Abstract:
Higher education regulations have turned out to be multifaceted and strict in recent years,
compelling Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) to allocate substantial resources to
ensure compliance with the regulations. Compliance with the regulations is a mandatory
requirement for all higher education institutions in Eswatini whether private or public. Using the
Octet Quality Theory, and the mixed research approach method, this study sought to establish the
effects of higher education regulations on PHEIs compliance with the requirements in Eswatini.
Data was collected through the questionnaire and face-to-face interviews. Interpretative analysis
was used to process qualitative data while the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)
version 20 was used to analyse quantitative data. The findings of the study revealed that the PHEIs
heeded to the call for registration even though they were confronted by several challenges in
fulfilling the minimum requirements in respect of accreditation with the Eswatini Higher
Education Council (ESHEC). The registration process was found to be cumbersome, which added
to the staff workload and imposed a cost burden on the institutions. The study recommends a
development of a higher education policy, review of fees and regulations. The study recommends
the development of a higher edcuation policy as this document will guide ESEC on the
implememntations of regulatory frame work in a manner that promotes compliance to the
regulations by PHEIs. The study recommends relaxation (without compromising quality) of the
regulations on infrastructure as this will help PHEIs channel more funds on teaching and learning
thus increasing complaince to the regulations. Finally the study recommends that fees are reviewed
as this will encourage complaince to the regulations by PHEIs.
