On 1 May 2025, the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the University of Vermont (UVM) officially signed a new five-year partnership agreement during a ceremony held at UVM’s historic Waterman Building in Burlington, Vermont, USA. This milestone marks the formal launch of an academic partnership that will open the door for UVM students to study at UCT through its Semester Study Abroad (SSA) programme. The agreement was approved by the UVM Interim President Dr. Paricia Prelock and UCT Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mosa Moshabela.

Professor Mosa Moshabela said, “This partnership with the University of Vermont is a testament to UCT’s commitment to global engagement and academic excellence. It not only creates life-changing opportunities for students to learn across borders but also deepens our shared responsibility to shape a more just world.”

International Office Director Quinton Johnson, PhD, added, “The ratification of this agreement celebrates years of relationship-building and a shared vision. It underscores our belief that an international partnerships with UVM is essential to develop culturally competent graduates whilst fostering collaborative knowledge creation and application across the globe. We especially appreciate the highly professional efforts of Tracy Goslar and Judith Roberts from the International Office, who were instrumental in nurturing this partnership to ensure its success.”

Joining UVM Interim President Dr Patricia Prelock, were Acting Provost and Senior Vice President, Dr Linda Schadler, Professor Gayle Nunley, Dr Jamie McGowan, Director Emma Swift, Matt Manz, Patrick Carton, Alex Lindsey and Alice Van Doren all of whom worked with UCT to make the partnership happen excellently.

Beyond the formal signing, the UCT delegation engaged in a series of strategic meetings with UVM Deans, Associate Deans and faculty members. These discussions explored not only the expansion of study abroad opportunities but also avenues for exciting future academic and research collaboration between the two institutions. Moreover, the new agreement reflects UCT’s ongoing dedication to fostering transformative international student experiences and expanding its global network of mobility partners.