Official government website of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 
The Higher Education and Universities Council system is the regulatory framework for the university education sector, defining the general policies and organizational principles upon which universities are based, and ensuring their operations are consistent with national objectives and academic quality requirements. The system outlines the competencies of the Higher Education Council, most notably setting general policies for university education, approving relevant bylaws and regulations, and overseeing their implementation to achieve institutional performance efficiency.
The system also organizes university structures and clarifies the powers of its various councils, such as the University Council and the Scientific Council, in managing academic, research, and administrative affairs, and in making decisions related to educational programs, postgraduate studies, scientific research, and faculty affairs.
The executive regulations provide details on the provisions and procedures related to the implementation of the system. They include the organization of faculty affairs in terms of appointment, promotion, secondment, and sabbatical leave, in addition to financial and administrative regulations that govern resources and compensation, and postgraduate and scientific research regulations that organize supervision, publication, and research support.
This system aims to enhance good governance, improve the quality of higher education outcomes, and standardize procedures among universities, thereby contributing to efficiency and transparency, and supporting the development of the university education system according to best practices.