Professor Robert Balfour, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Western Cape, signs the new memorandum of understanding. Image: Shelley Christians/UWCThe University of the Western Cape (UWC) has, along with other partner institutions, renewed its commitment to global collaboration through the Matariki Network of Universities (MNU). It extends the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 2026–2031.
This renewal builds on UWC’s entry into the prestigious network in 2022 and strengthens a partnership first established in 2010. The Matariki Network brings together leading universities across the world, united by a shared mission to advance excellence in research, teaching, leadership and social responsibility. The other partners include Durham University (UK), Queen's University (Canada), University of Otago (New Zealand), University of Tübingen (Germany) and Uppsala University (Sweden).
UWC’s inclusion in 2022 marked a significant milestone, positioning the University alongside institutions that share its values of access, equity and global engagement.
The newly signed agreement reaffirms the Network’s collective vision and outlines key areas of collaboration for the next five years, including:
- Academic, student and professional mobility
- Cross-institution research networks
- Sharing best practice and benchmarking
- Advancing social responsibility globally
- A strong, values-led governance model
This renewal underscores UWC’s role in shaping higher education internationally, while continuing to strengthen its local impact.
Since joining the MNU, UWC has contributed to initiatives that highlight the power of collaboration across borders. The renewal of the MoU ensures that these efforts will continue, enabling UWC students and staff to benefit from expanded opportunities for exchange, research partnerships and leadership development.
The 2026–2031 MoU renewal is more than an agreement—it is a reaffirmation of the Network’s mission to work collectively for meaningful global impact. For UWC, it represents a deepened commitment to building a connected, internationally engaged university community, while advancing its vision as a proudly African institution with a global voice.
For more information on the network, click here.
