Access and equity
Higher education is not a privilege but a right that must be protected, strengthened and made accessible to all.
About
About International Higher Education Day
A global initiative that recognises and promotes the vital role of higher education in building inclusive, innovative and sustainable societies.
What is IHED?
International Higher Education Day, celebrated each year on 19 June, is a global initiative launched by the European Association for Higher Education Advancement (EAHEA) to recognise and promote the vital role of higher education in building inclusive, innovative and sustainable societies.
On this day, universities, research institutions, student unions and education stakeholders around the world are encouraged to:
- Reflect on the transformative power of higher education,
- Host public discussions, conferences or open days,
- Highlight access, equity and innovation in higher learning,
- Celebrate educators, students and knowledge-sharing communities.
IHED stands as a platform to inspire collaboration, policy dialogue and social engagement, ensuring that higher education continues to be a driver of global progress.
What we stand for
Innovation and progress
Universities are incubators for innovation, advancing scientific, social and economic development, peace and sustainability.
Democracy and dialogue
Higher education institutions are pillars of democratic societies, civic responsibility and intercultural dialogue.
Who is behind IHED?
IHED is launched and led by the European Association for Higher Education Advancement (EAHEA), a non-profit association based in Estonia that provides accreditation and certification services to higher education institutions around the world.
Visit the EAHEA website
The Organising Team
The whole organisation of International Higher Education Day is carried out by the Event Committee, a team of twelve members that plans and coordinates the celebration from the first idea to the day itself and its follow-up. The Committee is built to combine continuity with fresh ideas from the higher education community.
Permanent members
The President of EAHEA and the Secretary General of EAHEA are permanent members of the Event Committee. They provide continuity from one edition to the next and link the Committee to the Association.
Representatives of member institutions
The other ten members are chosen from the registered representatives of the higher education institutions that are members of EAHEA. They bring the practical experience of universities and colleges directly into the planning of the day.
A new list every year
The list of members changes every year. Regular renewal brings new institutions, perspectives and ideas into the Committee and gives more member institutions the chance to help shape the celebration.
Questions about how International Higher Education Day is organised can be sent to the team through the contact page.
Be part of the celebration
Universities, governments, academic bodies, students and civil society are invited to join through dialogue, collaboration and concrete action.