International

HU and South Africa’s Stel­len­bosch Uni­ver­si­ty con­tin­ue col­lab­o­ra­tion

A ceremonial moment: HU’s Vice-Provost for International and European Affairs Yoan Vilain and SU International Director Robert Kotze at the signing of the new cooperation agreement. Photo: David Glowsky

With a new cooperation agreement, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and the renowned South African Stellenbosch University (SU) are extending their 22-year-strong partnership. Over the next five years, the two institutions will continue to engage in active exchange and joint research.

Since 2003, HU and SU have been connected not only through a popular student exchange programme, but also through various collaborations at the departmental, faculty and administrative levels. HU’s Professional School of Education (PSE), the Faculty of Theology, and the Department of Asian and African Studies all work with their counterparts at SU in a range of areas. The law faculties of both universities also exchange researchers and doctoral candidates. In addition, the partnership includes reciprocal visits and job shadowing for non-academic staff.

On 18 June 2025, during a meeting in Berlin between Yoan Vilain Vice-Provost for International and European Affairs at HU, and Robert Kotze, Director of SU’s International Office, a follow-up agreement was signed. This provides the contractual foundation for continuing the various collaborative activities over the next five years.

Founded in 1918, Stellenbosch University is among the most prestigious universities in Africa. It is research-focused and has strong national and international networks. SU is also a founding member of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), which pools the scientific expertise of 16 universities through its own Centres of Excellence.

20.06.2025