Internationalisation connects UMP students, staff and researchers with global knowledge and expertise while strengthening the University’s role as an African institution of higher education. Through International Partnerships and Networks, UMP is building reciprocal collaborations that expand opportunities, strengthen research capacity and enhance its international academic standing.
Guided by the principle of access for success, the University is broadening participation through student and staff mobility, collaborative research, virtual learning and international higher education networks.
International Partnerships Strengthen Research and Innovation
UMP contributes to the Cluster of Research Excellence in Sustainable Food Systems through the Africa-Europe Clusters of Research Excellence (CoRE), established by the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities.
“The initiative connects African and European researchers to address complex challenges through interdisciplinary research, while strengthening Africa’s research capacity and contribution to global knowledge,” says Mr Thabo Dikgale, Director: International Partnerships and Networks at UMP.
The South Africa–Germany Bilateral Research Chair in Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems (SARChI SuReFoodS), led by Professor Lembe Magwaza, advances research and postgraduate development in food security, climate resilience and reducing post-harvest losses. The African-German Centre for Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems and Applied Agricultural and Food Data Science (UKUDLA) further supports research addressing community needs and international priorities.
UMP students recently participated in the Fudla International Summer School in Germany.
Biodiversity conservation is another focus. Led by Professor Dan Parker, the UMP-Oppenheimer Research Chair in Biodiversity Conservation promotes research on habitat restoration, species conservation and climate change, with projects spanning South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, the United States and Zimbabwe.
Networks including the Australia–Africa Universities Network (AAUN), South Africa–Sweden University Forum (SASUF), Southern African–Nordic Centre (SANORD), Technological Higher Education Network South Africa (THENSA), Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) and Association of African Universities (AAU) connect UMP academics with international collaborators. These networks support joint research proposals, student exchanges and research funding. Grants secured through AAUN and SASUF demonstrate their value.
“Collaborations and networks also create pathways to securing competitive international funding,” says Mr Dikgale.
UMP participates in four successful European Union-funded Erasmus+ consortia, including the Strengthening Internationalisation Capacity in South African Higher Education Institutions (SI-CHEI) and Science, Technology, Research, Internationalisation & innoVation Enhancement in support of the green transition in South Africa (STRIVE-GREEN), both awarded in 2026.
As UMP works towards Vision 2030, internationalisation will be measured by the outcomes these partnerships deliver.
Creating Opportunities for Staff and Students
Through the South Africa–Japan Timber Initiative Project with Akita International University, UMP nominated and funded three staff members to attend the Africa–Asia Platform Learning Workshop in Tokyo in October 2026.
The partnership with the University of Vechta in Germany is creating opportunities for exchanges, European Union funding and joint research publications. Collaboration with Furman University in the United States is advancing Collaborative International Online Learning (COIL), enabling students to engage across borders through virtual learning and develop intercultural competence.
UMP’s collaboration with the United States Embassy in Pretoria also supports academic exchanges through the Fulbright Programme. In 2026, Professor Ferdinand Niyimbanira visited Brown University, while Professor Tim Forssman visited Furman University and the University of North Carolina Greensboro. PhD student Ms Elsie Nomcebo Leshaba received a Fulbright Scholarship for a research visit to Penn State University. In a reciprocal exchange, Dr Suresh Muthukrishnan of Furman University visited UMP twice during 2026.
“Collectively, these exchanges enrich the teaching and learning experience, foster lasting professional relationships and strengthen UMP’s international academic presence and impact,” says Mr Dikgale.
International engagement also extends to practical learning and cultural exchange. UMP hosted Kansas City chef Vaughn Good and charcutier Guy Danforth for a two-day culinary diplomacy programme, demonstrating how international expertise can enrich practical training, promote cultural understanding and strengthen industry relationships.
“Experiences of this kind broaden perspectives, develop professional skills and illustrate how global partnerships can contribute to a vibrant, connected university community,” adds Mr Dikgale.
UMP’s successful bid to host the International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA) Conference in Mbombela from 24 to 27 August 2027 will provide another opportunity to advance its international engagement.
As UMP works towards Vision 2030, internationalisation will be measured by the outcomes partnerships deliver: broader access to international experiences, stronger research collaboration, increased funding opportunities, enriched teaching and learning, and meaningful contributions to the communities the University serves.
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