The Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA) is a self-regulating association of independent third level colleges formed in 1991 to represent the interests of its member colleges and their students.

Current membership comprises most of the major independent colleges in the country. Membership is restricted to colleges meeting and abiding by stringent academic and operating regulatory criteria. Part of its raison d’etre is to differentiate its members from non-regulated operators in its sector. It also acts as a support group to serve the common academic and commercial interests of its members.

As the official voice of independent third and fourth level education HECA represents the independent colleges on the following bodies:

• The Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) www.hetac.ie
• The Irish Higher Education Quality Network (IHEQN) www.iheqn.ie
• International Education Board Ireland (IEBI) www.educationireland.ie
• The Bologna Promoters www.bologna.ie

Students applying to HECA colleges have an assurance that their courses, qualifications and learning experience will be of the highest quality available in the independent sector. See also: HECA Quality Policy.

The chair of the association is rotated annually. Meetings are held monthly and are rotated through member college venues.

HECA represents colleges with a combined student population of approximately 15,000. It is currently exploring the possibility of affiliating with a similar group representing European 3rd level independent universities and colleges.