The HEC is mandated to implement a regulatory framework by promoting the development of higher education and training facilities through equity of access, high quality learning and research outcomes, the efficient use of national resources and innovation. The regulatory framework is implemented through the establishment and registration of private higher education institutions, accreditation of programmes, periodic accreditation audits in higher education institutions, and recognition and equivalence of higher educational qualifications.

The HEC has the statutory responsibility to determine the recognition and equivalence of academic or professional qualifications in higher education obtained in or outside Mauritius. Recognition of qualifications is a process of formally acknowledging the appropriateness of a certain qualification for a specific purpose including enabling the qualification holder to access further and/or higher educational, and/or employment activities. Equivalence of qualifications on the other hand is a process of formally establishing as to whether two or more qualifications are equal or deemed to be equal or comparable in value.

The HEC provides strategic directions in the development of the Higher Education Sector. The Research and Planning Division has the responsibility to collect data and assists in policy formulation, planning and decision making as well as provide advice on higher education. It is also mandated to promote research in higher education institutions and enrich student experience.

The HEC is responsible for the funding and monitoring of the 6 HEIS falling under its purview. The Research Fund allows the promotion of academic research. Other schemes, Africa Scholarship and recruitment of foreign lecturers are also financially managed. The Finance Division operates and monitors the Free Tertiary Education Scheme whereby fees are paid by the State on behalf of eligible students of 10 public HEIS.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) oversees nine public higher education institutions (HEIs), namely, the University of Mauritius, University of Technology, Mauritius, Mahatma Gandhi Institute, Open University of Mauritius, Université des Mascareignes, Rabindranath Tagore Institute, Fashion and Design Institute, Mauritius Institute of Training and Development and Mauritius Institute of Education. The HEC also has the mandate to regulate 44 (as at June 2021) private HEIs through institutional registration and programme accreditation.