University of Notre Dame and Women's Online University Sign Memorandum of Cooperation

The University of Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs and Afghanistan’s Women’s Online University signed a memorandum of cooperation on Thursday to expand higher education opportunities for Afghan women.

The agreement will involve joint classes, research projects, academic events, resource sharing and new programs. Sessions on higher education challenges in Afghanistan are also planned as part of the mutual learning exchanges. Implementation is set to begin in fall 2026.

Women's Online University was founded in 2022. It serves over 20,000 students across 16 fields with nearly 800 weekly classes. The university also provides mental health services.

Mary Gallagher, dean of the Keough School, said the partnership preserves educational opportunities amid restrictions. Aref Doostyar described the deal as international academic support for Afghan women.

Students Samina, who studies medicine, and Reyhan, who studies law, said the institution allowed them to continue their studies after Taliban bans. They noted they have applied their knowledge, including by helping victims of the Kunar earthquake.