The Salesian Institutions of Higher Education (IUS) are made up of all higher education centers which are directly or indirectly led by the Salesian Congregation.

Salesian presence at this educational level is very recent in the history of the Congregation. It represents novelty and development of the Salesian educational mission, which was strongly focused on the levels of primary and secondary education.

Although the first university college was founded in 1934 (Shillong, India) and a good number of institutions emerged during the 70s and 80s, it was not until 1997 that a service of animation and accompaniment at this educational level was started by the General Directorate of Salesians. This service has been characterized for promoting a process of reflection on the identity of this type of institutions and by favoring collaboration and joint development. 

The educational, cultural, social and normative differences of countries mean that the IUS represent great diversity. The IUS is made up of universities, university centers, colleges, faculties, university institutes, polytechnics, specialized higher institutes, etc. and they offer a variety of courses in several areas such as human sciences, education, communication and technology.