Membership Fee:

CIU’s individual / associate / institutional membership 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/bodies 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.

In order to allow newly established higher education institutions to become actively engaged in the work of CIU, and benefit from the services offered, universities and other HEIs 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.

CIU 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 CIU exists and continues to act as the global voice of higher education.

Member Institutions Fees in USD (Per Year)
Institutions Low Income Countries Middle Income Countries High Income Countries
Less than 5,000 Students 1000 1500 2000
Between 5,000 -10,000 Students 1500 2000 2500
Between 10,000 -15,000 Students 2000 2500 3000
Between 15,000 -20,000 Students 2500 3000 3500
More than 20,000 Students 3000 3500 4000