International university partnerships

International university cooperation is a fundamental component of teaching and research at German universities. It also strengthens the intercultural skills of students and teachers and at the same time contributes to raising the profile of German universities and the German higher education system in the world.

Here you will find up-to-date information on more than 33,000 agreements between German universities and partner institutions in around 150 foreign countries.

This overview offers you an insight into the diverse activities within the framework of existing partnerships, which cover the entire spectrum of academic disciplines.

Student mobility – the core of international university cooperation

The incoming and outgoing mobility of students is an essential component of university cooperation. In order to ensure and constantly enhance the quality of the support structures for international students at German universities, the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) have adopted a National Code of Conduct for German Universities Regarding International Students.

The National Code of Conduct lays down common minimum standards for international student support  in the areas of information and marketing, admission, supervision, support and advise as well as alumni services. International applicants can rely on adherence to these standards. The Code of Conduct was adopted by the HRK's General Meeting in 2009. HRK member universities may join the Code of Conduct as a voluntary commitment.

Higher education projects abroad as an element of international university partnerships

Within the framework of existing international universtiy partnerships German universities have been increasingly involved in the development of degree programmes, departments and universities abroad. Offers of transnational education (TNE) have thus gained weight in institutional internationalisation strategies.

In 2013, the HRK's General Meeting adopted the Code of Conduct for German Higher Education Projects Abroad. The Code of Conduct contains qualitative – academic and ethical – minimum requirements that apply to German higher education projects abroad. They are to be complied with by both German higher education institutions and their foreign partners.

By voluntarily adhering to the Code of Conduct, universities are positioning themselves as quality-conscious and intercultural sensitive partners in the global competition for attractive educational opportunities.

www.internationale-hochschulkooperationen.de

As part of its services to member institutions and the general publics, the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) provides information on international partnerships of German universities. The information is regularly updated by the individual institution.

Registered university partnerships are usually written agreements signed at the institutional leadership level. This also includes contracts for international cooperation within the framework of Erasmus+. Cooperation with partner institutions abroad can also be arranged in writing or orally by single departments, institutes or chairs.

Long-term university partnerships are often complemented by fixed-term work programmes lasting from two to five years.