Supporting Ireland’s Leading Educators Through Advocacy & Collaboration
HECA supports independent colleges across Ireland through advocacy, collaboration, and a shared commitment to academic excellence.
Our ImpactBecome A Member
Our plans are strategically aligned to the National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030
HECA member Colleges are developing innovative programme development and delivery practices with a particular emphasis on distance and blended leaning. They are recognised as offering the highest quality student experience through rigorous feedback, strong progression and completion rates and external recognition.
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Membership
Stronger Together: The Value of HECA Membership
HECA brings together Ireland’s leading higher education providers to shape policy, drive innovation, and uphold the highest standards in teaching, research, and student experience. As a member, your institution gains a powerful voice in national and international discussions, opportunities for collaboration, and support to deliver flexible, future-focused programmes that meet the needs of modern learners.
Become A MemberBenefits of HECA Membership
Our Strategic Focus Areas
HECA leads and supports a range of collaborative initiatives that advance quality, innovation, and best practice across higher education. From research and teaching to academic standards and professional development, these areas reflect our collective commitment to progress.
Research and Innovation
HECA members lead research that informs teaching, supports enterprise, and responds to community needs — with growing strength across STEM, humanities, and the social sciences.
Learn MoreHECA Academic Quality Enhancement Forum
HAQEF drives strategic initiatives to enhance academic quality by supporting collaboration, sharing expertise, and informing policy through HECA’s leadership in higher education.
Learn MoreHECA Library Committee
This group represents and supports librarians across HECA institutions, driving collaboration, professional development, and initiatives to enhance library services within Ireland’s private higher education sector.
Learn MoreHECA Teaching & Learning Committee
This committee champions best practice in teaching, learning, and assessment by promoting collaboration, sharing expertise, and supporting evidence-based innovation across HECA member institutions.
Learn MoreHECA in Numbers
HECA’s member institutions play a vital role in Irish higher education. These figures reflect the scale, diversity, and reach of our network — from student success to international engagement and academic excellence.
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Nationalities represented
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QQI-validated programmes
20000+
Students enrolled in HECA institutions
100000
Alumni from HECA institutions
Our Members
HECA member colleges engage with the wider society and have become a destination of choice for employers seeking to meet industry needs and continue to promote the brand of Irish education and private education overseas by seeking to attract significant numbers of international students.
News
Latest News & Updates from HECA
Stay up to date with developments from across HECA member institutions — from policy updates and academic achievements to events, research, and sector-wide initiatives shaping the future of higher education in Ireland.
The HECA Research Conference 2025
A Celebration of Research, Community and Vision Across Independent and Private Higher Education The HECA Research Conference 2025 brought together…
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HECA Research Conference 2025
Tuesday 11 November 2025Dublin Business School Castle House, 73-83 South Great George's Street, Dublin D02 VY44. (Also available Online) Registration…
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Upcoming Events Across HECA and Our Member Institutions
Explore conferences, workshops, and academic events hosted by HECA and our member colleges. From national forums to specialist seminars, these gatherings connect educators, researchers, and sector leaders committed to advancing higher education in Ireland.
Friday
09
July 2025
HECA Healthy Campus Forum: Making Space for Wellness
CCT College Dublin
Uniting Irish private and independent Higher Education Institutions to advance healthy campus initiatives, led by the Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA) Healthy Campus Committee.