FernUniversität and Botswana Open University sign memorandum of understanding
During a virtual meeting, both institutions lay the foundation for a strategic partnership.
Foto: FernUniversität
Southern Africa is becoming a key region for FernUniversität in terms of international academic cooperation. By signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Botswana Open University (BOU), FernUniversität is further expanding its commitment. Both institutions share a profile as distance learning universities with a clear mission: to expand access to higher education, promote lifelong learning, and reach students who, due to personal circumstances, cannot or do not want to study at traditional universities.
Foto: FernUniversität
For FernUniversität Rector Prof. Stefan Stürmer, the agreement is much more than a formal cooperation: “It marks the beginning of a partnership based on shared values, mutual learning, and a common vision for the future of higher education. In the face of global challenges, international cooperation is no longer an option, it is a necessity.”
Cooperation and expertise
The areas of cooperation include teaching and quality assurance, regional locations and student support services, digitization, library services and open educational resources, research and support structures in distance learning, internationalization, and career services. Cooperation in other areas is also planned.
The agreement creates a framework for the exchange of expertise, joint initiatives, and long-term projects—for the benefit of both institutions, their students, and the international academic community.
Botswana Open University was formed in 2017 from the transformation of the Botswana College of Distance and Open Learning. The aim was to establish a comprehensive national distance learning university that would meet the growing demand for open and flexible study programs in Botswana. Since its inception, it has been developing and accrediting study programs in the field of open and distance learning. By signing partnership agreements with the University of Namibia, the University of South Africa, and now Botswana Open University, FernUniversität has established a strong partnership network in the region.
