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Global Affairs

International Collaboration Agreements

As one of the world’s most innovative universities, the University of Zurich encourages collaboration across traditional boundaries.To promote international cooperation in teaching, research and other fields of mutual interest, UZH has signed formal agreements with numerous universities and other educational and research institutions around the world. There are different types of agreements which create opportunities that are mutually beneficial to those involved.

Memoranda of Understanding (MoU)

An MoU is a general, non-binding statement and provides a framework for future collaboration, stating the mutual interest in exploring collaboration opportunities, though without financial implications. UZH provides a template for MoUs, the content of which can be adapted depending on the project and the negotiations.
Memorandum of Understanding

Student Exchange Agreements (SEA)

SEA establish the structure for UZH students to enroll full time at a comparable international institution, while an equal number of students from the counterpart enroll full time at UZH. An MoU is often executed before an SEA is negotiated and developed. The Global Student Experience team coordinates all Student Exchange Agreements for UZH.
Website Global Student Experience: Student Exchange Agreements

Joint Teaching Agreements

Joint teaching agreements establish an academic structure to apply shared coursework to two degree programs from two universities. Based on this agreement, each institution grants a separate degree.
Website Academic Program Development: Joint Teaching Agreements (in German)

Research Project Agreements

Most research projects do not require an agreement. If a research project has financial implications for the institution, a formal research agreement is needed. The legal aspects of such agreements have to be approved by UZH Legal Services.
Website UZH Legal Services (in German)

If intellectual property and patent laws and rights are involved, the research agreement must also be approved by Unitectra, the technology transfer organization of the Universities of Basel, Bern and Zurich.
Website Unitectra

Research agreements in the context of the Framework Programs of the European Union and other research agreements are checked by EU Grants Access.
Website EU Grants Access

Cotutelle de thèse – Joint Supervision of Doctoral Study

Cotutelle de Thèse refers to a doctorate in which doctoral students are enrolled at two universities (in Switzerland and abroad). Cotutelle candidates pursue a doctorate according to the respective applicable regulations of both partner universities, but submit only one dissertation for joint assessment.

More information about the Cotutelle de thèse at UZH

Weiterführende Informationen

Contact Memoranda of Understanding (MOU)

Carmen Richard
Team Lead
Global Networks, Global Affairs

Contact Student Exchange Agreements (SEA)

Global Student Experience Team

Contact Joint Teaching Agreements

Thomas Hidber
Academic Program Development

Guideline for Responsible International Collaboration

Swissuniversities published a Guideline for Responsible International Collaboration. Download the document here.