The Council on Higher Education (CHE) is an independent statutory body established by the Higher Education Act of 1997. With a history spanning over two decades, the CHE has been entrusted with two major responsibilities. Firstly, it advises the Minister of Higher Education and Training on matters pertaining to higher education, with an aim to promote equity, quality, and the advancement of economic and social development needs.

Secondly, it manages an external quality assurance system for higher education through its permanent committee, the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC). In addition to these core functions, the CHE is also the Quality Council for higher education and manages the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Throughout its existence, the CHE has played a pivotal role in policy development, research, and advice within the higher education sector.

With a focus on accreditation, institutional audits, quality promotion, and more, the CHE is committed to ensuring the delivery of high-quality education in South Africa