Introduction
This guide aims to guide applicants wishing to establish new private higher education institutions on the feasibility study requirements for establishing higher education institutions and adding new programs to existing private colleges and universities or branches of foreign universities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It provides a clear overview of the requirements and evaluation criteria, ensuring that applicants are fully aware of all the requirements for developing a comprehensive feasibility study.
To establish a new private university or college, a new branch of a private university or college, a branch of a foreign university, or an additional program, applicants must go through several regulatory steps. The feasibility study is an essential part of the requirements for applying for the license necessary to commence operations and offer programs within the Kingdom.
There are four types of feasibility studies based on the applicant's desire to establish a higher education facility or offer a new program, as well as the type of application:
Application to establish a new private university or college
Application to establish a new branch of an existing private university or college
Application to establish a new branch of a foreign university
Application to add a program
Each type of application has specific requirements, and understanding these requirements is essential for developing a comprehensive feasibility study.
By understanding the requirements, applicants can improve their response and enhance the quality of their applications, thus increasing their chances of obtaining the necessary approval to issue a license.
Overview of the Licensing Process
The main steps for obtaining approval to issue a license to establish and operate a higher education institution, or to add new educational programs to an existing license, include:
Step One: Establishment Approval
An applicant wishing to establish a new private higher education institution must submit the following documents:
Legal Structure: The official structure of the educational institution applying for establishment.
Feasibility Study: A study that proves and explains the feasibility of establishing a higher education institution through a licensed consulting firm in the Kingdom.
Proof of Financial Solvency and Capabilities: Providing evidence that the applicant institution has the financial solvency and capabilities necessary to establish and operate a higher education institution.
Name and Location of the Facility
Academic Offerings: A list of faculties, academic departments, and specializations
A foreign university wishing to establish a branch must submit the following documents:
University Information: Details about the foreign university, including its official name, main campus, date of establishment, majors offered, and any existing branches.
Feasibility Study: A study proving the feasibility of establishing a foreign university branch, conducted to ensure sustainability and alignment with educational objectives.
Bylaws: A document approved by the foreign university that includes the definition of the legal entity, organizational structure, rules and procedures, and administrative, financial, and academic policies.
Academic Structure and Offerings: A comprehensive overview of the academic components of the university branch, including faculties, departments, research units, and academic specializations.
Start Date: The planned date for the commencement of academic activities at the university branch.
Step Two: Submitting a Licensing Application
After obtaining approval from the Council of Ministers to establish a private higher education institution or a branch of a foreign university, the owner of the facility must submit an application for a license. Operations cannot begin until the General Secretariat of the Council of University Affairs grants the license.
Step Three: Adding Programs to the License (as needed)
To obtain approval to add academic programs, a dedicated form must be completed and submitted along with the required documents, such as a study plan. Once the application is completed and approved, the General Secretariat will add the program to the educational institution's license.
Step Four: License Renewal (recurring)
The General Secretariat of the Council of University Affairs issues the license for a period of five years, and it may be renewed by submitting the approved form. Renewal applications must be submitted at least 90 days before the license expires. If approved, renewal begins on the day following the license expiration, regardless of the application submission date.
Applicant Classification
Applicants are classified into two categories (A) and (B) for each application type, based on the applicant's level of reputation, compliance record, and other requirements.
Applicants in Category A meet certain conditions and criteria or belong to a specific category of institutions. They are eligible for exemptions granted as incentives based on the type of application, as follows:
Application to Establish a New Private University or College
Condition: The institution the applicant seeks to establish must be a non-profit educational institution.
Exemption: The applicant is exempt from some feasibility study requirements, such as documenting simplified financial statements.
Application to Establish a New Branch of an Existing Private University or College
Condition: The institution must have full institutional accreditation from the Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC) and have a record of compliance with the standards and regulations of the Council of University Affairs, or/and the private university or college must be a non-profit higher education institution.
Exemption: The applicant is exempt from labor market requirements in the feasibility study, with simplified financial analysis requirements.
Application to Establish a New Branch of an Existing Private University or College
Condition: The foreign university must be among the top 200 universities globally according to approved rankings.
Exemption: The applicant is exempt. Some feasibility study requirements, such as labor market requirements, are met, along with simplified financial documentation.
Request to Add a Program
There are no exemptions for applicants seeking to add a new program to their license.
Category B applicants include any other applicants who do not meet the requirements of Category A and do not receive any exemptions. All requirements apply to them.
Feasibility Study Framework and Evaluation Methodology
Feasibility Study Overview
The establishment approval phase represents the first step toward establishing a new private higher education institution or branch of a foreign university in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This phase aims to assess whether the proposed institution is viable.