About  >  Our Journey

A passion for independent higher education in Australia

Over the last 20 years Australian higher education has changed significantly. Today, education is Australia’s largest service sector export industry, and the third largest of the total economy.  Australia is recognised as having a world class education system. This recognition is not built on public universities alone – Australia has high quality public and independent education institutions. Student enrolments at independent providers are increasing at a faster rate than at public universities.

IHEA members are leading the way in high quality independent higher education. Our members are Australia’s best independent providers with a passion for enabling today’s learners to be the leaders of tomorrow.

Mask Group 46
2001
The Council of Private Higher Education (COPHE) is formed
COPHE (The Council for Private Higher Education) is established in recognition of the growing number of students choosing an independent higher education. COPHE's Founding Chair was Brian Mills from Christian Heritage College and Founding CEO was Adrian McComb.
2001
2009
Our Library Network was established
Established in 2009, our Library Network provides members with access to publishers from Australia and around the world. It has grown to encompass multiple collections from five core partner providers, supported by various other publishers, and is accessed by more than 40 members representing over 22,000 EFTSL.
2009
2011
TEQSA is established
As an outcome of the Bradley Review, in 2011 a single higher education regulator, TEQSA, was established. TEQSA implements a register of higher education providers that ensures listed providers meet the quality standards. All members are registered and accredited with TEQSA as a condition of membership.
2011
2017
Student Quality Surveys (QILT) report independent providers dominating the top 25 quality rankings by undergraduate students
QILT surveys are independent consumer surveys funded by the Australian government. Independent providers dominate the highest quality rankings for learner engagement, skill development, teaching quality, student support and overall quality.
2017
2019
Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA) is launched as a new identity for COPHE
This new identity as IHEA reflects an evolving and growing organisation with established recognition in Australian higher education. As the independent sector continues to evolve and grow, our new name better describes who we are and what we do. Under our new name, IHEA, we continue to play an integral role in the sector and actively participate in future developments of higher education in Australia for the benefit of our members and their students.
2019
2020
IHEA supports Members through challenges of COVID-19
The COVID-19 global pandemic had heartbreaking consequences for individuals, the community and the economy. With stay-home orders for local students and the closure of Australia’s borders to international students, upheaval was immediately felt across the higher education sector.

In response, IHEA established a platform of targeted policy measures to protect providers, support students and relieve the burdens of regulatory fees and compliance during the crisis. Weekly Zoom meetings of IHEA Leaders and CEOs commenced, while additional networks were set up to ensure all Members were well-informed and appropriately supported throughout the year.

IHEA’s response to COVID-19 was ranked as very to extremely effective by 100% of IHEA Members surveyed. All Members felt IHEA supported their institutions during the crisis and 90% believed IHEA’s COVID-19 response assisted their institution.

IHEA membership continued to grow and more than 120,000 students are now enrolled at IHEA’s member institutions.
2020
2021
Permanent Recognition of Undergraduate Certificates Supports Lifelong Learning and Skills Development
Through sustained advocacy, IHEA was instrumental in securing the permanent inclusion of the Undergraduate Certificate in the Australian Qualifications Framework. This important outcome supports greater flexibility in learning, enabling students to upskill quickly, exit with a nationally recognised qualification, and either enter the workforce job-ready or continue on a pathway to higher education.
2021
2022
The Hon. Dr Peter Hendy appointed IHEA CEO
With a background in federal politics and running Australia’s pre-eminent profession peak body, Peter brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to IHEA.
2022
2024
ESOS Legislation
We advocated against the proposed amendments to the Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024, successfully preventing the introduction of hard caps on the number of international students that providers can enrol.
2024

FUTURE OUTLOOK

Demand for higher education will continue to grow.

As demand for skilled and job-ready graduates continues to grow, demand for high quality education will grow also.  And as our environment becomes more complex, more will be demanded from our workforce, requiring greater agility and flexibility, more specialist knowledge, and higher levels of professionalism. Demand for the continual development of skills in current roles and the acquisition of new expertise, as roles change will see increased demand for innovative course design, industry connection and flexible delivery models.

Independent higher education providers are well placed to meet this fast changing market demand and the challenges of the future workforce. 

SEE THE STATS

“IHEA membership is, quite rightly, a badge of quality.”

– Sen. The Hon. Simon Birmingham, Minister for Education and Training, May 2018

Why Join?