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About the HEIF

Shaping a future where systems connect – and students benefit.

The European Higher Education Interoperability Framework (HEIF) aims to enable seamless, secure, and efficient exchange of data between higher education institutions and systems across Europe. Here’s why it’s important:

  • Smooth learning journeys – students can access and transfer learning records, qualifications, and credentials across borders.
  • Stronger partnerships – universities can collaborate, and share data, tools, and knowledge more easily.
  • Less admin hassle – automatic data exchanges simplify enrolment, recognition, and student data management.

Our Vision

The framework is developed to make it easier for students to learn across borders. It focuses on particial application and collaborative governance.  

It aims for a future in which data flows easily between teaching and learning systems (with a focus on virtual inter-university campuses), so students can move freely between institutions, and schools and universities can work together without limits.

We welcome new members to help make this vision a reality.  

Our Goals

Developing the framework has brought us a big step closer to achieving our vision. From here, we would like to focus on realising this vision and taking the next step with higher education institutes.

Background  

A dedicated EDEH working group has been working on the development of the HEIF since the end of 2023. More than 45 European university alliances and experts from various fields have been involved.

Participants emphasised the need for common terminology, standards and a clear narrative to make virtual university campuses interoperable.

The final framework focuses on 8 specific use cases that show key processes in higher education. It offers a complete approach to achieving interoperability on the policy, organisational and technical levels.

How can I contribute to HEI?

The higher education interoperability working group includes almost 250 members from 34 countries. Including European University Alliances, student bodies, universities and higher education institutes, standards and EdTech organisations, the European Commission.

We are happy to welcome new members to our working group to help make this vision a reality. Choose to participate in:

  • Q&A sessions – ask anything about the framework
  • Onboarding sessions – find out what’s available and how to get involved
  • Online community conference – join us in online events to discuss key challenges and opportunities in higher education interoperability
  • Online courses - engaging and interactive e-learning to guide you through the framework

Resources