Interviews with 33 youth who began higher education four to 14 years later than the usual age show that they resumed their studies when circumstances allowed. According to those interviewed, economic problems were the main reason they could not enter university on time.
The youth interviewed include 24 boys and nine girls from 14 provinces across Afghanistan. Of them, 12 boys are pursuing bachelor’s degrees at public universities, while 10 boys are studying for bachelor’s degrees at private universities. The nine girls are pursuing bachelor’s degrees through online programs, while two boys are studying at institutes and educational centers.
Personal interest in continuing their education and family support were among the main factors that encouraged them to return to education and obtain university degrees.
Among the 33 youth, 18, including 13 boys and five girls, began higher education after a gap of four to six years. Another 11 youth, including eight boys and three girls, began their higher education after a gap of six to eight years, while the remaining four, including three boys and one girl, began higher education nine to 14 years later than the usual age.
Returning to university; a second chance to build a better future
Asadullah Rezaei, a 27-year-old from Kapisa, is a third-year English language and literature student at Bamyan University. He says that despite being out of education for six years due to unemployment and financial difficulties, his interest in studying motivated him to continue his university education.
“One major advantage of studying at an older age is that I have gained a better understanding and maturity regarding the importance of education. Now I study with greater awareness and motivation because I have realized the importance of education in my life. Studying is not an obligation for me at all; rather, it is a conscious choice to build a better future,” he says.
Fatima, a 28-year-old from Badakhshan, is a second-year journalism student at an online university and had a gap of about nine years in her university education.
“I always wanted to study and prove that it is never too late to achieve a goal. Things are very different now. At this age, my goals are clearer, I understand the value of education better, and I study with greater interest and motivation. Several times, I wanted to leave university because of financial difficulties and exhaustion, but whenever I thought about my goal, I regained my motivation,” she adds.
Family support; a factor that brought youth back to education
Thirty of the youth interviewed—22 boys and eight girls—say family support was one of the most important factors in their decision to enter university.
Farzana, a 26-year-old from Nangarhar, is a second-year English language and literature student at an online university. She began her bachelor’s degree after a six-year gap in her education.
“My family’s support caused me to begin my studies. My parents, especially, support me a lot, and my husband provides me with the most support. My family always gives me good advice. I have never thought about leaving university because of difficulties,” she says.
Tofaan Mehryar, a 27-year-old from Balkh, is a first-year law and political science student who had a five-year gap in his education. He says,
“My mother encouraged me to continue my education because she believes that studying is the only solution to our family’s problems and financial difficulties. Even though we were in a difficult situation, she always encouraged me.”
Poverty; the main barrier to entering university on time
Twenty-five respondents—20 boys and five girls—identified economic problems as the main reason they could not continue their education on time. Four girls cited educational challenges, while another four cited migration.
Mohammad, a 29-year-old from Kabul, is a business administration and management student who had a five-year gap between finishing school and entering university.
“There was a gap of about five years between finishing school and entering university. During this period, I was mostly working to cover my own and my family’s living expenses. For some time, I also did different daily-wage jobs. The main reason was that my family’s economic situation was not good, and I could not study while also covering our living expenses,” he says.
Hana, a 26-year-old from Nangarhar, is a computer science student at an online university. She had a four-year gap in her education and says: “Economic problems and family responsibilities were among the main factors that prevented me from entering university at the usual age.”
For many, university is a destination they reach later
Meanwhile, officials from several private universities say a significant number of their students begin higher education after the age of 20. They say economic problems and the inability to pay tuition fees are among the main reasons for delays in entering university.
Aadel Shah Aminyar, deputy of student affairs at Rana University, says: “There is no age limit at private universities, and 60 percent of students in the first semesters are over 20 years old.”
Matiullah Aryanpor, head of the Department of International Relations at Kardan University, says they have also seen students who entered university after the age of 20.
“There were people who were over 20, even 30 years old. When we spoke to them, they said they had either been working or could not afford the tuition fees. Now that they have jobs, they study at night,” he adds.
Habib Aqeli, head of research at Hewad University, also says: “Based on my experience, more than 50 percent of students admitted to private universities are over 20. They are 21 or 23 years old. It is rare for me to see a student who is younger than 20.”
Nevertheless, education experts say learning is not limited to a specific age and that everyone can continue learning at any stage of life. However, they emphasize that starting education at a younger age helps ensure greater continuity.
Jamaluddin Sulaimani, an education expert, says: “There is no specific age for education. However, at an older age, a person’s mind becomes occupied with other matters. Daily and social responsibilities can take the place of education. But it depends on the learner. If a person makes the decision, is properly prepared, and is mentally and psychologically prepared, there is no problem. It is good for education to begin in childhood and continue consistently.”
According to education experts, gaps in education may reduce motivation and cause people to forget what they have learned, but these gaps can be addressed through planning and hard work. Mahbubullah Moahed, another education expert, says,
“Education is important at every stage of life, but it is particularly important during childhood and adolescence because personality, habits, and ways of thinking are formed during these periods. However, it is never too late to learn. Starting late is better than never starting. Continuous education usually makes learning more organized, faster, and higher in quality. However, gaps in education can create some shortcomings and deficiencies, but that does not mean failure.”
At the same time, sociologists say family support and creating educational and employment opportunities for youth are important ways to reduce delays in entering higher education. Hakim Joya, a sociologist, says,
“Encouragement from family and friends is one of the most important requirements for reducing this issue. Institutions such as the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Higher Education, the Ministry of Information and Culture, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, and the Afghanistan Science Academy can take practical to reduce this issue among youth by launching employment and internship programs alongside education, raising awareness, supporting youth, and organizing seminars and academic conferences.”
On the other hand, psychologists believe that continuing education at an older age is not only an opportunity to learn, but can also help keep the mind active, reduce forgetfulness, and increase hope and self-confidence. Zuhal Amirzada, a psychologist, says,
“From a psychological perspective, starting education and setting goals at an older age is very valuable, hopeful, and even transformative. It can be a powerful tool for improving mental and brain health. Studying at an older age acts as a form of mental exercise and can help keep the brain active, prevent brain aging, reduce forgetfulness, and increase self-confidence.”
It is worth mentioning that Salam Watandar conducted a survey in 1403 (2024) on “Youth who dropped out of education due to poverty.” The survey involved 320 participants and found that 51.1 percent cited economic problems, 27.1 percent cited a lack of interest or hopelessness, and 10.1 percent cited a lack of educational opportunities as reasons for dropping out. These findings show that economic problems not only stop youth from continuing their education but can also delay their entry into university.
