Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA)

Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA) represents the majority of Australia’s registered and accredited independent higher education providers, who educate domestic and international students in undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Our diverse membership includes large independent universities, colleges, business schools, niche providers and professional associations with for-profit and not-for-profit business models. IHEA members offer a range of accredited higher education awards from bachelor degree through to doctoral studies. The Australian independent higher education sector comprises more than 170,000 students and 120 institutions. 10% of higher education students choose an independent provider, and enrolments in the independent sector are outpacing public universities. Membership of IHEA is a badge of quality for Australian independent providers. Admission to membership is conditional on agreement with IHEA’s Code of Good Practice built on regulatory compliance, strong governance, ethical business models, quality teaching, and student engagement. All members are registered and accredited with the Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency (TEQSA) – the Australian government’s regulator of all universities and higher education providers.