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We are Higher Education Strategy Associates

We provide strategic insight and guidance to governments, post-secondary institutions, and agencies through excellence and expertise in policy analysis, monitoring and evaluation, and strategic consulting services. Through these activities, HESA strives to improve the quality, efficacy, and fairness of higher education systems in Canada and worldwide.

Strategic Planning and Governance

Academic Planning

Institutional Improvement

Economic and Social Impact Studies

International Markets and Mobility

Program Reviews

Statistical Collections & Public Policy

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Featured Publications

Here is a collection of some of our most recent publicly available research. Check out our publications page to view our full archive.

Monitoring Trends in Academic Programs 4: Water thumbnail Monitoring Trends in Academic Programs 4: Water
2021 | Monitoring Trends in Academic Programs
Strengthening Regional Colleges in Canada thumbnail Strengthening Regional Colleges in Canada
2021 |
State of Postsecondary Education in Canada 2023 thumbnail State of Postsecondary Education in Canada 2023
2023 | State of Postsecondary Education
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One Thought to Start Your Day blog

One Thought to Start Your Day is our founder and CEO Alex Usher’s popular daily blog, brimming with up-to-the-minute insights and informed opinions on today’s higher education industry.

The Fifteen: May 23, 2025

Welcome to the seventeenth edition of The Fifteen. This week, we chart the shifting currents in global higher education—from mass … Continued

Incremental Change or System Overhaul? An Update on Higher Ed Reform in NZ with Roger Smyth

In some countries, higher education policy just seems to sit still for decades. In others, hyperactivity is a more normal … Continued

The Cost Implications of AI in Postsecondary Education

I have been noodling for a while on the question of how the use of Artificial Intelligence is likely to … Continued

Provincial Budgets 2025-26

Ok everyone, all the provincial budgets are in and so it’s time for our annual look at what another round … Continued

Between Excellence and Relevance: The Regional University Dilemma

Hi everyone.  I’m Alex Usher and this is The World of Higher Education podcast. Over the past few decades, Higher Education had … Continued

Two Ideas Long Overdue for Adoption

Two mini thoughts today rather than one long one. But they are both ideas which I think deserve to be … Continued

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