Introductory profile

Legislative Decree No. 36, issued on August 16, 2001, concerning the regulation of private post-secondary educational institutions, marked a significant milestone in the development of higher education in Syria.

In response to the growing number of students seeking high-quality education from international universities that adopt the latest curricula and teaching methodologies, and with the aim of reducing the burdens of studying abroad and the high costs associated with it, the people of Wadi Al-Nadara came together following the issuance of the decree. From this meeting emerged the idea of establishing a private university in the region of Wadi Al-Nadara, Homs Governorate.

To bring this vision to life, the Wadi Company for Educational and Pedagogical Institutions, a private joint-stock company, was established. Initial funding for the project was secured through contributions from both residents and expatriates of the region, and the company includes more than 140 shareholders representing families from the valley.

The Wadi Company obtained a license to establish the first private university in Syria’s central region under the name Syrian-German Private University of Wadi Al-Nadara, which was later renamed Wadi International Private University (WIU).

The university was founded with the objective of creating an innovative academic model encompassing diverse fields of knowledge while serving both the nation and its citizens. Extensive studies were conducted on higher education programs offered by leading universities and institutes in France, the United States, and Germany. After careful evaluation, the German academic model was selected for its ability to fulfill the university’s educational goals and aspirations.

To strengthen its academic foundation and international partnerships, several cooperation agreements were signed with German universities. The first agreement was concluded on April 24, 2005, at the Ministry of Higher Education under the patronage of Professor Dr. Hani Mortada, Minister of Higher Education at the time. The agreement was signed by Dr. Klaus-Erich Pollmann, President of the German university partner, and Architect Yusef Abd Laki, Executive Director of the university project. The signing ceremony was attended by Professor Dr. Ibrahim Haddad, Minister of Oil and Mineral Resources, the German Ambassador, the Canadian Ambassador to Damascus, Dr. Naguib Abdel Wahid, Assistant Minister for Scientific Research, along with representatives of the Ministry of Higher Education, the German delegation, expatriate organizations, and the Wadi Company.

This agreement was followed by a series of academic cooperation agreements between Wadi International Private University and several German institutions, including Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus, as well as scientific organizations such as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the German-Syrian Association for Science and Technology.

The university also signed an agreement with English Canada to provide English-language instruction and support for students after English was adopted as the language of instruction for academic programs.

Since its establishment, the Wadi Company for Educational and Pedagogical Institutions has continued to provide the university with the resources and support necessary for its development, while ensuring that all governing bodies and councils operate in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.