Purpose: This study aims to assess the readiness of Islamic Higher Education Institutions (IHEIs) to enter the third wave of education or future quality assurance. Design/methodology/approach: This study used a descriptive quantitative method with observation, documentation, a questionnaire and an interactive model. The sample population included lecturers and quality assurance managers in IHEIs, totaling 129 respondents. Findings: The results showed that IHEIs were prepared to implement future quality assurance to meet individual and societal needs. Furthermore, readiness was also shown in the following matters: Relevance of higher education institution vision, implementation of tripilization learning in higher education institutions, understanding of other cultures (cross-cultural sharing), application of multiple development models and noble values of local wisdom and national culture in tri-dharma. Research limitations/implications: This study focused on the third wave of education quality assurance in IHEIs in Indonesia. However, the analysis was not conducted in all Indonesian universities as it specifically examined the readiness for implementing future quality assurance. Practical implications: Policymakers should follow up on the readiness for implementing future quality assurance as a form of continuous improvement in managing the quality of IHEIs. Originality/value: Most publications of quality assurance focused on compliance-oriented issues. However, this study aimed to fill the literature gaps and discuss the future quality assurance of IHEIs in Indonesia. In this context, future quality assurance was also known to guide IHEIs in rendering education relevant to the future needs of generations (graduates).