts focused on improving academic standards, strengthening research institutions and increasing the number of highly qualified university lecturers and specialists.

Education officials said the growth of doctoral programs is expected to enhance scientific research, encourage innovation and reduce the need for Afghan students to pursue advanced academic qualifications abroad.

The ministry also emphasized that investments in higher education are essential to supporting national development by producing skilled professionals capable of serving key sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, engineering and public administration.

The latest expansion underscores Afghanistan's continuing efforts to strengthen its university system and build domestic academic and research capacity through advanced graduate education. (ILKHA)