From Bamyan to the World: Afghan Girl Secures 4 University Admissions

DID Press: 19-year-old Fatima Sakhi Zada from Bamyan has received admissions from four universities in the United States, Canada, Kazakhstan, and Malaysia, despite ongoing restrictions on girls’ education in Afghanistan.

Sakhi Zada, a school student from Bamyan, was forced to relocate to Quetta, Pakistan, after Afghan girls were barred from secondary education following the 2021 political changes. She completed her secondary studies at a school for Afghan refugees while intensively learning English and preparing for international scholarships.

Through sustained effort, she secured admissions from the University of New Haven (United States), the University of Calgary (Canada), Al-Farabi University (Kazakhstan), and Al-Bukhari University (Malaysia). However, despite acceptance from the U.S. institution, travel restrictions on Afghan nationals prevented her from beginning studies in the United States.

She ultimately chose to enroll at Al-Bukhari University in Malaysia, where she is currently studying Computer Science and Business Administration.

Sakhi Zada says her goal is to continue her academic path and inspire other Afghan girls who have been deprived of education, and her story has become a symbol of resilience and educational aspiration.