International Agreements
The Office of Global Engagement is your starting point for collaborative agreements with institutions abroad.
International collaboration is a valuable component of NC State’s research, educational and service endeavors. The Office of Global Engagement (OGE) supports these efforts through expert consultation on international higher education systems; the development of academic partnerships with institutions abroad; and the administration of study abroad and student exchange programs.
Certain international activities require written agreements that confirm our intent to collaborate and/or establish general frameworks for joint programs. OGE manages the proposal and review process for these agreements, working closely with the Office of General Counsel and the Office of Research and Innovation to ensure compliance with NC State and government regulations.
Office of Global Engagement Agreements
Bilateral Student Exchange Agreements
Bilateral exchange agreements enable students to take classes at the host institution, typically for one academic term. During the exchange period, students remain enrolled and pay tuition to their home institution. The number of students and semesters of enrollment must be balanced within the timeframe of the agreement. The Study Abroad Office coordinates the review and approval process for student exchanges.
Erasmus+ Inter-Institutional Agreements
Inter-Institutional Agreements (IIAs) form the basis of mobility activities in the European Union’s educational Erasmus+ program. The IIA allows involved institutions to cooperate for the exchange of students, faculty and staff in the context of Erasmus+.
External Dual Degree Agreements
External dual degrees are academic programs that enable students to earn a degree from each participating institution. These programs must follow the policies of NC State, the UNC System, and our institutional accrediting body. The Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost oversees the requirements for external dual degrees.
Institutional Membership in International Academic and Scientific Consortia
Formal memberships in international university networks provide unique benefits such as research opportunities, multilateral student programs and academic conferences.
Memoranda of Understanding for International Academic and Research Cooperation
For NC State purposes, a memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) is a general, non-legally binding document that formalizes our intent to collaborate. MOUs may be used to document areas of mutual interest, goals for cooperation and future activities. Once specific programs or projects are identified, the details are typically addressed through focused, activity-based agreements.
Study Abroad Affiliation Agreements
NC State Study Abroad partners with selected organizations to expand program options for our students. In some cases, these affiliations require a formal agreement to document admissions, financial arrangements and other program terms and conditions.
Transfer Articulation Agreements (3+2 Programs)
Transfer articulations formalize pathways to NC State degree programs for students from other institutions (e.g., combined bachelor-master programs or 3+2 programs). Transfer articulations are developed in cooperation with the Graduate School and apply to specific academic programs.
Visiting Scholar Agreements
Some visiting scholars from foreign institutions require an agreement that sets out the terms of their stay at NC State. A Memoranda of Understanding may suffice, but separate agreements may also be developed to address specific goals and arrangements for visiting scholars.
Other International Agreements
- Contracts for Vendor Goods and Services: Collaborative research projects, student programs, workshops, etc. may require contracts for payment to international entities. These contracts are managed by Procurement & Business Services.
- Data Use Agreements: Data use agreements outline how data will be shared between institutions or individuals and how those data can be used and disclosed. NC State’s Office of Research and Innovation provides guidelines for developing data use agreements.
- Sponsored Research: NC State’s Office of Research and Innovation holds signature authority for activities that involve sponsored research projects, external research funding or specific research deliverables. Visit Research Administration and Compliance for more information.