ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the changes that have taken place since 1981 in Chilean higher education. In particular, it analyses the implications of the law that created regional universities and allowed new, private, educational institutions to develop. The chapter considers the impact of new regulatory procedures, and the expected outcomes of a proposed new law which will introduce accreditation concepts and processes for all higher education institutions. As in many other countries, the concern for quality control in Chilean higher education has come from government. Post-secondary education was divided into technical education centres, professional institutes, and universities, with only the latter able to grant academic degrees and offer any of twelve named professional programs. All new institutions of higher education have to submit an institutional proposal stating their mission, goals and the means available to reach those goals, including facilities, human resources and target student population. The main characteristic of Chilean higher education is its diversity.
