Established in 2008, Aria University is a for-profit private higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Mazar-i-Sharif (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Balkh. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education of Afghanistan, Aria University is a very small coeducational Afghan higher education institution. Aria University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study. This 14 years old Afghan higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. The admission rate range is 80-90% making this Afghan higher education organization a least selective institution. Aria University also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.