World Bulletin / News Desk

Up to 15,000 Syrian students enrolled at Turkish universities last year, the head of the Council of Higher Education of Turkey said Thursday.

“Our country welcomes Syrian students,” Yekta Sarac told a conference on Syrian participation in higher education at Mustafa Kemal University in Hatay, a southern province bordering the war-torn nation.

He added: “A solid higher education policy will help the Syrians integrate into economic, cultural and social life and qualifications and skills they receive will contribute to our country’s growth.”

Syrian students receive free education at Turkish universities.