Macro Requirements of Privatization Qualitative Development of Higher Education in Iran

Acknowledging the rapid privatization quantitative expansion of higher education in Iran, the expected goals and outcomes this structural shifting will not be achieved unless the qualitative dimension of higher education development is fully understood and emphasized by policy makers and planners. This study therefore, aims to identify the macro requirements of privatization qualitative development of higher education in the country. Using an exploratory mixed method, participants included 103 higher education scholars, experts and the practitioners of private universities. The findings revealed that 48 macro requirements in seven main dimensions have been considered as the main requirements for this structural development by the participants. The findings also showed that although all highlighted requirements of privatization qualitative development of higher education were considered average and higher in their importance, but in practice these important requirements have not been emphasized purposefully and sufficiently by the field’ policy makers and practitioners.