Challenges and Solutions in financing Higher Education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

 The study aimed to identify the challenges facing higher education financing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the proposed solutions for financing. The survey descriptive approach was used. The study tool consisted of a questionnaire distributed to the deans and vice deans of all colleges at Shaqra University and included two axes: the challenges facing higher education financing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the proposed solutions for financing. The results of the study showed that the most important challenges facing financing for higher education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are: universities ’reliance on government support only, the weak linkage of research programs to productive institutions with society, and the weak credits of investment expenditures compared to the approval of current expenditures. The most important solutions for financing were: developing the financial and administrative system in higher education institutions, investing financial funds in universities, promoting and marketing scientific research, innovations, activities, and university services, stimulating interest in university endowments, and establishing cooperative relationships between universities and productive community institutions. This study recommended that universities grant administrative independence, adopt the productive university formula, and reconsider the government funding policy for universities.