(1) Integration of Higher Education at the University Level
In the past polytechnics and colleges of higher education were distinguished from universities and did not have the authority to confer degrees. In 1992, however, the government decided to upgrade these institutions, which had made significant qualitative and quantitative progress, to university status and allow them to compete with universities on an equal footing. As a result of this policy, which aims to ensure the efficient development of higher education as a whole, all polytechnics and some colleges of higher education have become universities. As a result the number of universities has doubled, to about 100.
