A law governing distance learning has been submitted to the Higher Education Council which, according to the Undersecretary for Education Affairs at the Ministry of Higher Education, is expected to endorse it soon. Undersecretary Muhammad Al-Awhali said, meanwhile, that the ministry would continue issuing licenses for private universities and colleges, but added that applicants would have to meet set standards. “The ministry supports the moves toward private education, especially for institutions which fulfill the academic requirements and also have a comprehensive infrastructure to provide quality education.” “The ministry has already put into effect the Cabinet ruling for 50 percent of student tuition fees at the Kingdom's private colleges and universities to be paid for five years should they fail to find places at state universities.” “The increase in payment of tuition fees to 50 percent now will accelerate the march of private higher education,” he said.
