About Universitas 21

Established in 1997, Universitas 21 engages in a number of activities, informed by our core underlying principles.

Universitas 21 is an international network of 23 leading research-intensive universities in fifteen countries. Collectively, its members enrol over 830,000 students, employ over 145,000 staff and have approaching 2.5 million alumni. Their collective budgets amount to over US$25bn and they have an annual research grant income of over US$4bn. The network's purpose is to facilitate collaboration and cooperation between the member universities and to create opportunities for them on a scale that none of them would be able to achieve operating independently or through traditional bilateral alliances.

Established in 1997, Universitas 21 engages in a number of activities, informed by our core underlying principles:

  • a global focus and perspective
  • a commitment to excellence in all we do
  • a commitment of those involved to collaborative and co-operative work and spirit while ensuring there are clear outcomes
  • a determination to achieve added value
  • a constant striving for innovation and the creation of multilateral opportunities for members
  • sustainability of activity

All Universitas 21 member institutions are research-led, comprehensive universities providing a strong quality assurance framework to the network's activities.

Click on the member list to find out more about each member university.

U21 has published new research into national education systems gives the first ranking of countries which are the ‘best’ at providing higher education.
U21's vision, strategic goals and activity focus
Meeting planners, funding application guidelines and other useful resources