About

As ‘The Voice of Irish Universities’ the Irish Universities Association (IUA) represents, supports and advocates on matters of shared sectoral concern for our university members, namely…

  • Dublin City University
  • Maynooth University
  • Trinity College Dublin
  • Technological University Dublin
  • University College Cork
  • University College Dublin
  • University of Galway
  • University of Limerick

On representation, we are the collective interface between these universities and the state. We support the universities in developing sectoral policies and strategies and we provide some shared services in researcher mobility, engagement, access and internationalisation.

We advocate on behalf of the universities to maximise the contribution of higher education in all its dimensions to society and the economy. In all these respects we complement the individual, autonomous efforts of our members.

As an organisation the IUA is committed to:

  • clearly and publicly articulating the importance and value of university education
  • acting as an advocate for the university system
  • providing effective liaison and dialogue with the State and its agencies
  • ensuring the system is resourced and prepared for the challenges of the future
  • developing sectoral policies and strategies
  • maximising the contribution of higher education in all its dimensions to society and the economy.

Our six point charter – Ireland’s Future Talent – A Charter for Irish Universitiescommits to transforming capability and performance across a range of key criteria to deliver a sustainable, competitive university system for Ireland’s foreseeable needs.

Our core values are: commitment, professionalism, community, pride in and enjoyment of our work.

In terms of legal structure we are a company limited by guarantee, having charitable status (Registration Charity Number 20035983). Our Constitution sets out the rules and regulations which govern the operation of the company.  Our board of Directors and Council is comprised of the Presidents and Provost of the Universities (and our Chief Executive, ex officio).

Under the governance of our Council, we operate through a network of standing committees, sub committees and working groups, sharing information, approaches to problems and issues in addition to collaborating on projects designed to maximise the efficiency of resources across the sector.

Our core funding is supplied on an annual subscription basis by our members, with the individual subscriptions being varied by the scale of enrolments in each institution. We are also in receipt of project funding from the European Commission, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and the Higher Education Authority.

Sources of Income20182019202020212022
ActualActualActualActualActual
University Subscriptions€1,990,001€2,350,000€2,350,000€2,392,062€2,350,000
DFHERIS EURAXESS Office Funding€108,000€129,000€140,000€215,000€140,000
IRC Marie Curie Office Funding€90,000€90,000€90,000€100,000€240,000
SFI MSCA Programme Officer Funding€90,000€45,0000€0€0
HEA Enhancing Digital Teaching and Learning Funding0€314,821€818,888€990,000€840,671
HEA HCI Micro-Credentials Funding€947,387€1,906,232
Project Income€311,016€556,930€379,671€330,478€838,165
Other*€397,462€713,294€1,063,893€381,517€267,740

* 2020 ‘Other’ includes DFHERIS Greet & Transfer Funding of €732k

View the company’s financial statements: Irish Universities Association 31_12_2022 – CRO CRA