UMST Partners With Global Platform for the South
The University of Medical Sciences and Technology will lead the new Inclusive Health Department for the research platform.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Higher Education
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The University of Medical Sciences and Technology has signed a cooperation agreement with the Global Platform for the South to foster academic mobility and joint research. This partnership establishes a framework for staff exchanges and institutional innovation between the participating organizations.
Why it matters
The agreement translates a shared commitment to South-South solidarity into a structured framework for development. By connecting institutions, the partnership aims to enhance educational opportunities and research outcomes for students and communities across member regions.
Founded in 1996, the University of Medical Sciences and Technology operates 17 faculties and 27 postgraduate degree programs. Currently, 5,000 Sudanese students are enrolled in Rwanda as part of the broader international student population.
The players
University of Medical Sciences and Technology
This Sudanese institution was established in 1996 and maintains educational campuses in both Khartoum and Kigali.
Global Platform for the South
This organization facilitates collaboration and development initiatives among academic and research institutions in Global South nations.
International Cooperation Group of Brazilian Universities
This network consists of 104 universities collaborating to promote international academic integration and research.
The details
Under the new arrangement, the university will lead the Inclusive Health Department within the Global Platform for the South. The institutions will collaborate on dental service support at Kabutare and Nyanza hospitals, while utilizing the platform to facilitate broader research networks, including connections with the International Cooperation Group of Brazilian Universities.
Timeline
The University of Medical Sciences and Technology was founded in Khartoum in 1996.
By 2021, the institution reached a student count of 8,000.
Operations in Khartoum were disrupted by conflict in 2023.
The memorandum of understanding was signed on October 21, 2026.
Culture Shift
This partnership follows the documented trend of South-South academic cooperation networks aiming to reduce reliance on traditional global research hubs. By formalizing these ties, the institutions signal a shift toward regional self-reliance and shared educational infrastructure.
Students and researchers associated with the member institutions can anticipate new opportunities for academic mobility and cross-border exchange programs. The development of these programs remains dependent on future institutional approvals and the specific design of the collaborative curriculum.
The takeaway
This agreement highlights the growing emphasis on regional institutional networks to solve localized health and educational challenges. Students should monitor their respective university portals for updates regarding upcoming exchange programs and joint research initiatives.
Further reading
Learn more about evolving academic partnerships in our Higher Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The New Times.
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