Reimagining Higher Education in Cambodia : Modernizing Governance for Improved Access and Relevance

The main objective of this study is to assess the performance of Cambodia's tertiary education system in terms of equitable access, labor market relevance, and research output, and to provide policy recommendations to the government and all stakeholders in the tertiary education sector. This will inform priority reforms and investments to strengthen the sector overall and, specifically, improve coverage, relevance, research, and governance. Building on the latest analytical work carried out in 2017 ahead of the preparation of an ongoing higher education operation supported by the World Bank, the study is an important step toward overcoming knowledge gaps about the main drivers of the results of the Cambodian tertiary education system and institutions. It will shed light on the factors explaining disparities in access, the mismatch between higher education programs and labor market needs, the capacity of higher education to train the specialists and technicians needed for the green economy, and shortcomings in the governance set up and processes that impede both public and private HEIs from operating in a flexible and efficient manner. The findings of the report will significantly add to the evidence base for identifying policy options to improve equity, relevance, and governance at both the national and institutional levels