To formulate and recommend to the ARG-ARMM development plans, policies, priorities and programs on higher education and research, including the madaris education in the ARMM.

To identify, support and develop potential centers of excellence in program areas in ARMM needed for the development of World-class scholarship, nation building and national development. 

To promote access to higher education in the region.

To review and approve new degree program proposals and evaluate existing academic programs.

To develop and maintain a process by which annual appropriation requests are based on institutional performance.

To administer programs affecting the ARMM higher education.

To maintain a regional planning and institutional effectiveness system.

To monitor the implementation and evaluate the effectiveness of programs designed to provide minority groups with access to and equality of higher education opportunities.

To examine and license non-public educational institutions.

To make recommendations by means of data collection, research, and studies to the Regional Governor, RLA and the Budget regarding policies, roles, operations, and structure of the ARMM's higher education institutions.

To maintain region wide higher education data collection.

To establish procedures for the transferability of courses at the undergraduate level.

To coordinate with the National Commission on Higher Education in determining minimum academic expectations and requirements and approving appropriate secondary courses for prospective post-secondary students.

To review minimum undergraduate admissions standards.

To review and approve each institutional mission statement to ensure it is within the overall mission of that particular type of institution as stipulated by the RA 9054 as amended and is within the overall mission of the region.