Partners

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Since its foundation, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam has stood for scientific and value-driven education, research and knowledge transfer. We are free thinkers with expertise and a broader mind. And we work together to build a better world for people and the planet.

Research university with a focus on society

The world is facing major challenges, while there are growing divisions within society. This calls for science with a conscience. With our expertise, open-mindedness, enterprising spirit and multidisciplinary approach, VU Amsterdam works on developing sustainable solutions that impact society. We focus on four profile themes: Connected World, Governance for Society, Human Health and Life Sciences, and Science for Sustainability.

Unique and multidisciplinary university

VU Amsterdam is a unique university with faculties in the humanities, STEM, social sciences and medical sciences. Our education and research are closely linked. We combine our top position in research with a strong social orientation, which has resulted in an excellent international reputation. Our education and research are distinctly multidisciplinary. We are a true campus university in the heart of the Zuidas Knowledge District, sharing its excellent national and international position and accessibility.

Why VU Amsterdam is involved in EDE:
The Centre for International Cooperation (CIS) is VU Amsterdam’s central hub for international cooperation. Together with partners globally, we create value from knowledge, contributing to the sustainable future of the planet and people.

CIS initiates, coordinates and (co-)implements programmes and projects in capacity sharing, education, research and outreach in cooperation with partners (universities, government agencies and civil society organisations), particularly in Africa, Asia and Latin America. These activities express the societal engagement of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in a global perspective.

VU’s participation in the EDE Project underscores its societal engagement to advancing higher education through global collaboration and knowledge sharing. Through coordination of the project and active participation in its activities, VU contributes to strengthening doctoral education systems in Kenya and South Africa while also gaining valuable perspectives to enhance its PhD programmes. This reciprocal exchange of best practices drives academic innovation and elevates the overall quality of doctoral education.

Institutional coordinator:

Mrs. Colette Gerards c.c.j.gerards@vu.nl

Maseno University logo

Maseno University

Maseno University is a public university in Kenya, recognized for its academic excellence, research, and innovation. Established in 2001, the university has grown into a dynamic institution integrating technology, research, and practical learning to address regional and global challenges.

The university comprises 14 schools, several offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Among those that offer doctoral programs include, the Schools of Agriculture, Food Security and Environmental Sciences, Arts and Social Sciences, Planning and Architecture, Biological and Physical Sciences, Business and Economics, Education, Public Health and Community Development, and Mathematics, Statistics, and Actuarial Science. These schools engage in advanced research and training, producing graduates equipped to drive economic growth, policy development, and technological advancements.

Maseno University stands out for its pioneering use of Information and Technology (IT) in education, ensuring digitally integrated learning across all programs which ensures that students are well prepared for the knowledge economy. This aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 development agenda. Maseno University prides itself as the only university on the Equator!

Why Maseno University is involved in EDE:
Maseno University is recognized for its rigorous postgraduate training, producing scholars who contribute to Kenya’s and East Africa’s research landscape. However, as global challenges intensify, the need for industry-relevant PhDs that drive economic growth and practical solutions has never been greater. Across Kenya, East Africa, and the broader Sub-Saharan region, pressing issues such as youth unemployment, agricultural sustainability, urbanization pressures, energy access, climate adaptation, public health crises, and governance reforms demand doctoral research that translates into job creation, resilient food systems, sustainable infrastructure, and policy-driven solutions. A PhD should not only advance academic knowledge but also equip graduates with the ability to tackle these challenges, shape policy, and contribute directly to economic and social transformation.

To ensure doctoral education remains impactful and aligned with development goals, Maseno University collaborates with ministries and leading universities in Kenya, South Africa, and Europe in the EDE Project. This partnership seeks to critically examine the policies guiding PhD training, the gaps between policy and practice, and their impact on doctoral education’s quality and relevance. By working with international and regional partners, Maseno aims to bridge these gaps through the co-development of doctoral training models that are contextually relevant, industry-responsive, and designed to support economic transformation. The EDE Project is expected to refine PhD programs to not only meet global academic standards but also empower graduates to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and policymakers who actively shape Kenya’s and Africa’s future.

Institutional coordinator:

Dr Lilian Omondi lilomondi@gmail.com

University of Nairobi

The University of Nairobi was established under the Universities Act 2012 of the Laws of Kenya and the University of Nairobi Charter. The university is the oldest university in Kenya, with its origins in the Royal Technical College of East Africa, established in 1956 and became the University of Nairobi in 1970. Today, the university has over 60,000 students, with 11,000 pursuing postgraduate degrees covering a diverse range of disciplines.

The University has and continues to be a centre for intellectual life, a locus of research activity extending the boundaries of knowledge, a resource for professional development, and a key player in the growing global network of scholarship. More information can be found on the university website.

Why University of Nairobi is involved in EDE:
The EDE is a collaborative project, involving multiple universities and national-level partners and can significantly contribute to enhancing the quality of doctoral education at the University of Nairobi. By pooling our resources, expertise, and experiences, the project can identify best practices, develop standardized approaches, and implement improvements that positively impact the quality of doctoral programmes. It is hoped that the project shall address some of the specific challenges related to doctoral education faced by the University of Nairobi, including funding, access to resources, faculty development, and alignment with regional and international standards. The expectation is that the collaborative EDE Project shall facilitate a comprehensive analysis of these challenges and the development of tailored solutions to address them effectively.

Institutional coordinator:

Institutional coordinator Prof. Madara Ogot madara.ogot@ubuntunet.net

Ministry of Education

Ministry of Education

The Ministry of Education – Kenya is responsible for formulating and implementing education policies, overseeing the education system, and ensuring quality education at all levels. The Ministry is also in charge of research, science, technology and innovation in the country. The State Department for Higher Education and Research (SDHER) of the Ministry of Education is responsible for overseeing the governance in the universities and also supports research and innovation in higher education institutions in the country.

The Directorates and the Agencies in the SDHER work together to improve higher education, ensure access, and maintain quality standards.

Why the Ministry of Education is involved in EDE:

The State Department for Higher Education and Research of the Ministry of Education is actively involved in the EDE Project because it plays a crucial role in;

  1. Formulating and implementing policies related to post-graduate studies
  2. Quality Assurance & Accreditation of doctoral programs
  3. Research and Innovation Promotion
  4. Capacity Building for Doctoral Training
  5. Funding & Scholarships for Doctorate programs
  6. Linkages between government, academia, researchers, industry and society.
  7. Internationalization of Doctoral Education
  8. Monitoring and Evaluation of Doctoral Programs

Institutional coordinator:

Mrs Roselida Owuor roselida.owuor@education.go.ke

Rhodes University logo

Rhodes University

Rhodes University is 125 years old, having been formed in 1904. It is a small, rural university in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It is a traditional university with 30% of its students being postgraduate. In line with our university’s vision statement, we value and treasure the engagement, collaboration, and partnerships we have with the surrounding Makhanda community, as well as provincial, national, and international bodies and institutions.

We remain committed to strengthening and deepening these to create and disseminate locally responsive and globally engaged knowledge to advance a better, inclusive and sustainable future for all. As a University that is committed to the public good, we endeavour to place our knowledge, skills and competencies at the service and benefit of our society and humankind and we work with communities to advance positive, inclusive and sustainable change.

The university has Commerce, Education, Humanities, Law, Pharmacy, and Science faculties. It graduates about 90 PhD candidates each year, many from the university’s chairs and centres of excellence, including nanotechnology, biotechnology, water research, physics and radio astronomy techniques, sexualities and reproductive rights, and global change and environmental sustainability.

Why Rhodes University is involved in EDE:
Rhodes University obtained NUFFIC funding to work with Vrije Universiteit in 2013 on a project aimed at strengthening postgraduate supervision. That led to an accredited short course that has now been offered over 100 times in 7 different countries. Thereafter, Rhodes University once again collaborated with VU and others on an EU-funded CBHE project focused on postgraduate environments, which saw the development of a range of open-access online materials to support supervisors and postgraduate scholars. A further CBHE project entitled Creating Postgraduate Collaborations followed, which brought these same two countries into collaboration with universities in Kenya to look at how working across borders and sharing resources could strengthen the postgraduate experience for all stakeholders. This EDE Project is the natural extension of all of these previous projects and allows us to reflect more narrowly on doctoral education and more broadly at a system and national policy level.

Institutional coordinator:

Prof. Sioux McKenna s.mckenna@ru.ac.za

University of Ljubljana logo

University of Ljubljana

The University of Ljubljana (UL), founded in 1919, is Slovenia’s oldest and largest higher education and research institution. Located in the nation’s capital, it is renowned for its academic excellence, innovation, and strong international collaborations. The university offers a diverse range of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs across its 23 faculties and 3 art academies, covering disciplines from humanities and social sciences to engineering, natural sciences, and medicine. It is attended by around 40,000 students and employs more than 6,000 teachers, researchers, assistants, and professional and administrative staff.

UL is recognized for its strong research focus, contributing significantly to scientific advancements in Slovenia and beyond. It actively participates in European and global research projects, fostering partnerships with universities, industries, and government institutions. As a member of various international networks, it promotes academic mobility and interdisciplinary cooperation.

Committed to quality education, the University of Ljubljana adapts its curricula to global trends while fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge transfer. With a vibrant student community and strong cultural engagement, it is a dynamic hub of intellectual and social activity, shaping Slovenia’s academic and research landscape.

Why University of Ljubljana is involved in EDE:
The University of Ljubljana’s involvement in the EDE Project reflects its dedication to advancing higher education through international collaboration and knowledge exchange. Its participation plays a key role in facilitating a comparative analysis of doctoral education policies and practices between Europe and Africa. By identifying gaps in existing policies, supporting capacity-building initiatives, and developing innovative strategies for doctoral training, the university actively contributes to the project’s objectives.

Through engagement in cross-regional dialogues and policy development, the University of Ljubljana not only helps strengthen doctoral education systems in Kenya and South Africa but also gains valuable insights to refine its own doctoral programs. This mutual exchange of best practices fosters academic innovation and enhances the quality of doctoral education on a broader scale.

Institutional coordinator:

Prof. Tatjana Marvin tatjana.marvin@ff.uni-lj.si

DHET logo

Department of Higher Education and Training

The mandate of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is to drive skills development through a holistic approach to post-school education and training (PSET). Its vision is “an integrated, coordinated, and articulated PSET system for improved economic participation and the social development of youth and adults.”

The mission of DHET is to provide strategic leadership in the PSET sector by:

  • Developing appropriate steering mechanisms
  • Overseeing, monitoring, and evaluating system performance
  • Providing support services in relation to teaching and learning
  • Funding PSET institutions and entities.

The DHET is structured into six programmes, one of which is University Education. This programme develops and coordinates policies and regulatory frameworks to ensure an effective and efficient university education system. It also manages administrative and financial responsibilities and coordinates monitoring and evaluation functions.

Within this programme, the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) serves as a key initiative to advance transformation in higher education. The UCDP focuses on three critical areas:

  1. Student development and success,
  2. Staff development, and
  3. Programme or curriculum development.

The UCDP views transformation as addressing the clear inequalities that persist in our higher education system and building quality to enhance access and success.

Why the DHET is involved in EDE:

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) participates in the EDE Project to strengthen its efforts in funding and advancing the national University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP), which aims to contribute to:

  1. equitable access and high levels of success for all undergraduate and postgraduate students;
  2. the creation of an academic pipeline that enables the recruitment and development of adequate numbers of academics in ways that transform the academic workforce and that provides for quality research development and teaching development opportunities for academic staff along the full career trajectory from recruitment to retirement;
  3. the provision of development opportunities for professional staff in universities including management staff that lead key portfolios and professionals that manage specific portfolios;
  4. the development and/or renewal of academic programmes and curricula that are of strategic importance and are national priorities.

Institutional coordinator:

Mrs. Mandisa Cakwe cakwe.m@dhet.gov.za

University of Stellenbosch logo

University of Stellenbosch

With our African roots and global reach, Stellenbosch University (SU) has grown into a true asset to South Africa, our continent and beyond over more than a century. We combine world-class knowledge production and cutting-edge technological innovation to be a thriving, transformative and systemically sustainable university. Our relevant, impactful research makes us ever more agile and responsive to the needs of society, enabling us to confront the complex challenges of our country, region and the globe.

Future-fit, inclusive and collaborative, we are moving forward, together. Stellenbosch’s Centre for Higher and Adult Education (CHAE) was established in 1997 under the leadership of the late Prof Chris Kapp as part of the Department of Curriculum Studies in the Faculty of Education at Stellenbosch University. Both Higher and Adult Education Studies are small yet critically important fields, both nationally and internationally. Given the limited number of similar centres in South Africa, we play a key role in advancing and strengthening these fields within the country.

Why University of Stellenbosch is involved in EDE:
Whilst the CHAE has remained true to its initial focus on teaching and learning in higher and adult education settings, our work has evolved to include a strong focus on postgraduate supervision, doctoral education, and student success in higher education. As such, we focus on postgraduate studies in the fields of higher and adult education by means of three focused postgraduate programmes: i) the MPhil in Higher Education, ii) the MPhil in Education and Training for Lifelong Learning, and iii) the PhD programme. More information on these programmes are available in the Stellenbosch University Calendar, available here. We also host a biennial conference on Research in Postgraduate Supervision, where a network of scholars from across the globe gathers to discuss cutting edge research in this field. Our short courses aim at building capacity within the broader areas of postgraduate supervision and scholarly practice. Please see the CHAE webpage for more information on these events, available here.

Through active participation in the EDE Project, the CHAE aims to contribute to strengthening doctoral education systems in Kenya and South Africa while also gaining valuable perspectives to enhance its own PhD programmes. This initiative will refine PhD programs to not only meet global academic standards but also empower graduates to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and policymakers who actively shape Kenya’s and Africa’s future.

Institutional coordinator:

Prof. Liezel Frick blf@sun.ac.za

Project Management Team

Colette Gerards

Colette Gerards

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Overall Project Coordinator

Colette is an experienced project manager at the Centre for International Cooperation (CIS-VU) with a keen interest in the Erasmus+ programme. She has managed large scale projects in the region focussing on recent developments in Higher Education in South Africa and Kenya particularly in the postgraduate cycle. She was the coordinator for the previous EPE and CPC projects.

c.c.j.gerards@vu.nl

Esther den Hartog

Esther den Hartog

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vice Project Coordinator

Esther is senior Project Manager and Advisor Institutional Development of CIS-VU. Her experience encompasses the acquisition and management of international capacity building projects, facilitating leadership & management training and developing interventions which support institutional development.

esther.den.hartog@vu.nl

Sioux McKenna

Prof. Sioux McKenna

Rhodes University

Country Coordinator South Africa

Sioux is Professor of Higher Education Studies at Rhodes University. She researches the relationship between the university and the state and broader society. She runs a large PhD programme and leads several large research projects.

s.mckenna@ru.ac.za

Dr Lilian Omondi

Maseno University

Country Coordinator Kenya

Sociologist, Researcher, and Lecturer. Experienced in Project Development and Management, Participatory Community Planning and Co-production of Knowledge, Gender and Social Inclusion, Mentorship and Capacity Building, with a strong focus on applied research and policy-driven solutions.

lilomondi@gmail.com