TUT And Haaga-Helia University Celebrate 10 Years of Successful Collaboration. The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences have reached a major milestone in their ongoing educational alliance—a decade of successful collaboration marked by academic excellence, international innovation, and a shared commitment to higher education development. Since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2015, both institutions have transformed their partnership into a beacon of academic success that continues to influence the broader South African and global education landscape.
The Beginning of a Visionary Partnership
In 2015, TUT and Haaga-Helia University formalized their relationship through a Memorandum of Understanding that would lay the foundation for a multifaceted academic and strategic partnership. Over the last 10 years, this MoU has evolved beyond expectations, producing measurable outcomes and creating ripple effects throughout the higher education sector in South Africa.
This remarkable journey was celebrated on 8 April 2025, with TUT Principal and Vice-Chancellor Prof Tinyiko Maluleke and Prof Ben van Wyk, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching, Learning and Technology, hosting a prestigious delegation from Haaga-Helia. The Finnish delegation was led by Teemu Kokko, President and CEO of Haaga-Helia, and Crister Nyberg, Director of the School of Professional Teacher Education.
Tangible Outcomes of the TUT and Haaga-Helia Collaboration
Over the last decade, the TUT and Haaga-Helia collaboration has yielded impressive achievements. According to Prof Van Wyk, the partnership has led to:
| Key Outcomes | Impact |
|---|---|
| 318 Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) Graduates | Strengthened professional teacher education in South Africa |
| 43 Master of Business Administration (MBA) Graduates in Educational Management | Enhanced leadership and management capacity in the education sector |
| Expanded Regional Partnerships | Inclusion of CPUT, VUT, and UMP to broaden reach and diversity |
| Governmental Recognition and Funding | Backed by the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) |
These figures speak to the academic excellence that the programmes have maintained, as well as the enduring vision and dedication of both institutions to enhance professional development in the higher education space.
Strategic Expansion Across South Africa
One of the most impactful elements of this collaboration is its strategic expansion to include other notable South African institutions such as the University of Mpumalanga (UMP), Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), and the Vaal University of Technology (VUT). These partnerships have increased the reach and relevance of the program, enriching the learning experiences and bringing regional diversity to the forefront.
This multi-university approach ensures that the lessons and successes of the TUT-Haaga-Helia model are not limited to one institution but are shared across various campuses and communities, further embedding the initiative into the national education ecosystem.
University Capacity Development Programme: A Pillar of Support
Crucial to the success and sustainability of this initiative has been the unwavering support from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). The University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) has played a key role in ensuring that vital elements of the collaboration continue to flourish.
The UCDP funding has enabled the development and sustainability of the programmes, teacher training workshops, leadership seminars, and curriculum development efforts under this collaborative umbrella. This highlights the national importance placed on academic capacity development and educational leadership.
Building a Model of International Educational Collaboration
The enduring partnership between TUT and Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences is more than a bilateral agreement—it is a model of international cooperation, innovation, and resilience in addressing global educational challenges.
By leveraging each institution’s strengths, this partnership fosters:
- Cross-border knowledge exchange
- Innovative teaching practices
- Mutual faculty and student development
- Leadership growth across disciplines
This model not only enhances the global perspective of South African higher education but also positions TUT and Haaga-Helia as leaders in international academic collaboration.
Looking Ahead
As the two institutions celebrate their 10-year milestone, they are also actively preparing for the next phase of their journey. The roadmap for future collaboration includes:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Academic Programmes
- Co-developing AI-centric curricula to future-proof education systems.
- Postgraduate Supervisor Development
- Training postgraduate research supervisors to raise academic research standards.
- Academic Staff Exchange Programmes
- Enhancing cultural awareness and pedagogical innovation through faculty mobility.
- Professional Development Offerings
- Creating ongoing learning opportunities for educators and institutional leaders.
These planned initiatives aim to deepen the impact, improve programme sustainability, and further strengthen the bond between the two institutions.
Shared Values: Excellence, Equity, and Innovation
At the heart of this enduring relationship lies a mutual commitment to values that drive meaningful change in higher education. Both TUT and Haaga-Helia University share a vision rooted in:
- Excellence in academic delivery
- Equity in access to education
- Innovation in teaching and leadership development
Prof Van Wyk aptly summarized this sentiment:
“This decade of success affirms that TUT and Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences share more than just a collaboration—they share a commitment to excellence, equity and innovation in higher education.”
A Moment of Pride and Reflection
The anniversary celebration held at TUT was a moment not only to reflect on the journey but also to appreciate the human connections that make such collaborations possible. Present at the event were:
- Crister Nyberg, Director of the School of Professional Teacher Education (Haaga-Helia)
- Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, TUT Principal and Vice-Chancellor
- Ms Vuyokazi Rorwana, UCDP Manager
- Teemu Kokko, President and CEO (Haaga-Helia)
- Prof Ben van Wyk, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching, Learning and Technology
This lineup of thought leaders and visionaries highlights the depth of commitment from both institutions at the highest levels.
Conclusion
The decade-long collaboration between Tshwane University of Technology and Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences stands as a blueprint for future academic partnerships—a powerful example of what can be achieved through shared goals, strategic planning, and dedicated implementation.
