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The IAU is an active association which hosts events, webinars, and meetings, publishes articles, a magazine, and books, and participates in various international dialogues to contribute to the global higher education conversation and community. Stay up to date by signing up for the IAU Newsletter.
Hosted by Murdoch University, the IAU 17th General Conference event will feature a dynamic programme exploring emerging trends in higher education, drawing on diverse perspectives from all regions of the world.
Opportunities to Engage
The International Association of Universities is proud to announce the Global Engagement and Internationalisation of Higher Education Master of Public Administration and IAU certificate co-developed with Mykolas Romeris University in Vilnius, Lithuania.
The International Association of Universities (IAU) is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the third in a series of four OpenEU Study Visits, organised by the IAU in its role as an Associative partner of OpenEU. This Study Visit will take place at Bifröst University in Reykjavík, Iceland.
A Personal Invitation to the IAU 17th General Conference. The International Association of Universities' 17th General Conference comes at an important moment for higher education.
From 7 to 15 July 2026, the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) will be held under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council. The 2026 Forum will focus on the theme “Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for a sustainable future for all.”
Hosted by Murdoch University from 3-6 November 2026, the IAU 17th General Conference event will feature a dynamic programme exploring emerging trends in higher education, drawing on diverse perspectives from all regions of the world.
The International Association of Universities (IAU) is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the second in a series of four OpenEU Study Visits, organised by the IAU in its role as an Associative partner of OpenEU. This Study Visit will take place at the Universidade Aberta in Lisbon, Portugal.
Each year, the IAU reserves a dedicated budget to offer a HEIAS Annual Fee Waiver to one IAU Member institution. This Fee Waiver provides access, free of charge, to selected online modules of the HEIAS services, allowing institutions to strengthen their internationalisation strategy through structured, expert-led support.
The IAU and EAIE invite you to join us for the 2nd Internationalisation Leadership Dialogue hosted by the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland on Tuesday, 8 September 2026 from 9:30 – 14:30.
Since 2025, the IAU offers one fee waiver to cover the participation of one IAU Member HEI for the Responsible Futures International programme.
The IAU is pleased to announce that it will conduct the 4th Global Survey on Higher Education and Research for Sustainable Development in 2026.
Each year, the IAU reserves a dedicated budget to offer a HEIAS Annual Fee Waiver to one IAU Member institution. This Fee Waiver provides access, free of charge, to selected online modules of the HEIAS services, allowing institutions to strengthen their internationalisation strategy through structured, expert-led support.
The International Association of Universities (IAU) is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the first in a series of four Study Visits, organised by the IAU in its role as an Associative partner of OpenEU.
The IAU HESD Cluster is seeking new IAU Member institutions to join its global community and actively contribute to several SDG-focused working groups. The following subcluster groups are currently welcoming new members:
It is essential for the global higher education community to reflect on what is at stake for higher education and international collaboration. What are the key challenges faced by universities worldwide, the tensions at play, and what are the aspirational paths forward? How can this time of crisis be leveraged to reposition the importance of international academic collaboration?
The series will consist of six online episodes, with interpretation in English and French. Each episode will feature one keynote speaker presenting for 20 minutes, followed by a moderated conversation with selected discussants, and an open Q&A session with the audience. This format is designed to foster participatory dialogue and multi-perspective exchange across regions and disciplines.
This Higher Education Policy (HEP) special issue invites scholarly contributions that critically examine the promises and contradictions of open science. 'Contributions should critically engage with the ways in which financial interests, policy frameworks, geopolitical asymmetries, and disciplinary hierarchies shape current models of openness.
Beginning with the 2025-26 cohort, the IAU offers one grant to cover the participation of one IAU Member HEI for the Responsible Futures International programme. With the IAU RFI Grant, we hope to increase access and diversity of participating institutions working towards the development of a truly global programme. The grant will cover the participation fee for the full programme, including ad hoc support; the institution will cover the travel and subsistence costs if opting for an audit in person.
The IAU is pleased to announce that applications for the 2025-2026 cohort of the IAU Exeucitve Leadership Programme are now open! This cohort of the programme will meet from 24 October 2025 immediately following the IAU 2025 International Conference in Kigali, Rwanda through Autumn 2026.
Internationalisation and global engagement in higher education are complex and constantly evolving phenomena, the approaches to which vary widely depending on institutional, national and regional contexts. What is similar across contexts, however, is the turbulent environment in which higher education institutions operate. Indeed, today’s unprecedented era of polycrisis presents significant challenges and opportunities for carrying forward effective and transformational internationalisation strategies. It thus requires energised and empowered senior internationalisation leaders.
The IAU is pleased to announce that this year’s Institutional Site Visit will be hosted by Beijing Normal University (BNU) in China from 20-21 August 2025.
The University is pleased to welcome IAU Members to learn about their extensive experience in leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform higher education.
Each year the IAU reserves a budget to cover one of the HEIAS programmes for one IAU Member HEI. The grant will cover the full fee of the service; the institution will only have to cover the travel and subsistence costs (accommodation and meals) of the members of the expert panel.
The International Association of Universities (IAU) calls on higher education leaders to reflect on their engagement with the SDGs and to share insights on both the achievements and shortcomings of the current agenda.
The IAU has launched a Call for Papers for a Special Edition of its quarterly research journal, Higher Education Policy. The special edition will be entitled International Organizations and Higher Education and abstracts should be submitted before 15 January 2025.
The International Association of Universities is pleased to launch its newest programme of work under the internationalization thematic priority area: HEIAS. This programme expands on the foundation laid by the original IAU ISAS and ISAS 2.0 programmes, which were created to support higher education institutions (HEIs) in developing, reviewing, and enhancing their internationalization strategies.
After several years of rapid digital transformation particularly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the IAU is pleased to launch the second Global Survey on Digital Transformation of Higher Education to monitor transformations.
This issue of IAU Horizons invites contributions that discuss the values that are needed to address the great challenges of our time. It also invites reflection on whether, amid our rich and diverse set of cultures and traditions, higher education institutions around the world share a set of distinct values? What will be the future of traditional academic values, such as autonomy, academic freedom, and research integrity? What role do values play in the social trust accorded to universities?
In today’s dynamic and ever-evolving global landscape, universities find themselves navigating heightened complexity and uncertainty. Institutions and their leaders are increasingly compelled to adapt swiftly to a diverse range of expectations. Against this backdrop, this conference highlights the pivotal role of values, exploring how they provide universities with guidance for decision-making, ethical conduct, and meaningful engagement. Furthermore, conference sessions will assess the extent to which these values are used to address the grand challenges encountered by societies.
In today’s dynamic and ever-evolving global landscape, universities find themselves navigating heightened complexity and uncertainty. Institutions and their leaders are increasingly compelled to adapt swiftly to a diverse range of expectations. Against this backdrop, this conference highlights the pivotal role of values, exploring how they provide universities with guidance for decision-making, ethical conduct, and meaningful engagement. Furthermore, conference sessions will assess the extent to which these values are used to address the grand challenges encountered by societies.
During the IAU 2023 International Conference, the Association presented the latest version of the IAU HESD Global Portal. This portal is a tool developed by the International Association of Universities (IAU) for its Members, partners and the general public. It provides access to university actions and more initiatives developed around the world to promote sustainability and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Events
The IAU hosts three types of events: General Conferences, International Conferences, and Global Meetings of Associations. In addition to these three types of events, the IAU hosts webinars and collaborative meetings, and participates in global events to contribute to the broader conversation on future of higher education.
IAU Newsletter
The IAU Bulletin was first established in 1953 to provide information on the work of the Association and its Members. This Bulletin was transformed into the online E-Bulletin in 2004 and the IAU Newsletter in 2019. The IAU Newsletter provides a monthly overview of our projects and activities, opportunities for engagement, and Member news. Read past editions of the newsletter and subscribe below.
Member News
Join Zhejiang University’s free online webinar on the future of transnational education, on 17 October 2026 (09:00-17:00 Beijing Time).
The University of Cyprus's KIOS Center of Excellence is hiring two full-time Special Scientists for Research to work on long duration energy storage in renewable-dominated energy systems, within Horizon Europe projects such as PowerMAX. Deadline: October 23, 2026
Professor Mohamed Loutfi, President and Vice-Chancellor of The British University in Egypt, has been honoured with an MBE for his services to education in the UK and Egypt.
The Federation for European Education (FEDE) invites lecturers, researchers, students and practitioners to contribute to its forthcoming bilingual book, “Building Leadership in Education.” The publication will explore innovative approaches to educational leadership and foster dialogue between practical experience and academic research.
The Association of International Universities is pleased to welcome five new institutions to its membership.
Take on a real-world digital innovation challenge and put your problem-solving skills to the test in the 6th Annual DICC, hosted by the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary. Registration closes on 5 October 2026.
The EAIE has launched the survey for the 4th Edition of its Barometer, exploring the experiences and perspectives of professionals working in international higher education across the EHEA. Individual responses are encouraged, and the survey is open until 13 November 2026.
The UNINETTUNO Global Week 2026 will be an opportunity to discuss the major challenges of our time while also celebrating UNINETTUNO’s 20th anniversary. Registrations are open until 30 September 2026!
Boston College Center for International Higher Education - IHE Fall Issue #128 is now available!
Call for Applications: KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence Scholarship, University of Cyprus
A Personal Invitation to the IAU 17th General Conference. The International Association of Universities' 17th General Conference comes at an important moment for higher education.
The European Network for International Student Mobility (ENIS) is pleased to invite researchers and practitioners working on international student mobility to submit their contributions to the 5th ENIS Conference: International Student Mobility in Transition: Inclusion, Global Engagement and the Next Generation of Erasmus+
The Association of International Universities is pleased to welcome five new institutions to its membership.
UNINETTUNO University and Talent Garden, one of Europe's leading innovation ecosystems for startups and digital transformation, have joined forces to train the next generation of Artificial Intelligence professionals through a lifelong learning approach.
The European University Association has launched Sustainability Spaces, a new podcast series exploring how universities are shaping the future of sustainability within and beyond the campus.
The Association of International Universities is pleased to welcome six new institutions to its membership.
The IAU is excited to announce that Maldives National University (MNU) has received the annual IAU Responsible Futures International Fee Waiver to participate in the RFI 2026-2027 cohort, starting in October.
The session will provide an overview of Erasmus+ funding opportunities supporting joint initiatives between institutions and a series of short institutional pitches designed to help participants identify potential partners for future collaboration.
Application Deadline extended to 26 July 2026 (23:59 CEST)
Lead Change Through Intercultural Leadership: As societies become increasingly interconnected yet fragmented by polarisation, inequality, and rapid technological change, there is a growing need for leaders who can bridge divides, foster trust, and mobilise collective action across differences.
With support from the EU-funded Lebanon Innovate programme, implemented by Berytech and ELCIM at the Industrial Research Institute (IRI), IAU Member Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) has strengthened its Technology Transfer Office to turn academic research into practical, real-world innovations.
This survey, run by the International Science Council (ISC) Forum on Publishing and Research Assessment, asks what kinds of scientific contributions currently go unrecognized, and why. ISC is especially interested in how this lack of recognition varies across disciplines, regions, and career stages. Responses will directly inform an ISC position paper on broadening what counts as a scientific contribution, to be published later in 2026.
The Magna Charta Observatory of Fundamental Values and Rights (MCO) invites applications or nominations for membership of its governing council with a view to them being appointed to the position of President of the Governing Council.
The European University Association (EUA) is pleased to share the launch of Sustainability Spaces, a new podcast series exploring how universities are shaping the future of sustainability within and beyond the campus.
With this event, Costa Rica becomes the first Central American country to host this global meeting under the leadership of the IAU Member University of Costa Rica (UCR).
Participation in FOHE-BPRC6 is entirely free of charge. Interested participants are invited to register on the official conference website.
As AI redefines the future, what kind of learning truly matters? Discover the answers at Sophia University’s upcoming hybrid symposium.
New From the IAU
Recent Webinars
This HLPF Virtual Side Event will focus on SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and the vital contribution of universities in shaping sustainable and greener, more resilient, and more inclusive and equitable urban futures through education, research, innovation, and civic engagement.
Join the International Association of Universities (IAU) online for an introduction to the Association’s global work on internationalization, led by Giorgio Marinoni, IAU Manager for Higher Education Internationalization.
The African higher education sector has long championed epistemologies and pedagogies that are both embedded in local societies and globally engaged. As UNESCO’s 2026 Global Roadmap for Higher Education Transformation calls for greater interdisciplinarity and innovative pedagogical models, the African approach stands out as a source of inspiration.
A webinar organised by the Global Cooperation for the Democratic Mission of Higher Education.
The value of international and cross-sectoral partnerships in higher education is well established. However, the conditions under which universities build, sustain, and leverage collaboration are changing…
Address the ecological footprint of AI and the role of universities in fostering responsible, sustainable innovation.
Join us online for an introduction to the Association’s global work on Higher Education for Sustainable Development (HESD).
Join us for a reflective and forward-looking webinar, IAU in 2025: Highlights, Impact, and Looking Ahead to 2026.
Join us for a reflective and forward-looking webinar, IAU in 2025: Highlights, Impact, and Looking Ahead to 2026.
Join us for a reflective and forward-looking webinar, IAU in 2025: Highlights, Impact, and Looking Ahead to 2026.
Join us for a reflective and forward-looking webinar, IAU in 2025: Highlights, Impact, and Looking Ahead to 2026.
Recent Publications
Discover the latest report on SDGs activities carried out by the IAU HESD Cluster members.
In recent years, the world has undergone a profound transformation. In many countries, extreme right political movements with ideologies anchored in nationalism, nativism, xenophobia, and illiberalism pose threats to democratic institutions…
The International Association of Universities is pleased to present the 2025 Annual Report of activities. In 2025, the IAU hosted 7 webinars, published numerous reports and policy statements, strengthened and engaged with our Membership base, and continued our advocacy work for our four priority areas: value based leadership, internationalization, sustainable development and digital transformation. Through these thematic priorities, the IAU has been able to continue project based work to facilitate international collaboration and knowledge production. To learn more about what IAU achieved in 2025, read the latest Annual Report.
Note in Support of the Report of the UNU-Convened Independent Expert Group on Global University Rankings
The university, in its corporate structure, is one of very few institutions in global history that have survived the passing of time. Ideally, universities are marked by unique ethical commitments that enhance their trustworthiness. The idealized view of academia stresses its openness, its universality, its institutionalized procedures for self-criticism and self-correction, being a force for good across all its missions. However, it has become increasingly harder to convincingly demonstrate its merits and benefits.