At first, Muhammadiyah Higher Education Research and Development Council was formed as Education and Teaching Council of Muhammadiyah Central Board, which was shortened as MPP PP Muhammadiyah led by HS. Prodjokusumo. Due to the rapid development of Muhammadiyah Higher Education Institution, it was agreed to form a Council that has orientation more on the Higher Education Institution, which then, is called Muhammadiyah Higher Education, Research and Development Council.

At that time, the first person to lead the Council was Drs. H.M. Djazman Al-Kindi. The total number of Muhammadiyah Higher Education Institution (PTM) was 78 which consist of 23 universities, 10 institutes, 36 academies, and 9 specialized academies. Under Drs. HM. Djazman Al Kindi leadership, the Council has succeeded to build the Research and Development Center Building in Kaliurang Street KM 25, Ngipiksari, Hargobinangun, Pakem and has left several manual books, including : PTM Financial Administration manual, PTM Student Development manual, PTM on The New Phase, etc. Furthermore, for the cooperation establishment between PTMs, the Council released PTM News ‘Warta PTM’ which was simply organized but beneficial for PTM communities.

The Council leadership list:
1.In the 1986-1990 period, the Council was led by Drs. H.M. Djazman Al-Kindi;
2.In the 1990-1995 period, the Council was led by Dr. H. Yahya A. Muhaimin;
3.In the 1995-2000 period, the Council was led by Prof. Dr. Umar A. Jenie, Apt.
4.In the 2000-2005 period, the Council was led by Prof. H. Zamroni, Ph.D.
5.In the 2005-2010 period, the Council was led by Dr. H. Masykur Wiratmo, M.Sc., but an accident happened while he was on duty, it was continued by Prof. Dr. H. Chairil Anwar.
6.In the 2010-2015 period, the Council was led by Prof. Dr. H. Chairil Anwar.
7.In the 2015-2020 period, the Council was led by Prof. H. Lincolin Arsyad, M.Sc., Ph.D.