University Pathways

AFSO prepares Afghan women for international higher education through a step-by-step academic pathway — from foundational certificates to accredited degree programs and global career opportunities.

Our Academic Pathway

College Preparation Certificate (CPC)

The College Preparation Certificate is AFSO’s foundational academic program. It prepares students with the skills required to succeed in international higher education programs.

Students develop strengths in:
• Critical thinking
• Research methodology
• Academic writing
• Quantitative literacy
• College admissions preparation

Successful completion qualifies students to apply for partner degree programs.

Bard Global Associate Degree (AA)

AFSO partners with Bard College’s Global Education Network to provide qualified students access to an accredited American Associate Degree.

The Bard Global AA program is delivered fully online and includes:

• Two-year associate degree curriculum
• Liberal arts academic training
• Tuition-free instruction for accepted students
• Mentorship and academic advising through AFSO

Graduates earn an American-accredited associate degree while studying remotely.

Bachelor Degrees & Global Transfers

Graduates of AFSO’s partner degree programs may continue their academic journey through:

• Transfer into bachelor’s degree programs
• Admission into Bard Global BA
• Applications to universities outside Afghanistan
• Professional and career development opportunities

These pathways allow students to convert their academic achievements into long-term educational and professional success.

Additional Academic Tracks

The Colloquium

Students whose superlative performance earns a recommendation from their professor may participate in the Colloquium, an honors seminar in which students meet representatives of universities, scholarship agencies, and testing programs to better understand how to meet the challenge of submitting applications.

English Language Test Preparation

Students whose English skills have reached the C1 level may take AFSO's English Language Test Preparation course, where they prepare for the TOEFL and Duolingo exams, with vouchers for those who prove themselves ready.

Academic Advising

All students at AFSO have an academic advisor who helps them create a map for themselves within AFSO and beyond.

GHEA21 Partnership

Students whose English skills and professor recommendations qualify them for our partnership with GHEA21 may take up to two credit-bearing courses each term.

Specialized Certificates

Health Professions Certificate (HPC)

Developed as preparation for fully funded Ausbildung programs in Germany. These oppportunities also require minimal proficiency in German language, which AFSO is now teaching. Admission to the HPC is by separate application for matriculated AFSO students.

Required Courses (High Pass):

Introduction to Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Biomolecules
Biology
College Math (proficiency test or Mathematics for Natural Sciences)
2 additional courses (Metabolism, Anatomy & Physiology, or similar)

Upon Completion

Students may work with their advisors and professors on AFSO's Medical Professions team to apply for Ausbildung or similar programs in other countries.

More Certificates in Development

AFSO is preparing certificate programs in the natural sciences and social sciences. Please watch this page for updates.