Increasing collaboration with South Africa
February 18-29, a large delegation from the University of Bergen (UiB) travelled to several universities in South Africa.
The delegation included UiB’s rector, Kirsti Koch Christensen and staff from the Office of International Relations as well as representatives from five different faculties at UiB (Arts, Sociology, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Law and Psychology).
UiB sets up scholarship initiative
According to Christensen, efforts to strengthen ties with a number of South African universities is natural. UiB has a relatively long and well-established history of research collaborations with colleagues at South African universities in a number of areas, she said. She added that South Africa is a popular destination for Norwegian students, particularly in recent years, following the quality reform measures that actively encourage students to undertake a study abroad period. For example, there are 17 UiB students at South African universities this semester.
However, student exchange activity has largely been from Norway to South Africa. The higher costs of living in Norway may be a significant factor behind this pattern. Christensen announced that over the next two years, UiB is setting aside one million Norwegian kroner for international student scholarships, primarily at the PhD level.
UiB has formal exchange agreements with three South African universities, the University of Cape Town, the University of Western Cape and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (newly formed from the fusion of the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville). In addition, it appears that an agreement will be signed shortly between UiB and the University of Stellenbosch.
Collaboration initiatives at a national level
During the first week of the tour, the UiB delegates were joined by Norwegian Education and Research Minister, Kristin Clemet, together with other representatives from her ministry as well as representatives from the Norwegian Research Council. The South African Education Minister, Kader Asmal, also participated in some of the meetings. He underlined that education plays a critical role in the process of democratisation. He was also very interested in the Norwegian Quality Reform Initiative.
During the tour, Clemet also announced measures to help encourage movement of South African students to Norway. Clemet announced that the Norwegian Agency for Development (NORAD) is funding a new scholarship programme for international students attending Norwegian universities and colleges, which will fund ten full-year scholarships or 20 half-year ones.
Follow-up
Members of UiB’s touring delegation will now return to their respective faculties and departments to present their experiences and to encourage their colleagues and students to participate in the exchange and collaboration opportunities. Anyone who would like to know more information about these South African universities is invited to contact Bjørn Erik Andersen at the Office of International Relations or to go there to consult the extensive material now available.