The specific objectives of IMHE are:
- To contribute to the improvement of higher education through the strengthening of institutional governance and management. It does this by assisting its participants, including higher education institutions, ministries and agencies - collectively and individually - to understand the social and political environment in which they operate and to meet more effectively their organisational objectives, including high quality research, effective teaching, and contributing to social and economic development.
- To analyse the governance and strategic management of higher education institutions and the development of their role in society. This includes the analysis of policy development and institutional practice and makes use of OECD data and indicators, as well as case-studies and the experience of participants.

The work of IMHE reflects and complements the priorities of the OECD as a whole, in promoting sustainable development and social cohesion through good governance. It contributes to fulfilling the Directorate for Education’s mission of assisting members and partners to achieve high quality lifelong learning for all that contributes to personal development, sustainable economic growth and social cohesion. The IMHE Governing Board and its members help influence the Organisation in tackling key policy issues to improve institutional leadership management and governance in higher education.

Once a candidature has been received by the IMHE Secretariat, it is sent to the Governing Board, together with the basic background  information as provided by the candidate. The members of the Governing Board decide if they accept or refuse the candidature.

It usually takes 3 weeks.

All payments must be regularised in one single installment upon reception of the invoice for one year's membership.
Payments may be made by either bank transfer or by cheque in euros.

The Governing Board deals with all matters in the field of competence of the IMHE Programme by:
- Developing and approving its work programme and its budget;
- Prioritising  its activities and outputs in consultation with the OECD's Education Policy Committee;
- Monitoring the quality and timeliness of output results, activities and projects;
- Disseminating its policy advice, policy analysis, research and data to a wide range of stakeholders in member and non-member economies;
- Evaluating the outcomes of the work.

Participants in each country and non-member economy jointly elect their representatives to the Governing Board. The representatives from non-member economies may participate in the Governing Board, either as members or as observers, as decided by the Governing Board.