The Higher Education Act, 2003 (Act No. 26 of 2003) and the Regulations for the Registration of Private Higher Education Institutions, make it compulsory for private institutions offering higher education programmes to register with the Ministry of Education, a task the Permanent Secretary delegated to the Executive Director of the National Council for Higher Education.
Registration means the granting of legal authority to offer higher education programmes. Thus, it enables a private higher education institution to operate within the law. A registered institution must maintain its registration by continuing to comply with the requirements of the Act and the Regulations. Private Higher Education Institutions are expected to put in place and apply their own policies and procedures for the assurance of the quality and standards of their programmes and qualifications.
Institutions intending to offer higher education should complete an application form for registration as a private higher education institution.The application form should be completed in conjunction with the guide for completing the application and the screening checklist for the application for registration as a private higher education institution.