IHED Edu-Headquarters’ institutional membership, or partnership is open to institutions whose main objective is higher education and the development of knowledge. Applying Universities and other higher education institutions must:

• be public or private not-for-profit;
• be degree-conferring institutions;
• be recognized by their own national competent body or its equivalent;
• have undergone, at the national or regional level, a process of quality assurance or accreditation, or, if such a process does not exist, be a member of a national or regional association of universities;
• be dedicated to the study of several branches of knowledge;
• grant at least a three-year, first cycle or undergraduate degree;
• have graduated at least three cohorts of students*;
• Conduct research activities implying an active participation of the staff in scientific or scholarly research as well as necessary equipment at their disposal.
• exchange transfer students minimum two semester to offer a dual degree diploma
• offer an executive specialized certificate program minimum one to four weeks training period, at the end of courses, students can obtain qualified executive certificates. 
• can organize, and participate for the Asia study tours as a part of an extracurricular activity to offer an unforgettable experience. 

*In order to allow newly established higher education institutions to become actively engaged in the work of IHED, and benefit from the services offered, universities and other higher education institutions having graduated at least one cohort of students may be granted Observer status until they fulfill the criterion of having graduated three cohorts, at which time they become full Member.

IHED is funded primarily through its membership fees and depends on these funds to effectively carry out its activities, including its online webinar series and thematic debates, events and conferences, publications, projects and other initiatives.

The Members’ strong engagement, commitment, and financial contributions are vital for the association. It is thanks to its Members’ commitment that the IHED exists and continues to act as the global voice of higher education.