IHEA is the peak body representing Independent Higher Education Providers in Australia

Read CEO's Message
IHEA Policy Platform
A guide for stakeholders
IHEA Guidebook

Celebrating 25 years of independent higher education australia

IHEA is the peak body representing independent higher education providers in Australia.

Read CEO's Message
IHEA Policy Platform
Guide for stakeholders
IHEA Guidebook

Featured News

Media Release

IHEA Very Disappointed in Yet Another Student Visa Fee Hike

July 2, 2026
Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA) is very disappointed in the Government’s latestmove to increase the non-refundable student visa fee from $2,000 to $2,500. IHEA Chief ...
Read More
Student with backpack and books at Independent Higher Education Aus.
Submission

IHEA Submission | Australian Tertiary Education Commission’s A More Joined−Up tertiary System: Discussion Paper

June 29, 2026
Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA) welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the AustralianTertiary Education Commission’s (ATEC) A More Joined−Up Tertiary System: Discussion Paper, for ...
Read More
Media Release

IHEA Congratulates New ATEC Commissioners

May 28, 2026
Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA) congratulates Professor Barney Glover AO on his appointment as the first permanent Chief Commissioner of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission, ...
Read More
View More News

OUR
MEMBERS​

IHEA members are high-quality independent providers who are committed to the best educational opportunities for students.

TEQSA accredited

All IHEA members are registered and accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency (TEQSA) – the national regulator of all Australian higher education providers including public universities.

Australian Quality Standards Framework

The Higher Education Standards Framework (HESF) and Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) apply to all higher education courses provided by IHEA members.

Equity, Diversity, Choice

IHEA members are committed to the best educational opportunities for students and best practice in Australian Higher Education.

Best practice education

IHEA members are some of the oldest, and the newest, higher education providers in Australia, offering programs from undergraduate to masters and doctoral studies.

Why Join?

INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS

Independent providers score the highest quality rankings in government student consumer surveys. Independent providers dominate the top 25 rankings and are consistently rated higher than public universities for teaching quality and engagement, skills development, student support and service, and peer engagement.

View the information below and see why an independent provider can help you succeed.

ADVANTAGES OF INDEPENDENT
Student Stories

IHEA on X

Follow IHEA on X

IHEA - Independent Higher Education Australia Follow

IHEA is the peak body representing independent #highereducation providers in Australia. RT ≠ endorsement

IndependentHEA
independenthea IHEA - Independent Higher Education Australia @independenthea ·
6 Jul

When a student walks into a classroom, the impact does not stop at the campus door.

Independent higher education supports 18,906 full time equivalent jobs across the economy.

That means real employment, real livelihoods and real contribution across Australia.

The sector also

Reply on Twitter 2073952617873756478 Retweet on Twitter 2073952617873756478 Like on Twitter 2073952617873756478 Twitter 2073952617873756478
independenthea IHEA - Independent Higher Education Australia @independenthea ·
2 Jul

Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA) is very disappointed in the Government’s latest move to increase the non-refundable student visa fee from $2,000 to $2,500.

IHEA Chief Executive Officer, the Hon Dr Peter Hendy, noted that the non-refundable Student Visa (Subclass

Reply on Twitter 2072522880278319487 Retweet on Twitter 2072522880278319487 Like on Twitter 2072522880278319487 1 Twitter 2072522880278319487
independenthea IHEA - Independent Higher Education Australia @independenthea ·
23 Jun

On 23 July, IHEA and Advance HE Australasia are hosting a free webinar exploring how the globally recognised Fellowship scheme is helping institutions:

🔹Strengthen teaching quality and educator capability
🔹Support staff retention and professional growth
🔹Provide tangible

Reply on Twitter 2069216155953406287 Retweet on Twitter 2069216155953406287 Like on Twitter 2069216155953406287 Twitter 2069216155953406287
Load More