External quality assurance of tertiary education in small states: what are the options

Author(s)
Martin, Michaela
Languages
English
Series
IIEP policy brief: tertiary education in small states, 1
Year
2010
Pages
8 p.

Online version

About the publication

Within the context of rapid globalization, small states are confronted with the challenge of providing access to a high-quality and diversified local provision of tertiary education. However, they face major constraints related to the availability of skilled human resources and difficulties in realizing economies of scale. In response to this challenge, private provision – including cross-border and distance learning operators – has been actively encouraged in many small states, with the expectation that such provision will complement the national programme offer. This, however, is creating new challenges concerning their regulation and quality assurance. This policy brief discusses available policy options that can respond to the regulatory and quality assurance challenges of tertiary education in small states.