Chapter oneContext of the study1. Introduction to the subjectHigher education in Cambodia was first established in 1948 as the National Institute of Law, Politics and Economics (Dyna, 2009). Many other higher education institutions were later established and operated after independence in 1953. From 1953 to 1970, there were nine universities in Phnom Penh as well as the provinces (Ratana, 2013). In 1970, a coup took place and the previous regime, namely the Kingdom of Cambodia led by Prince Norodom Sihaknouk, was overthrown and replaced by an American pro-regime called the Khmer Republic. Under this regime, Cambodia faced both social and political problems. The Republican government had to fight against the Khmer Rouge and the Viet Cong. As a result, many universities were destroyed and forced to close; however, some universities were still in operation and few other universities were established (Rany, 2012). In 1975, the Khmer Rouge took control of Cambodia, effectively ending the former Khmer Republic. A new era of the so-called Year of Destruction has begun. Previous schools, from kindergartens to universities, have all been closed. Professionals from all groups, including teachers, have been targets of suspicion and execution. The old education system was formally destroyed by the Khmer Rouge (IIEP, 2011). After the collapse of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979, everything started again from almost nothing. Schools have been rebuilt and reopened. During three decades of redevelopment, existing universities have endured and many more universities have been created. According to a summary report from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, in 2014, there were 105 higher education institutions in Cambodia, comprising...... middle of paper...... erceptions towards private sector higher education in Cambodia. Master's thesis. Ohio University. US Rany, S. (2012). The development of higher education in Cambodia in historical perspectives (1863-2012). International Journal of Learning and DevelopmentRatana, L. (2013). Brief: Education System in Cambodia, retrieved March 28, 2014 from http://lyrathana.wordpress.com/2013/06/02/brief-education-system-in-cambodia/Ron, P. (2012). Dual Enrollment Handbook: A reference manual for dual enrollment students and parents. Virginia Highlands Community College. US Ryan, M. (2009). Disadvantages of Dual Enrollment, retrieved March 28, 2014 from http://admitoneblog.org/2009/09/disadvantages-of-dual-enrollment-2/Sithav, A. (2009). Much to learn: Quality of education may not match quantity, retrieved March 28, 2014 from http://ki-media.blogspot.com/2009/06/lot-to-learn.html