International Higher Education Day (IHED) is a global observance held every year on June 19. The European Association for Higher Education Advancement (EAHEA) proclaimed it to recognize the role of higher education in building inclusive, innovative and sustainable societies. On this day, universities, research institutions, student unions and other education stakeholders around the world are invited to reflect on what higher education means for people and communities.
IHED has its own official website, higheredday.com, where institutions register their events, download the toolkit and follow the theme of each year. This page presents the day, its Official Declaration and its history.
What the Day Stands For
- Access and equity. Higher education is not a privilege but a right that must be protected, strengthened and made accessible to all.
- 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.
On June 19, institutions 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, and celebrate the educators, students and knowledge-sharing communities who shape the future.
Official Declaration
The proclamation below was issued by EAHEA and signed by the EAHEA Board of Directors on January 6, 2020.
We, the European Association for Higher Education Advancement (EAHEA), hereby proclaim June 19th as the International Higher Education Day, to be observed annually around the world.
On this day, we recognize the critical role of higher education in advancing human potential, promoting peace and sustainability, and fostering scientific, social, and economic development. Higher education is not a privilege, but a right that must be protected, strengthened, and made accessible to all.
Higher education institutions serve as pillars of democratic societies and incubators for innovation, civic responsibility, and intercultural dialogue. On this occasion, we celebrate universities, educators, researchers, and students who shape the future with their knowledge and dedication.
June 19 has been selected in recognition of the historic signing of the Bologna Declaration in 1999, a milestone in building a unified and inclusive European Higher Education Area, and now, a symbol of global academic cooperation.
We invite universities, governments, academic bodies, students, and civil society around the world to join us in commemorating this day through dialogue, collaboration, and concrete actions that promote excellence, equity, and inclusion in higher education.
Let this day be a catalyst for a future where higher education transcends borders, empowers individuals, and transforms societies.
Signed by the EAHEA Board of Directors, January 6, 2020. The declaration is also published on the official IHED website.
Why June 19?
On June 19, 1999, the Bologna Declaration was signed, a milestone in building a unified and inclusive European Higher Education Area. EAHEA chose this date to turn that moment into a symbol of global academic cooperation that reaches beyond Europe.
History of the Day
- June 19, 1999. The Bologna Declaration is signed and starts the building of the European Higher Education Area.
- January 6, 2020. At the proposal of Dr. Mehmet Selcuk Batal, Senior Auditor of EAHEA, the EAHEA Board of Directors signs the Official Declaration and proclaims June 19 International Higher Education Day, to be observed annually around the world.
- Since the proclamation. Universities, student unions and organizations in 162 countries have taken part in the celebrations, according to the official IHED website.
- Every June 19. The day is observed annually around the world, and the theme of each edition is published on the official IHED website.
The Event Committee
The organization 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 combines continuity with fresh ideas from the higher education community.
- Permanent members. The President of EAHEA and the Secretary General of EAHEA are permanent members. They provide continuity from one edition to the next and link the Committee to the Association.
- Independent university representatives. The other ten members are independent representatives of universities selected from around the world. 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, which brings new institutions, perspectives and ideas into the Committee and gives more universities the chance to help shape the celebration.
Questions about how the day is organized can be sent to the IHED team through the contact page of the official website.
How to Take Part
Any university, college, research institution, student union, association, government body or civil society organization can take part, free of charge. Plan a format and a date on or around June 19, register your event on the official website, and use the toolkit and the yearly hashtag to share it. The toolkit offers logos, posters, a social media kit, an event organizer guide and templates for institutions.
Visit the Official IHED Website
Registration, events, the toolkit, news and the stories of participating institutions are on higheredday.com. You can go directly to the Official Declaration, the theme of the year or the list of celebrating institutions.