The degree of appropriateness of the criteria underlying admission policies in Palestinian higher education institutions in relation to society’s human resource needs

Abstract

The study examined the degree of appropriateness of criteria underlying admission policies in Palestinian higher education institutions in relation to society’s human resource needs, using a descriptive-analytical approach. The population comprised full-time academics (lecturer and above) in Gaza Strip higher education institutions in 2022–2023 (N = 1,527). A stratified random sample of 320 was surveyed using a 26-item questionnaire covering three dimensions related to admission policies and their relationship with environmental analysis. The response rate of valid questionnaires was 95.62%. Results indicated a moderate level of appropriateness (57.42%). Significant differences were found according to academic rank in favor of professors and associate professors, while no differences were found for job title, specialization, or years of experience. The study recommended amending the higher education law to introduce technical degrees independent of current academic ones. It also suggested raising minimum admission requirements for majors with high demand inconsistent with labor market needs, and moving beyond relying solely on secondary school (Tawjihi) results, by incorporating new criteria such as workforce needs, demographic distribution, and political stability.