The board of directors of SomaliREN has approved the following criteria for membership on the 4^th of February 2016. Institutions applying for membership should comply with the following requirements to be eligible for membership:

1. The institution should be registered with the relevant authorities acting in their respective areas and regions of operation, and should be able to submit the articles of associations and registration documents at the time of the application
2. The institution should have adequate facilities to deliver standard, quality education including its own (leased or purchased) dedicated campus infrastructure and land, and teaching facilities such as libraries, computer labs, and other program-specific laboratories (medical and engineering labs, etc.)
3. The candidate institution should have a well-defined, up to date curriculum for each of the programs it offers clearly indicating the credit hours and relevant examination policies
4. The institution should have internal systems, policies and procedures for academic administration, financial management and human resources management.
5. The institution should have at least 200 students currently enrolled in at least three faculties at the time of applying for membership
6. The institution should have a well-structured governance system comprising of a board of trustees and an academic council
7. The institution should be able to submit audited financial statements and reports for at least one year, and have produced at least 1 four-year degree batch
8. The applicant institution should have an active website that contains the specifics of its mission, vision, objectives and programs
9. The applicant institution should be capable of and willing to pay the annual membership and other fees required by SomaliREN. The annual membership fees are to be paid at a non-pro rata rate (members pay for the whole year regardless of the joining date) calculated at $150 per month ($1800/year).