TUT and Haaga-Helia University Celebrate Their 10 Year Collaboration
TUT and Haaga-Helia University Celebrate Their 10 Year Collaboration. In a remarkable milestone for international academic partnerships, the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences are celebrating ten years of impactful collaboration that has not only strengthened institutional bonds but also reshaped the landscape of professional and academic development in South Africa and Finland.
From MoU to Meaningful Change
The journey began in 2015, when both institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to foster academic cooperation and knowledge exchange. Over the past decade, this vision has materialised into a dynamic, results-driven partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared goals, and a commitment to higher education transformation.
On 8 April 2025, this partnership reached a celebratory pinnacle as Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of TUT, alongside Prof Ben van Wyk, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching, Learning and Technology, welcomed senior representatives from Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, including Teemu Kokko, President and CEO, and Crister Nyberg, Director of the School of Professional Teacher Education.
Decade of Tangible Impact
According to Prof Van Wyk, the collaboration has yielded significant academic achievements. Since the inception of the partnership, the institutions have celebrated the graduation of 318 Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) students and 43 Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduates in Educational Management. These numbers are a testament to the quality and relevance of the programmes developed through this cross-continental alliance.
“These achievements reflect not only academic excellence but also the unwavering dedication of both institutions to promoting leadership, innovation, and sustainable development in the higher education sector,” said Prof Van Wyk.
National and Regional Collaborations
What began as a bilateral partnership has now evolved into a multi-institutional network. Strategic alliances with local universities such as the University of Mpumalanga (UMP), Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), and the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) have broadened the reach and impact of the programme, contributing to regional academic empowerment and diversified educational development.
These collaborative initiatives have enabled the institutions to extend professional development offerings, engage in knowledge sharing, and cultivate innovative teaching and learning models across South Africa.
Government Support and Strategic Endorsement
Recognising the value and sustainability of the TUT–Haaga-Helia collaboration, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has lent its support through funding under the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP). This funding has been critical in enabling the continuation and enhancement of key activities, aligning the partnership with the national agenda of higher education transformation in South Africa.
The UCDP support has ensured that academic excellence, leadership capacity, and institutional resilience are maintained and advanced, thereby embedding the initiative into the national development strategy.
Driving Future Innovation and Growth
As the partnership looks ahead, both institutions are committed to deepening their engagement across strategic focus areas. These include:
- Expansion of AI academic programmes to embrace the digital evolution of education
- Postgraduate supervisor development to improve research quality and mentorship
- Academic staff exchange programmes to enhance intercultural competence and teaching innovation
- Professional development offerings targeting current and future educational leaders
These forward-thinking initiatives underscore a joint commitment to academic innovation, lifelong learning, and global competitiveness.
“As we commemorate this 10-year milestone, we also look to the future with optimism and renewed purpose,” Prof Van Wyk remarked.
A Model for International Academic Collaboration
The TUT and Haaga-Helia University partnership stands as a beacon of excellence in international education partnerships. It showcases how cross-border collaboration can effectively address educational challenges, empower educators, and drive inclusive, sustainable growth in higher education.
The collaboration is not just about academic programmes it’s about building a resilient and responsive education system that nurtures leadership, supports innovation, and promotes equity across borders.
Conclusion
The success story of Tshwane University of Technology and Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences exemplifies how international partnerships can deliver real, measurable change in the higher education sector. With over 300 successful graduates, growing institutional networks, and strong government support, the foundation has been laid for a future of expanded impact and continued excellence.
