New regulations governing higher education violations and penalties effective September 2026

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has approved regulations governing violations, penalties and administrative measures related to its mandates and services. The resolution enters into force on 12 September 2026 and establishes a unified regulatory framework applicable to higher education institutions, Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions, and training centres and institutes.

The regulations adopt a graduated approach to violations, taking into account their nature and severity and whether they have been repeated. Coverage includes violations related to licensing and accreditation, data accuracy, monitoring and evaluation requirements, academic integrity, examination security, practical training, academic advertising, and environmental, health and safety requirements.

The framework aims to promote proactive compliance by clarifying regulatory requirements and obligations for educational institutions. It provides an institutional mechanism for challenging decisions through a specialised committee established by the Ministry that will consider grievances under defined regulatory procedures.

The resolution places particular emphasis on protecting students and trainees, requiring institutions to ensure continuity of academic provision, preserve academic records, safeguard financial rights, refund fees collected without entitlement, and regularise the status of affected students where regulatory action is taken against non-compliant institutions.