​The University of Johannesburg (UJ) will partner with the University of Zurich (UZH) system to expand collaboration between the two Universitas 21 institutions.

Under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and a student mobility agreement that spans five years, UJ and Switzerland based University of Zurich will explore activities to further the exchange of faculty and students, the universities said upon signing on 5 May 2019.

Mr Lebethe Malefo, Senior Director: Internationalisation (Acting), said both universities are globally recognised for research, education, innovation and commitment to societal impact. “By combining our strengths and by deepening our collaboration, we can magnify this impact to address a number of global challenges,” he added.

The two institutions will also explore joint research efforts in areas that include climate change, health, technology and innovation.

The University of Zurich is one of the leading research universities in Europe and offers the widest range of degree programs in Switzerland.