The economics of higher education and its future prospects in Yemen

Abstract

During the period from 1966 to 1998, education in Yemen witnessed significant growth, as the number of students in general education increased 25 times, and the number of students in higher education rose from a few hundred to about 140 thousand students. Spending on education has also doubled over the past three decades, reaching 17.7% of the state’s general budget in 1998.

This research deals with the economics of education and its financing alternatives in Yemen, by studying the relationship between education, work and development, enrollment rates in higher education and financing, private investment, self-financing and community participation. The research concluded that education is still lagging behind quantitatively and qualitatively, and that confronting its problems requires huge funds and the development of civil and community contributions. He also stressed the need to reconsider the institutional structures of higher education and develop scientific research.