HEC shall have the following main mission:

1° to enhance education and research in the higher learning institutions;

2° to improve the organization and functioning of higher learning institutions;

3° to advise the Government in all matters related to higher education policy and strategies;

4° to set norms and standards for accrediting private higher learning institutions;

5° to monitor the adherence of norms and standards in higher learning institutions;

6° to compare, evaluate and give equivalence to degrees and certificates of higher education level delivered by foreign institutions and those delivered in Rwanda that need authentication including those awarded through distance learning;

7° to coordinate and follow up all activities concerning learning, teaching, evaluation and performance appraisal in higher learning institutions;

8° to cooperate and collaborate with other regional and international institutions having similar mission.