UNIMED – Mediterranean Universities Union – is a network of Higher Education and Research Institutions, active in promoting academic cooperation in the Euro-Mediterranean region and in Sub-Saharan Africa, in the Middle East and in Western Balkans (www.uni-med.net). It counts 179 associated universities and research Centres coming from 25 countries of both shores of the Mediterranean (data updated in March 2025). UNIMED vision is to be a dynamic network that combines the resources of its members in mutual support, so as to benefit our communities on a local, national, regional, and global scale. UNIMED mission is to facilitate international academic and research cooperation in order to enhance the scientific, cultural, social, and economic development of the region.
Our team
Silvia Marchionne, Project coordinator and project manager
Martina Zipoli, Project Manager
Caterina Gravina, Project assistant and responsible for Logistics
Sara Oldani, Communication officer
Elena Chiesa, Graphic designer
Orlando Luca, Financial Manager
A strong international vocation is the cornerstone of “Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma” – UNINT, which has been conveying interdisciplinary skills that are key for understanding the world to its students since 1996. The study of its languages, cultures, digital evolution, international scenarios and economic dynamics is an integral part of our students’ education. Bachelor’s and master’s degree Programmes are defined and constantly updated with an eye toward challenges and opportunities related to globalisation. An approach that makes it possible on a day-to-day basis to identify trends and needs of the labour market at the international level and create educational paths marked by a high level of specialisation and interdisciplinary character, under the banner of a progressive integration of knowledge and skills that is proving to be increasingly crucial for full professional fulfillment.
The University of Murcia (UMU) is an international institution with over a hundred years behind it. Today, it is home to more than 30,000 students (2,000 of them from abroad), 3,000 researchers and lecturers, and an administration force counting 1,200. At the same time, it is a driving force in society in the Mediterranean Basin thanks to its Campus de Excelencia Internacional Mare Nostrum (CMN). With more than 20 years of experience, both the International Office and the Research Office OPERUM are very active and have extensive experience in hosting European and international cooperation and research projects and promoting research excellence. Every year 2,000 people take part in our mobility programme, making the UMU the regional leader in Internationalisation and a key player in the Mediterranean area.
AKRE University for Applied Sciences is a dynamic educational institution renowned for its focus on applied sciences and practical learning. As a university, it operates primarily in the academic sector, offering a range of programmes that blend theoretical knowledge with practical applications, particularly in fields like business management, technology, and applied sciences. The university is known for its emphasis on hands-on learning experiences, preparing students for real-world challenges. The university vision is becoming a leading institution of higher learning, driving innovation and excellence in the field of applied sciences; and to provide accessible, practical, and industry-relevant education, empowering students to thrive in dynamic and evolving professional landscapes.
Duhok Polytechnic University is a collegiate research university located in the Kurdistan Region-Iraq. As a public multi-campus university, DPU has eight technical institutes and four technical colleges in seven districts within Duhok Governorate, each of which has a unique community with local economic, social, cultural, and environmental development needs. DPU, established in 2012, is one of the three polytechnic universities in Kurdistan, and offers a wide range of curricula leading to Diplomas (Associate Degrees) and Bachelor of Science Degrees. Course syllabi are developed under the oversight of the Quality Assurance. DPU is currently developing a strategic plan in response to the national authority of assessment and international academic accreditation. Therefore, it has a commitment to academic improvement, and establishing relationships with international universities.
Erbil Polytechnic University was founded in 1993 by the Kurdistan National Council and was opened in 1996 under the name of ‘Foundation of Technical Institutes’. When the Technical colleges were opened, its name was changed to ‘Foundation of Technical Studies. It later became the Erbil Polytechnic University in 2012, embracing 4 colleges and 7 technical institutes. Erbil Polytechnic university is a scientific governmental academy which aims at educating technical qualified people in the various specialties to meet the needs of the society, as a non-profitable centre of education. It develops human capacities and resources in technical fields for the graduates of the preparatory schools, and educates technical qualified people in relation to the marketing needs.
SPU is a public, inclusive and comprehensive Polytechnic University featuring active and applied learning to advance students’ knowledge and skills while fostering competent, resilient, lifelong learners to succeed in their careers and personal lives as creators, innovators, and responsible citizens. Sulaimani Polytechnic University is dedicated to educating graduates by equipping them with science and technology for the benefit of society. We are committed to providing excellence in technical education for employment and advancement in careers in a constantly changing global environment. Sulaimani Polytechnic University is a STEM-oriented institution committed to providing higher education degrees with resilience and opportunity to prosper and adapt to the current employment requirements.
The University of Duhok (UoD) is a fast-growing institution in Duhok, Iraq. It plays a vital role in developing the community by instigating socioeconomic, cultural, scientific as well as educational progress in Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The University of Duhok was founded on the 31st of October 1992, following a resolution by the Kurdistan Parliament to address the increasing demand for higher education in the region. UoD has grown today to an institution of 19 colleges with 67 Departments, 22942 undergraduate students, 1827 academic staff, and 2527 administration staff. UoD is a member of the International Association of Universities (IAU), UNIMED, the European Association for International Education (EAIE), and the Association of Arab Universities (AARU). The vision of the University is to be a leading university, committed to research and teaching, its foremost concern is to provide an excellent education to those who have the ability and are ambitious and motivated to learn.
The University of Garmian is a public higher education institution established in 2010. It has 30 departments, two of which are aligned with the University President’s office and the rest of the departments are spread out across 8 colleges. Additionally, there are 16 other departments across 5 colleges that offer evening classes. We also offer postgraduate degrees; in total 21 master’s and PhD Programme in 4 colleges. The University aims at advancing knowledge and learning experience through research and innovation that best serve human society. Its vision is to become a leading university in scientific disciplines to shape a sustainable future in the region. Its scope of work encompasses a wide range of academic disciplines, with a particular focus on addressing regional needs through education and community engagement.
The University of Zakho is one of the largest institutions of higher education in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, and the one of the main local leaders in university education, scientific research and knowledge development. It was founded and established in 2010 as a non-profit state organization for higher education. The University of Zakho implements the Bologna process since academic year 2017-2018 (the first university in Kurdistan and Iraq). UoZ Vision is to consolidate and further strengthen its position in inter/national academic environment and to increase its attractiveness – under conditions of economic crisis – in order to strengthen the institutional, developmental and social cohesion of the Kurdistan Region-Iraq. The mission is defined by three axes: Education, Research and Social contribution, through competitive educational Programme focused on the required specializations and skills of graduates and linking these Programme with market requirements and needs; providing a stimulating environment for learning and scientific research; encouraging creativity, innovation and excellence in specific areas that serve local and international needs.
As an associated member, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research KRG will actively contribute to project development. The Ministry plays a key role in ensuring equal access to higher education, fostering scientific knowledge, aligning universities with labor market needs, and enhancing education quality. It prioritizes capacity building, modern technology integration, and international cooperation to strengthen Kurdish higher education institutions. Additionally, it supports universities in becoming centers of excellence and developing initiatives that drive economic and social development.