The Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA) established in 1991, is the representative body for thirteen established and state accredited privately funded providers of higher education. All HECA members have quality assurance approval under Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and deliver QQI validated programmes across a diverse range of disciplines, between levels 6 and 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications. The student body within the HECA network of college providers is over 27,000.

HECA member higher education providers advance the highest standards of best practice, evidence-based teaching and learning. Learner-centred teaching is at the heart of the mission of each of HECA’s member institutions. HECA providers have a shared strategic priority to continue to invest and enhance its teaching to a sector-leading standard. This core function, together with innovative and diverse assessment strategies, combine in a transformative process of education for the learner, building knowledge, skill and competence through state accredited programme curricula. The opportunity to participate as partner in the Next Steps project further solidifies HECA’s position as a collective united by a desire to connect, support and inform all those involved in the enhancement of teaching and learning in HECA colleges.