IAU is a worldwide UNESCO-based organization of higher education institutions.

The Association aims to promote freedom and justice, human dignity and solidarity through education and science as well as improve the higher education globally through international cooperation.

Vice-Rector for Economic and Strategic Development Marat Safiullin talked about the benefits of this membership, «There is a number of advantages. One of them is the access to LEADHER grants. There are also discounts on IAU’s events, free access to reports and publications, participation in the Association’s contests».

Currently 23 Russian universities are members of the IAU, among them leaders of the national rankings.