Higher Education Commission of Mauritius HEC

Overview

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Mauritius is the statutory body responsible for regulating and overseeing the higher education sector in Mauritius. Established on January 17, 2020, under the Higher Education Act 2017, the HEC succeeded the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) and operates under the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research. Its primary mandate is to ensure that higher education institutions (HEIs) in Mauritius maintain high standards of quality, relevance, and accessibility, contributing to the nation's economic and social development.

History and Legal Framework

The HEC was constituted following the repeal of the TEC Act No. 9 of 1988, with the enactment of the Higher Education Act 2017. This legislative framework empowers the HEC to monitor and oversee the higher education sector, ensuring the rationalisation of teaching programmes in public higher education institutions and the planning and implementation of research activities. The Act also mandates the Commission to promote the development of higher education, academic research, and training facilities through equitable access, high-quality learning outcomes, and the efficient use of national resources.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives in Higher Education

Mission: The mission of the HEC is to be a modern and responsive regulatory body for higher education in Mauritius, overseeing standards, quality, and the appropriate use of research to enable inclusive and innovative higher education and research that meets local and regional needs.

Vision: The vision of the HEC is to make higher education a key pillar of the national economy and to position Mauritius as the foremost destination for students in the region.

Objectives:

• To formulate policies and criteria for the regulatory function of the HEC and guidelines for institutional planning, funding mechanisms, and research.
• To ensure the rationalisation of teaching programmes in public higher education institutions and the planning and implementation of research activities.
• To promote the development of higher education, academic research, and training facilities through equitable access, high-quality learning outcomes, and the efficient use of national resources.
• To foster the achievement of international standards of scholarship through a diversity of teaching and research.
• To support and facilitate the implementation of the national higher education strategy of the Government.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

The HEC operates as a corporate body under the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research. It is governed by a Board of Commissioners, which includes experts and stakeholders from various sectors of higher education. The Commission's structure is designed to ensure autonomy in decision-making, allowing it to function effectively and impartially in regulating the higher education sector. The HEC's independence is crucial for maintaining the integrity and credibility of the accreditation and quality assurance processes in Mauritius.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

The HEC is responsible for the accreditation of higher education institutions and academic programmes in Mauritius. It establishes and enforces quality standards that institutions must meet to achieve and maintain accreditation. The Commission conducts regular evaluations and assessments to ensure compliance with these standards, promoting continuous improvement in the quality of education. By aligning with international accreditation frameworks, the HEC enhances the recognition and reputation of Mauritian higher education institutions globally.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The HEC actively engages in international collaborations to promote the global recognition of Mauritian higher education. It has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) to support cooperation between the two agencies and reduce the need for local accreditation of recognised UK higher education institutions in Mauritius. Additionally, the HEC collaborates with regional and international partners to enhance the quality and competitiveness of higher education in Mauritius.

Current and Future Impact on Higher Education

The HEC's initiatives have significantly contributed to the improvement of higher education quality in Mauritius. By establishing rigorous accreditation and quality assurance processes, the Commission has helped institutions enhance their academic offerings and administrative practices. Looking forward, the HEC aims to further strengthen its role in elevating the standards of higher education in Mauritius, ensuring that institutions continue to meet the evolving demands of the global academic landscape. The Commission's efforts are aligned with the government's vision to position Mauritius as a global education hub, attracting international students and fostering academic excellence.

Summary

The Higher Education Commission of Mauritius plays a pivotal role in regulating and enhancing the quality of higher education in the country. Through its independent governance, rigorous accreditation processes, and international collaborations, the HEC ensures that Mauritian higher education institutions meet high standards of excellence. The Commission's efforts contribute to the global competitiveness of these institutions, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and academic achievement.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Higher Education Commission of Mauritius?
  The HEC is the statutory body responsible for regulating and overseeing the higher education sector in Mauritius, ensuring high standards of quality and relevance.
• When was the HEC established?
  The HEC was established on January 17, 2020, under the Higher Education Act 2017, succeeding the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC).
• What is the mission of the HEC?
  The mission of the HEC is to be a modern and responsive regulatory body for higher education in Mauritius, overseeing standards, quality, and the appropriate use of research to enable inclusive and innovative higher education and research.
• How does the HEC ensure quality in higher education?
  The HEC establishes and enforces quality standards for accreditation, conducts regular evaluations, and promotes continuous improvement in the quality of education.
• Does the HEC collaborate internationally?
  Yes, the HEC actively engages in international collaborations, including signing MoUs with agencies like the UK's Quality Assurance Agency, to enhance the global recognition of Mauritian higher education.

Organization Name

Higher Education Commission of Mauritius

Acronym

HEC

Year of Establishment

1/01/1997

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

4th Floor, HEC Building
Reduit
80835 Mauritius

Phone

+230 467 8800

Fax

+230 467 6579

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Not available

X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Not available

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