International Affairs Office

Dear Visitors, Partners, and Members of the Academic Community,

It is my honor to welcome you to the Office of International Affairs at Adigrat University. Our office serves as a bridge connecting AdU with the global academic community—building partnerships, promoting mobility, and advancing collaborative research that reflects our university’s resilience and vision for a sustainable future.

Adigrat University stands as a symbol of renewal and determination in post-conflict Ethiopia. Guided by our motto, “Build Back Better: AdU,” we are transforming challenges into opportunities through global engagement, innovation, and shared learning. Our 2025–2028 International Affairs Strategic Plan outlines clear pathways to expand academic partnerships, enhance international research collaboration, integrate global perspectives into our curricula, and foster inclusive intercultural exchange.

Through these efforts, we aim not only to elevate our global academic visibility but also to contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding, community resilience, and knowledge creation that transcends borders. We warmly invite universities, research institutions, development partners, and diaspora scholars to collaborate with us in building a more connected and sustainable academic future.

Thank you for visiting, and we look forward to working together toward a stronger, globally engaged Adigrat University.

About the Office

The Office of International Affairs (OIA) leads Adigrat University’s global engagement, partnerships, and collaboration initiatives. Established in the spirit of recovery and renewal, the OIA is dedicated to integrating international dimensions into teaching, research, and community service to strengthen the university’s global presence.

Background

Adigrat University (AdU), founded in 2011, has emerged as a symbol of resilience within Ethiopia’s higher education system. Despite immense challenges caused by the Tigray War (2020–2022), the university continues its mission of academic excellence, community engagement, and institutional transformation.

AdU suffered ETB 2.78 billion in damages, yet through its “Build Back Better” recovery program, the university has restored digital infrastructure (3 Gbps internet, 900+ thin clients), reactivated academic programs, and reconnected with international partners to rebuild its academic and research capacity.

Vision

To be a globally engaged university renowned for academic excellence, impactful research, and equitable international partnerships.

Mission

To internationalize education, research, and community service by fostering global partnerships, intercultural competence, and sustainable development.

Core Values

1. Academic freedom
2. Mutual respect
3. Cultural diversity
4. Equity and inclusion

Strategic Goals (2025–2028)

Build and sustain diverse international academic and research partnerships.

Enhance student and staff mobility opportunities.

Integrate global perspectives into curricula.

Strengthen participation in international research grants and projects.

Improve institutional visibility and global ranking.

Develop staff capacity through international collaboration.

Promote multilingualism and intercultural learning.

Key Strategic Areas

 Partnership Development

Expand active international MoUs.

Current partners include Hubei University (China), International Livestock Research Institute, Wekerle International University of Hungary and INTI International University of Malaysia.

2. Academic Mobility

Increase student and staff exchanges leveraging Erasmus+, DAAD, and African Union programs, supported by the Ethiopian and Tigrayan diaspora.

3. Curriculum Internationalization

Integrate global and bilingual content.

Introduce Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) modules in relevant disciplines.

4. Research Collaboration

Raise internationally co-authored publications.

Form multi-university research consortia focused on post-conflict recovery, biodiversity, and sustainable development.

5. International Fund Mobilization

Enhance grant-writing and project management skills through training and mentorship from diaspora academics.

Target EU Horizon, African Union, and foundation-based research grants.

6. Global Alumni Engagement

Establish the Adigrat University Global Alumni Network to connect diaspora alumni for mentorship, funding, and global partnership building.

7. Virtual Internationalization

Capitalize on AdU’s advanced ICT infrastructure to host Adigrat Global Webinars, create MOOCs, and establish virtual research labs that foster international collaboration.

Monitoring & Evaluation

Quarterly Reports: Submitted by college focal persons to the OIA.

Annual Reviews: Conducted by university leadership to assess performance.

Stakeholder Feedback: Regular surveys from students, faculty, partners, and alumni for continuous improvement.

Achievements in External Funding

Since 2011, Adigrat University has mobilized over ETB 242.3 million from regional, national, and international sources to support research, innovation, and institutional recovery.

Key Highlights:

EU Trust Fund (ETB 6.02M) – Peacebuilding & Socioeconomic Recovery

Franklinia Foundation (ETB 5.08M) – Dracaena ombet Conservation

APPEAR Austria (ETB 6.14M) – Revitalizing AdU and Mekelle University

Spanish & UK NGOs (ETB 69.48M) – Medical Equipment for Adigrat Hospital