It is an association of Catholic Jesuit universities and institutes of higher education. Founded in 2018 and approved by Father General Arturo Sosa S.J. IAJU is recognized as the international advisory and coordinating body to the Jesuit Higher Education Secretariat and, through it, to the Father General and his assistants on matters related to higher education and intellectual apostolate.

IAJU has six regional associations:

• Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities - Asia Pacific (AJCU-AP)
• Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities - North America (AJCU)
• Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities - Africa and Madagascar (AJCU-AM)
• Kircher Network - Jesuit Higher Education in Europe and the Near East
• Jesuit Higher Education Association of South Asia (JHEASA)
• Association of Universities Entrusted to the Society of Jesus in Latin America (AUSJAL)

1. The mission of IAJU is to contribute to the advancement of the higher education apostolate of the Society of Jesus through the application of its decrees and documents to promote the development of a more just and humane world for the greater honor and glory of God.
2. The purposes of IAJU are:

• Promote collective reflection on the mission of Jesuit higher education institutions in the light of the Society’s decrees and general writings.
• Encourage collaboration between the networks of Jesuit higher education institutions, among lay and Jesuit personnel, and among the various apostolates.
• Represent members in international meetings and colloquia and collaborate with other institutions with common purposes, especially other associations of Catholic higher education institutions.
• Contribute to the development of Jesuit higher education and its mission by promoting projects and programs that enhance the effectiveness and quality of these institutions, as well as protecting their autonomy when necessary.
• To promote Jesuit education for the marginalized and the poor, whenever possible.