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General information about the higher education system in the country

Despite its long-standing legacy of academic excellence, Lebanon's higher education sector faces significant challenges, particularly in the context of the country’s ongoing economic collapse, political instability, and social unrest. These multifaceted issues have placed immense strain on both public and private higher education institutions.

Structure of Higher Education in Lebanon
The Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) regulates Lebanon’s higher education sector. According to Article 5 of Higher Education Law 285/2014, HEIs are tasked with teaching, scientific research, and community service. These institutions are classified into universities, university colleges, and higher vocational institutes.

Public Higher Education: At the centre of Lebanon's public higher education system is the Lebanese University (LU). LU is the nation’s sole public institution. Established with the goal of providing affordable and accessible education, LU consists of 19 faculties and schools, many of which have multiple campuses spread across different regions.

Though it operates under the general supervision of the MEHE, LU enjoys significant autonomy in academic, administrative, and financial matters. Its governance is outlined by Law 75/1967, with faculty affairs regulated by Law 6/1970. The university's financial independence, formalised through Decree 14246, allows it to efficiently manage its resources and day-to-day operations.

Private Higher Education Lebanon's private higher education sector is characterised by its diversity and dynamism, consisting of 50 institutions, including 36 universities, 9 university colleges, 3 theological colleges, and 2 newly licensed institutions preparing to enrol their first students. These institutions operate under the framework of Law 285 /2014, which outlines their missions, governance structures, and operational guidelines. Primarily funded through tuition fees, private universities play a vital role in Lebanon's academic landscape and are closely monitored by the Directorate General of Higher Education (DGHE), a division of the MEHE.

The DGHE is essential for licensing, validating academic programmes, and recognising degrees, ensuring that these private institutions meet national educational standards. To uphold academic quality, the Equivalence Committee is tasked with recognising diplomas from private institutions in Lebanon and granting equivalence to degrees obtained abroad. Additionally, profession-based committees oversee accreditation for specific fields, depending on the degree's country of origin. In line with the 2014 law, that defines precise quality control procedures, all programmes are required to undergo periodic reviews after initial licensure, contributing to the continuous enhancement of the higher education system in Lebanon. A draft law for establishing an independent quality assurance agency has been in the parliament for more than a decade without being acted. This pushes many universities to seek accreditation from international agencies.

Vocational and Technical Education
Lebanon’s higher education framework also includes vocational and technical education, which is regulated by the Directorate General of Vocational and Technical Education (DGVTE). This sector is designed to meet national workforce demands by aligning technical education with the needs of the economy. Vocational institutes, though distinct from universities, play a critical role in ensuring a well-rounded and employment ready student body. Post-secondary vocational and technical education is not governed by the DGHE.

Degree Offerings and Admission Criteria in Lebanese Higher Education Institutions
HEIs in Lebanon provide a wide range of academic programmes, offering degrees at various levels,
including Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorates, along with special and vocational qualifications. To gain admission to these institutions, prospective students typically need to have completed the Lebanese Baccalaureate or an equivalent secondary education certificate.

The higher education system in Lebanon employs two primary credit systems: the American Credit System, which is based on contact hours, and the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), which evaluates student workload. This dual framework supports the academic flexibility and mobility of students, ensuring that their educational achievements are recognised both nationally and internationally. 

Information on recent policy updates, major reforms and related news

In light of the challenges facing Lebanon's higher education sector, the MEHE has taken steps to develop a comprehensive 5-year strategic plan aimed at reforming the system. This plan focuses on addressing the evolving needs of Lebanon's HEIs while fostering their social, economic, and cultural contributions. The strategy is built around three key pillars: governance, quality, and social responsibility and competitiveness.

Strategic Pillar 1: Governance and System Steering

The first pillar centres on improving governance at both national and institutional levels. It emphasises the need for clear legal frameworks, effective organisational structures, and accountability mechanisms to guide Lebanon’s higher education landscape. The pillar calls for establishing an intermediary body that permits to reinforce expertise in the sector governance. A key aspect of this pillar involves building the capacity of the DGHE to provide stronger leadership and more efficient administrative processes, laying the foundation for long-term sustainability.

Strategic Pillar 2: Enhancing Relevance and Quality 

Lebanon is committed to improving the relevance and quality of its higher education programmes. One of the major reforms is the establishment of the Lebanese Quality Assurance Agency (LQAA) and the creation of a Quality Assurance Framework (QAF) to ensure that educational standards are consistently maintained across institutions. This pillar also includes the introduction of the Lebanese Qualifications Framework (LQF) and mechanisms for recognising professional qualifications. Regular external reviews of HEIs, along with sector-wide reports, will help foster continuous improvement. By participating in regional quality networks and gaining international recognition, Lebanese institutions will also strengthen their global standing.

Strategic Pillar 3: Strengthening Social Responsibility and Competitiveness

Lebanon places a significant emphasis on social responsibility and global competitiveness. This includes making service-to-society and civic engagement a mandatory requirement for all HEIs. The Framework for University Engagement encourages universities to actively engage with communities and promote social responsibility. Additionally, Lebanon aspires to assume a prominent role on the global stage. This is reflected in the development of a comprehensive national strategy for internationalisation and global partnerships.  Universities are encouraged to formulate their strategies for internationalisation, fostering diversity in approaches and objectives. Acknowledging the importance of digital internationalisation, online education and global collaboration. It also ensures the well-being of international students through a robust regulatory regime. Equally critical is the commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion and that everyone has equitable access and opportunities.

In summary, Lebanon’s higher education system has a proud legacy of academic excellence and continues to evolve to meet the challenges of the modern era. The implementation of a comprehensive strategic plan focused on governance, quality, and social responsibility and global competitiveness aims to ensure that Lebanon remains a key player in the region's educational landscape.

Information about relevant projects and initiatives

Other relevant links

• National Erasmus+ Office Lebanon
• HERE international actions
• HERE local actions
• NEO Guide 2023
• List of Lebanese HEIs
• Lebanon national strategy for digital transformation
• Youth policy action plan