The University of the Free State (UFS) has strengthened its global profile through its admission to the International Network of Universities (INU), a globally connected consortium of institutions united by shared principles of academic freedom, democratic values, inclusivity, and sustainability. The network advances purposeful global engagement and collaboration among member universities worldwide.  

Joining the INU reinforces the UFS’ commitment to shaping responsible societal futures through meaningful collaboration and a pursuit of excellence. The membership enhances the university’s international footprint and creates new opportunities for student exchange, researcher mobility, and collaborative initiatives aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Prof Hester C. Klopper, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the Free State, says the membership affirms the university’s growing global stature. 

“Our membership of the International Network of Universities affirms the University of the Free State’s growing global standing and strengthens our ability to collaborate across borders in pursuit of excellence, while shaping responsible societal futures through meaningful impact.” 

A strategic step in global engagement

The process leading to membership was rigorous and strategic. Following engagement with the INU Coordinator, the UFS submitted a comprehensive application outlining its commitment to global citizenship and global engagement, as well as the value it would contribute to the network. The application required the university to demonstrate alignment with the INU’s vision and to articulate its distinctive contribution as a research-led, globally engaged African institution. 

INU membership is structured around three strategic pillars: enabling innovative international education and research collaboration; promoting intercultural learning and global citizenship; and informing practice and policy through leadership and staff exchange among member universities.  These priorities resonate strongly with the UFS’ institutional strategy and internationalisation focus. 

According to Prof Lynette Jacobs, Interim Director: International Partnerships and Relations, the alignment between the INU’s objectives and the university’s strategic direction is clear. 

“The University of the Free State aligns with all three strategic priorities of the INU. It is evident that INU staff and student activities complement our strategy, particularly those promoting student engagement, research collaboration, and staff development.”

Expanding opportunities for students and researchers

Membership creates tangible opportunities for both students and staff. These include participation in the International Student Seminar for Global Citizenship and Peace, held alongside the International Student Conference. The seminar supports UFS’ commitment to embedding global citizenship and intercultural competencies across the curriculum, complementing the university’s expanding use of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) and virtual exchange initiatives. Notably, UFS recently led an Erasmus-funded project focused on COIL, further strengthening its international academic footprint.

Research collaboration represents another significant benefit. The INU Researcher Mobility Programme and Seed Money Funding initiatives align closely with the UFS’ support for early-career researchers and its emphasis on Africa-rooted partnerships advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas such as climate resilience, health, biodiversity, and food systems.

The impact of membership is already becoming visible. 

“We are preparing to send the first two students to represent the UFS at the International Student Seminar for Global Citizenship and Peace 2026, hosted by Hiroshima University in Japan from 4 to12 August 2026,” says Prof Jacobs. 

The seminar, themed ‘UN Sustainable Development Goals and Sustainable Economic Development’, will coincide with the 6 August commemoration of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. In addition, several emerging researchers are preparing grant submissions in collaboration with fellow INU member institutions. 

The University of the Free State approaches international partnerships with intentionality, distinguishing between ‘internationalisation” - focused on developing global citizenship, intercultural competence, and epistemic diversity grounded in an Africa-rooted perspective - and “global engagement”, which refers to the structural systems, partnerships, and governance frameworks connecting the institution to the world.

“We are a university with a mission to be innovative, research-led, and student-centred, with a clear focus on our role and contribution to responsible societal futures,” says Prof Ylva Rodny-Gumede, Executive Director: Advancement. “Global stakeholder engagement and collaboration are key to this, and our INU membership reinforces this commitment.”

The UFS looks forward to working closely with its INU partners as it continues to contribute to – and benefit from – a collective vision of shaping sustainable and inclusive global futures.