KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Over 80 Afghan women who fled Taliban rule to pursue higher education in Oman now face deportation back to Afghanistan following the abrupt termination of their U.S.-funded scholarships.
The scholarships, provided under the Women’s Scholarship Endowment (WSE) program by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), were discontinued after a funding freeze ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump upon his return to office in January.
The affected students, who had been studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects—fields now banned for women under Taliban rule—were informed of the termination last week.
Emails sent to the students confirmed the cessation of their scholarships and mentioned arrangements for their return to Afghanistan, causing widespread distress.
One student, speaking anonymously due to safety concerns, described the situation to BBC as “heartbreaking,” stating that everyone was “shocked and crying” upon receiving the news.
The students have appealed to the international community for urgent intervention, seeking protection, financial assistance, and opportunities to continue their education in a safe environment.
These women had secured their scholarships before the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan nearly four years ago. After the Taliban banned higher education for women in December 2022, many of these students fled to Pakistan and subsequently to Oman between October and November 2024, facilitated by USAID.
The recent funding cuts are part of broader reductions in foreign aid programs under the current U.S. administration. The freeze has led to the termination of numerous humanitarian initiatives worldwide, despite facing legal challenges.
