The Ministry of Higher Education is considering establishing universities of technology that will grant bachelor's degrees. The move comes as there is a dire need in the job market for technology graduates with bachelor's degrees as opposed to diplomas. The Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Ahmad Al-Saif, said: “The ministry is studying the establishment of universities of technology that will grant bachelor's degrees rather than colleges of technology which issue diplomas.” Al-Saif said it was premature to talk about whether the Ministry of Higher Education will close colleges and institutes of technology. He said the future of the colleges, institutes and graduates is under the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC). However, he said that “a lot of attention will be given to nascent universities and strengthening their foundations. This is an urgent matter.” __
