In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, the internationalization of higher education is essential for cultivating graduates with global awareness, multicultural fluency, and international competence. Recognizing this, Werabe University established the Research, Internationalization and Partnership Directorate under the Office of the President to advance the university’s strategic performance across academics, research, community service, technology transfer, and higher education effectiveness through global collaboration.

The Directorate develops and implements internationalization strategies aligned with Werabe University’s mission, drawing on both local and global frameworks for higher education partnerships. Key initiatives include promoting academic and cultural exchange through mobility and exchange programs that foster global perspectives and inter-cultural learning.
Additionally, the Directorate coordinates joint research projects, co-authored publications, innovation initiatives, and commercialization efforts with international partners. These collaborations aim to enhance academic impact, elevate institutional rankings, and position Werabe University as a competitive player in the global higher education landscape.
The University recognizes the vital role of collaboration in advancing academic and institutional goals. Actively pursue strategic partnerships that foster the sharing of resources, expertise, and innovation in support of common objectives. Through these alliances, we aim to elevate academic excellence, expand research capabilities, and strengthen our global impact in the field.
The Directorate is committed to broadening WRU’s international reach by establishing institutional partnerships with research institutes, nonprofit organizations and foundations, as well as universities and colleges worldwide. Additionally, Werabe University participates in university consortiums and holds memberships in international networks focused on higher education and research collaboration, fostering impactful and enduring partnerships that generate mutual benefits and advance global knowledge and development. 
The office collaborates with all directorates and colleges, schools and institutions, and administrative units in establishing and running international academic and research project/programs. Currently the directorate is working with a Research and Project Affairs, Internationalization and Partnership Coordinator (RPAIPC) established under it.
The Office of Research and Project Affairs, Internationalization and Partnership (RPAIP) at Werabe University is the central unit for promoting research excellence, innovation, and global engagement. It coordinates international research initiatives, manages funded projects, and fosters partnerships with local and international institutions to strengthen research capacity, and academic collaboration. The office aims to ensure that research outputs contribute to community development and national priorities.

Vision
To position Werabe University as a globally connected center of research and academic excellence that drives sustainable development through impactful partnerships and collaboration.
 Mission
The Directorate aims to strengthen Werabe University’s research culture and capacity by supporting high-quality research, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, promoting international partnerships, and facilitating impactful projects that address both local and global challenges.

 Core Values

v  Collaboration: Promoting teamwork, partnerships, and networking across disciplines and institutions.

v  Excellence: Dedication to top-notch, ethical, and impactful research.

v  Integrity: Maintaining transparency, accountability, and honesty in all academic and partnership activities.

v  Innovation: Promoting creativity and problem-solving through research supported by evidence.

v  Inclusiveness: Ensuring equal opportunities for all researchers and promoting gender balance.

v  Community Engagement: Prioritizing research and projects that contribute to local and national development goals.

v  Sustainability: Advancing research and partnerships that support long-term societal and environmental well-being.

Objectives

v Enhance Academic Quality: Strengthen curricula and teaching methodologies through international collaboration and exchange.

v Expand Research Impact: Facilitate joint research projects addressing global and local challenges.

v Foster Cross-Cultural Understanding: Promote cultural exchange to prepare globally competent graduates.

v Build Institutional Capacity: Enhance administrative and technical staff capabilities through international exposure and training.

v Secure External Funding: Pursue international grants and funding opportunities to support collaborative initiatives.

Areas of International Partnership

Werabe University is committed to building meaningful collaborations with international partners to leverage its institutional strengths in academics, research, community service, technology transfer, and higher education management. This commitment aligns with the university’s mission to become one of Ethiopia’s leading comprehensive universities with a significant international footprint.

By integrating academic growth, research excellence, and the university’s locational, ecological, and cultural assets, Werabe University positions itself as a strategic and forward-looking collaborator in the global higher education and research landscape.

Aligned with Ethiopia’s national development priorities and global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, Werabe University offers a valuable platform for capacity building, knowledge co-creation, applied innovation, and transformative development locally, across Africa, and beyond.

Key Partnership Opportunities with Werabe University:

v Joint Academic Programs: Co-development, benchmarking, and revision of curricula to enhance teaching quality and relevance.

v Collaborative Research: Joint research initiatives leading to high-impact publications and shared academic outcomes.

v Mobility Programs: Student and faculty exchange programs that foster global learning and intercultural engagement.

v Graduate Employability: Practical training opportunities such as internships, externships, cooperative education, and employability initiatives.

v  Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Support for incubation, commercialization, and startup development.

v Community Development: Joint initiatives aligned with WRU’s academic and research strengths to address local and regional challenges.

v Collaborative Funding: Partnership in securing funding for research and innovation in strategic thematic areas.

v Capacity Building: Training programs for academic and administrative staff to enhance institutional effectiveness.

v  Werabe University welcomes partners who share a vision for inclusive, impactful, and sustainable academic collaboration.

Exchange Student Information

Werabe University facilitates student mobility through its international partnership programs, providing opportunities for both incoming and outgoing exchange students. The university follows a semester-based academic calendar (September–January and February–June), and exchange students are expected to apply through their home institutions within the specified deadlines and obtain prior academic approval for their study plans.

Incoming students will have access to academic facilities including classrooms, libraries, and other learning resources, and are required to comply with the academic and administrative regulations of Werabe University. Tuition fees are paid to the home university, while students are responsible for travel, accommodation, visa, and health insurance arrangements.

Werabe University also supports its students in participating in exchange programs abroad. Students must meet academic and language requirements of the host institution, secure approval for credit transfer, and fulfill all necessary pre-departure arrangements.

For further information and application support, students are advised to contact the Directorate for Research, Internationalization and Partnership.

Get in Contact
1. Abdilkerim Asrar Seman, Director, Research, Internationalization and Partnership Directorate
   +251960935990/+251922496924
   E-mail: abdulkerimasrar@gmail.com /abdilkerim.asrar@wru.edu.et
         Werabe University
 
2. Hassen Mosa Halil, Coordinator, Office of Research and Project Affairs, Internationalization and Partnership
E-mail: hassenmosa17@gmail.com
Phone: +251 916691578
Werabe University