27/09/2026
ASA Statement on Recent Reports Regarding Afghan Students at AUW
In recent days, reports circulated claiming that Asian University for Women (AUW) had cancelled the scholarships of 160 Afghan students and planned to send them back to Afghanistan.
This caused significant concern among Afghan students, their families, graduates, and the wider Afghan community.
In response, AUW organized a Town Hall Meeting with Afghan students to clarify the situation and address their concerns. During the meeting, AUW rejected the claim involving 160 students.
According to AUW’s official clarification, the recent academic withdrawal decisions were not limited to the Afghan student community. Students of several nationalities were affected, including 13 Afghan students. Of these 13 Afghan students, 8 have returned to Afghanistan, while 5 currently remain at AUW while considering their next steps.
The university explained that these decisions followed extended academic difficulties and failure to meet the University’s expected academic requirements despite opportunities and academic support. AUW stated that its academic policies apply to all students regardless of nationality and that students facing sustained academic difficulties receive warnings, advising, probation, improvement plans, and other forms of support before withdrawal is considered.
AUW also emphasized that these 13 cases do not represent the Afghan student community as a whole. Afghan students continue to contribute to AUW through academic achievement, leadership, student organizations, entrepreneurship, and community initiatives. During the Town Hall, Prof. MAK shared the story of an Afghan graduate who is preparing to begin her PhD in Europe, highlighting the achievements and potential of Afghan students.
ASA understands the distress caused by the recent reports. We encourage our community to verify information before sharing or republishing claims, particularly when they concern students’ education, future, and well-being. We also encourage Afghan students to remain focused on their studies and career development.
ASA remains committed to represent the Afghan Students and share verified information.
