Uttara University signs MoU with 22 international universities

Uttara University has marked a major milestone in its internationalization journey by signing 22 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading universities across Asia and Africa during the 5th Annual Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC) 2026, held from June 22–25 at the Indonesia Convention Center in Jakarta.

Organized by Times Higher Education, the prestigious global congress brought together university leaders, policymakers, researchers and industry experts from around the world to explore how higher education can accelerate sustainable development and foster impactful international collaboration.

Representing Uttara University at the four-day event were Abid Aziz, Member of the Board of Trustees and Sheikh Yasha Shan, Director of the Office of the Institutional Ranking Cell. Through a series of high-level meetings, strategic networking sessions and academic engagements, the university successfully established partnerships with 22 internationally recognized institutions.

Majority of these alliances are established in Indonesia, where the university has partnered with 15 distinct institutions. This includes elite public research hubs like Universitas Brawijaya and long-standing historical foundations such as Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta. The collaboration spans an incredible range of academic strengths, from space research and pharmacy at Universitas Muhammadiyah Ahmad Dahlan, to advanced engineering, medicine and law at Universitas Muhammadiyah Palembang, Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar and Universitas Islam Ahmad Dahlan. Uttara University’s new network also deeply connects with regional development across Indonesia, tapping into digital innovation at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surabaya and Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia Muhammadiyah (UNIMUDA) Sorong, Universitas Negeri Padang, Universitas Muhammadiyah Ponorogo and Universitas Muhammadiyah Magelang, Universitas Muhammadiyah Buton, Universitas Muhammadiyah Riau, Universitas Muhammadiyah Tangerang, Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember and Universitas Muhammadiyah Palangkaraya.

In the Philippines, Uttara University has forged strategic ties with six premier institutions, greatly boosting its collaborative footprint in agriculture, marine technology and multidisciplinary research. This cohort features historic pillars of education like the University of the Visayas and the University of Eastern Philippine. The partnerships also tap into highly focused specialized centers, including Cavite State University, Southern Leyte State University and Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College.

Rounding out this massive international expansion, Uttara University has extended its reach to South Africa by partnering with the Durban University of Technology. As a premier university of technology globally recognized for its focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, this cross-continental collaboration rounds out the global initiative, offering a dynamic platform for technological exchange and joint entrepreneurial ventures.

These newly signed agreements represent far more than formal collaborations. They pave the way for a wide range of academic opportunities, including student and faculty exchange programs, joint research projects, co-authored publications, curriculum development, visiting scholar initiatives, dual-degree pathways, and the co-organization of international conferences, seminars, and academic workshops.

The partner institutions span Indonesia, the Philippines and South Africa, underscoring Uttara University's commitment to building a globally connected academic community where innovation, knowledge exchange and cross-cultural learning thrive.

"This achievement reflects Uttara University's growing commitment to global engagement and academic excellence," university representatives said. "In today's interconnected world, international collaboration is no longer an option, it is a necessity. These partnerships will create meaningful opportunities for our students, faculty, and researchers while strengthening our contribution to global knowledge and sustainable development."

As Uttara University continues to expand its international presence, these partnerships reinforce its vision of becoming a globally connected institution that empowers students through world-class education, innovative research, and meaningful global collaboration.