The role of international organisations in the financing of higher education in Cambodia

Abstract

During the 1960s, when Cambodia dedicated 20% of its annualbudget to education, a higher education system was put in place for thefirst time in Cambodia's 2000 year history. High quality universities werebuilt in Phnom Penh and in a number of Cambodia's wealthier provinces. Inthe early 1970s, Cambodia entered a long period of civil war. Alluniversities except the University of Phnom Penh were levelled during thesewars and as a result of the Khmer Rouge Regime, the entire education systemwas dismantled. The Vietnamese occupation of Cambodia in 1979 saw animmediate restoration of the education system except higher education. Ithas only been over the last few years that the higher education system hasreceived meaningful support. Although the higher education system requiressignificant local and international financial assistance, the system remainsheavily under funded and unresponsive to alterations in the labour market.This article examines provisions for higher education and discusses theissues, gaps and constraints facing the system in the lead up to the year2000. It notes that despite heavy student and social demand for highereducation, international financiers have not been enthusiastic aboutrestoring the system. This omission is not consistent with developments inhigher education throughout the region.