🌍Internationalization

Internationalisation Strategy & Objectives

UNILUS pursues five strategic objectives through all of its international partnerships:

Strategic Priority Areas

The Internationalisation Agenda is organised around three strategic priority areas.

Guiding Principles

Implementation of the Internationalisation Policy is guided by six core principles.

Governance Framework

Oversight and coordination of internationalisation activities is undertaken through established University governance structures.

Global Partnerships & Networks

UNILUS establishes and maintains strategic partnerships with foreign universities, research institutions, governments, multilateral organisations, development partners, professional bodies and industry — supporting academic collaboration, research and innovation, staff and student mobility, capacity building, joint programmes and resource mobilisation. Partnerships are periodically reviewed to assess their relevance, performance and contribution to institutional objectives.

All international institutional partnerships are formalised through an approved Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or other appropriate legal instrument, defining scope, roles, reporting, duration and review mechanisms. Negotiation and monitoring of all agreements is coordinated by the Office of the DVC-RII. UNILUS also actively participates in regional and international higher education, research and professional networks that strengthen visibility and open opportunities for collaboration.

• Institutional partnerships & MoUs
• Strategic international networks
• Joint academic programmes (joint & dual degrees, credit transfer)
• Collaborative postgraduate supervision

International Research Collaborations

The University promotes international research collaboration that advances knowledge generation, innovation and societal impact, encouraging academic staff to establish partnerships with international universities, research institutions, industry and development organisations. Collaborations may include joint research projects, collaborative publications, postgraduate supervision, research networks and multidisciplinary programmes.

UNILUS may also establish joint research centres, laboratories and institutes with international partners to advance multidisciplinary research, and promotes international collaboration in innovation, entrepreneurship and knowledge exchange — including technology transfer, business incubation and commercialisation.

• Joint research projects & publications
• International research funding & grants
• Joint research centres & institutes
• Innovation & technology transfer

Staff & Student Mobility

Staff mobility is promoted through teaching exchanges, research attachments, fellowships, study visits, professional exchanges, conferences and workshops, supporting knowledge exchange, professional development and stronger academic networks. The University also hosts visiting scholars and professors whose expertise contributes to teaching, research, innovation and institutional development, and encourages its own staff to serve as visiting scholars at partner institutions.

Student mobility enables participation in international exchange programmes, study abroad initiatives, academic visits, internships, short courses, competitions and conferences, implemented in accordance with approved institutional agreements and academic requirements. The Student Affairs Department, in collaboration with the Office of the DVC-RII and Schools, coordinates orientation and cultural exchange initiatives for participating students.

• Outbound & inbound staff mobility
• Visiting scholars & professors
• Outbound & inbound student mobility
• Orientation & cultural exchange support

Study Abroad, Exchange & Experiential Learning

UNILUS promotes collaborative teaching with international partners through joint courses, guest lectures, co-teaching and collaborative projects, broadening students' global perspectives. Students are supported in pursuing international internships, industrial attachments, field placements and other experiential learning opportunities developed through partnerships with universities, industry, governments and international organisations, aligned with programme learning outcomes.

Academic programmes foster the Global Graduate Competencies UNILUS graduates need to thrive in diverse, interconnected environments — intercultural competence, ethical leadership, critical thinking, effective communication, digital literacy, adaptability, collaboration, innovation and global citizenship — integrated into curricular and co-curricular activities.

• Collaborative teaching & guest lectures
• International internships & field placements
• Global Graduate Competencies
• Academic & administrative support for participants

Virtual Internationalisation

The University leverages digital technologies to expand access to international learning opportunities, including Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), virtual exchanges, online seminars and technology-enabled research collaboration. Virtual internationalisation complements physical mobility and increases access to international experiences for students and staff who may not otherwise be able to travel.

• Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)
• Virtual exchange programmes
• Online international seminars

Institutional Visibility & Global Positioning

UNILUS strengthens its international visibility through strategic communication, a consistent international brand, and active participation in recognised regional and international university rankings and benchmarking initiatives that drive continuous improvement. The University also strengthens relationships with its international alumni — encouraging their involvement in mentorship, professional networking, research collaboration and philanthropy — and implements strategies to attract and enrol qualified international students guided by principles of equity, quality and institutional capacity.

Staff and students are encouraged to represent the institution at international conferences, exhibitions, education fairs and policy dialogues, contributing to knowledge exchange and institutional reputation.

• International branding & communication
• Rankings & benchmarking
• Global alumni engagement
• International student recruitment
• International events & representation

Funding & Resource Mobilisation

The University allocates financial, technical and institutional resources to support implementation of the Internationalisation Policy and Agenda. Funding may be obtained through the University's budget, international grants, development partners, collaborative projects, philanthropic contributions, consultancy and cost-sharing arrangements. Schools, Directorates and Departments are encouraged to pursue external funding that supports partnerships, mobility, research and capacity building — all managed in accordance with University financial policies and donor requirements.

• Institutional budget allocation
• Competitive international grants
• Development partner funding
• Cost-sharing & consultancy income

Success Indicators

Successful implementation of the Internationalisation Agenda is demonstrated through measurable improvements across the University's international profile, academic quality and research excellence.

Policy Documents & Governance Framework

Internationalisation at UNILUS is coordinated by the Research, Innovation and Internationalisation Unit and operationalised through annual work plans, institutional KPIs and School implementation plans, guided by the following governing documents.