Private tertiary education growing globally

Private tertiary education is increasing around the world - and for a range of reasons, a symposium in Sri Lanka heard recently.

Education Forum policy advisor Norman LaRocque was a speaker at the University Grants Commission/National Education Commission symposium on higher education strategy and policy this month.

Mr LaRocque told the symposium that the main reasons for the growth of private tertiary education in general were:

• excess demand for higher education - governments can't do it alone
• recognition of the value of education
• demand for job-oriented/relevant skills
• concerns about quality of public tertiary education
• regulatory and funding policy changes
• growth of middle class
• technological advancement.

Mr LaRocque said a common criticism of allowing the non-state sector in education to expand was that the government was 'absolving' itself of its commitment to tertiary education.

"The government is simply meeting its commitment in a different way, using different policy instruments – funding and regulating of education instead of government delivery of education.”

The two-day event saw international and local speakers gathered to discuss higher education.

Private sector share of tertiary education enrolments in various countries

These figures are estimates only. Years and definition of private education vary.

Sources: including Program for Research On Private Higher Education and the Education Forum.

Norman LaRocque's presentation to the symposium was on the role of the non-state sector in Sri Lanka. The presentation is online as a Powerpoint document.