The University of Texas at Austin collaborates with universities, research organizations, government agencies, and other partners around the world to advance education, research, and global engagement. While many international collaborations can move forward without a formal agreement, some activities require a written agreement to define responsibilities, expectations, and the scope of the partnership.
Agreements include but are not limited to:
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is an umbrella agreement that serves to formalize and document a relationship between UT Austin and a foreign institution. The MOU demonstrates a mutual interest in furthering the collaborative relationship without specifying programs or activities. A Letter of Support is often used to document the initial stages of collaboration.
Academic Affiliation and Program Agreement of Student Exchange also referred to as “student exchange agreements” provide opportunities for UT Austin students to study at institutions abroad while also permitting students from that institution to study at UT Austin. Under Texas law, exchange programs must provide for an equal exchange of students over a five-year period. An exchange agreement should be preceded by, or be facilitated in tandem with, an umbrella MOU.
Academic institutions and organizations that contractually enroll students and/or support University programs conducted in a foreign country must be approved using an Affiliation Agreement. Prior to entering into conversations with a third-party provider, Texas Global must be apprised of the request.
Requests to renew a current partnership should be made within 6-12 months of the agreement expiration. To request a renewal, complete the Renewal of International Partnership Agreement proposal form and submit to the Office Global Engagement & Strategy at txglobalgso@austin.utexas.edu. A Global Strategy Officer will work with you to facilitate the review of the partnership.
All international institutional agreements must be coordinated through Texas Global's Office of Global Engagement & Strategy (GES) and approved by the Senior Vice Provost for Global Engagement. Texas Global works with university partners throughout the process, including legal review through the appropriate university offices, such as the Business Contracts Office (BCO) or Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR), when applicable.
Faculty and staff interested in developing a new international partnership should contact the GES early in the process to discuss goals, identify the appropriate agreement type, and ensure alignment with university policies and strategic priorities.
Contact the Office of Global Engagement & Strategy (GES) at txglobalgso@austin.utexas.edu to initiate a request.
Complete the New International Partnership Agreement proposal form and provide any draft agreement materials received from the partner institution.
GES will evaluate the proposed partnership to ensure that it aligns with UT Austin’s academic mission and advances the priorities of the university, and determine if institutional activities are already taking place with the prospective partner. GES will submit to the Senior Vice Provost for Global Engagement (SVPGE) for review.
If approved by SVPGE/Provost’s Office, GES will coordinate with prospective partner to negotiate the agreement.
GES will submit the agreement to the appropriate campus signatory for legal review and signature. Any modifications will be communicated to the international partner.
Upon signature by the appropriate UT Austin representative, GES or the sponsor (with copy to GES) will share with the international partner.
Following execution, OGES will maintain the agreement record and work with campus partners to monitor activities and asses partnership outcomes.
Whether you are exploring a new partnership, developing a student exchange, renewing an agreement or determining whether a formal agreement is necessary, Texas Global is available to help.
Contact a Global Strategy Officer at txglobalgso@austin.utexas.edu early in the process to discuss your goals and identify the best path forward.