• RLabs, together with UNICEF and Generation Unlimited are supporting the Study Access Alliance (SAA), a scholarship initiative for financially disadvantaged students in African countries, with their Yoma programme. 
• Scholarship recipients will be able to obtain a globally recognised bachelor’s degree online through SAA’s founding academic partner, IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) - Germany’s largest university. 
• With an initial target of 2,000 scholarships by the end of 2024, this initiative aims to amass a grand total of 10,000 scholarships for young people in Africa. 
• SAA scholarships will support, in particular young women pursuing a bachelor's degree in IT and technology. 
• SAA calls for additional funding partners to help reach its overall target of 10,000 scholarships by the end of 2025. 

Munich, 20 February 2024. The Study Access Alliance (SAA) welcomes RLabs as its newest partner in our joint mission to expand educational opportunities for disadvantaged students in Africa. RLabs joins the ranks of partners such as IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU), Germany’s largest university with more than 130,000 students. The joint goal is to award a total of 2,000 scholarships for online bachelor's programmes to young people in Africa by the end of 2024 and to raise further funding to increase the number of scholarship holders to 10,000. 

Utilising the Youth Agency Market Place (Yoma), a digital marketplace that offers free online opportunities to skill and connect young people, the SAA-RLabs partnership will catalyse accessible higher education for young people who have traditionally lacked it, helping empower communities in need. 

Yoma is a programme co-founded by UNICEF and Generation Unlimited (GenU), GIZ, Goodwall, and RLabs offering a variety of opportunities for young people via online and offline skilling programmes, guiding them in their learning-to-earning journeys, helping them create blockchain-based digital CVs, and matching with jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities. The SAA-RLabs partnership also marks the first expansion of Yoma’s scope to support young people to access fully-fledged online university degrees, marking a significant stride toward providing accessible education for disadvantaged young people in Africa. 

“Ensuring equal access to quality, affordable higher education is a key target for SDG 4. Breaking barriers to higher education is crucial for ensuring equal opportunities for young people in the labour market," said Nadi Albino, Deputy Executive Director, Partnerships, at Generation Unlimited. “With RLabs being a founding partner and driving force behind Yoma, we are excited about their new partnership with the Study Access Alliance (SAA). By prioritising equity, access, and focusing on upskilling in communities where opportunities to acquire market-relevant skills are lacking, we can pave the way for a more inclusive workforce that benefits all.” 

In a first step, the scholarship offers are aimed at African Yoma users in South Africa and Nigeria who would be denied access to higher education without financial support. In particular, young women pursuing a bachelor's degree in IT and technology will be supported. The scholarships are awarded for online degree programmes at Germany's largest university, IU International University of Applied Sciences - SAA's founding academic partner and Europe’s leading edtech institution. This has the advantage for scholarship holders that they can study flexibly and from their hometowns, while remaining near their families and using what they have learned for positive impact within their communities. 

Throughout their academic careers, students are supported by RLabs right on the ground with laptops, internet access, training, workshops, and a safe space to study. Christine Taphel, Chief Executive Officer of RLabs South Africa said: "The partnership with Study Access Alliance (SAA) is crucial to the mission of RLabs, as it promises to deliver world-class educational opportunities to youth who have traditionally been marginalised from such pathways. This collaboration not only opens doors to knowledge and learning but also significantly enhances the employability of these young individuals, equipping them with the skills and tools necessary to thrive in the global workforce." 

Those who receive a scholarship can start their distance learning at IU effective immediately. Students have access to all of IU’s robust university resources such as its exclusive AI-powered learn buddy, Syntea, study and career guidance, professors and tutors, as well as digital learning tools such as the IU Learn app and thousands of digitally available learning materials.

Carolin Kreuder, Executive Director of the Study Access Alliance said: "It is fundamental for the Study Access Alliance to make higher education with a focus on future viability and employability accessible to financially disadvantaged people in Africa on a large scale - not only for their own personal growth, but rather education reduces inequalities, solves the urgent need for digital skills and thus contributes to overall sustainable economic development. We are delighted to have RLabs on board with their valuable connections in the country." 

Currently, scholarship holders can join the more than 130,000 students at IU, which offers more than 50 English-language online bachelor's and master's degree programmes. IU International University of Applied Sciences is the founding academic partner of the Study Access Alliance and offers online scholarships for less than 10 percent of regular tuition fees. The remaining amount for each scholarship is covered by SAA's funding partners. 

“We are excited to join the Study Access Alliance in welcoming RLabs as its latest partner. This venture, further bolstered by UNICEF and Generation Unlimited’s Yoma programme, unleashes a plethora of new opportunities for young people in Africa. With our vision of, everybody can access education to grow, we found it a natural fit to support SAA’s efforts to provide scholarships for young Africans. The combined efforts of SAA, RLabs, UNICEF, Generation Unlimited and IU allows for a personalised learning trajectory that aligns with the unique ambitions and needs of African students, crafting a lineage of tech-savvy minds,” said Dr Sven Schuett, CEO of IU International University of Applied Sciences. 

Thanks to the combined efforts of SAA partners, several thousand degrees worth 42 million euros can be awarded under this new collaboration. To reach the total target of 10,000 scholarships, an additional 8 million euros still needs to be raised. The Study Access Alliance is therefore looking for additional like-minded sponsors and partners who will join the alliance to enable even more young people in Africa to participate socially and economically through access to higher education. There is particular interest in finding new funding partners and partner organisations that can provide students with training and internship opportunities to ensure a smooth transition into the labour market after graduation. 

SAA is currently working with the following partners: Artsy Africa Academy (Uganda), HI² (Germany), HoteliersGuild (Switzerland), Mully Children's Family (Kenya), TooShare (Senegal), CASBI (Kenya), NIfA (Germany) and, as of now, RLabs (South Africa).  

For more information and to be a part of this innovative and globally inclusive opportunity, reach out to: 

Luise Wittmann
Study Access Alliance 
info@study-access-alliance.org 
https://www.study-access-alliance.org/for-partners/ 
 

About RLabs 

RLabs is a South African and award-winning non-profit that was established in 2009 in Bridgetown, Cape Town. The main aim of RLabs is to create spaces where people can be impacted, empowered and transformed through HOPE, technology and innovation, training and economic opportunities. RLabs has since expanded its model and work to 24 countries across 5 continents impacting more than 60 million people. To date more than 2,500,000 community members have directly accessed the RLabs skills training and economic empowerment programmes.

About Study Access Alliance (SAA) 

The Study Access Alliance is a scholarship provider for disadvantaged students in African countries who are financially unable to fund their university education. Initiated by the IU Group in 2022, the Study Access Alliance is a non-profit limited liability company (gGmbH). By collaborating with organizations such as NGOs, businesses, universities and education groups in Africa and beyond, students with a financial disadvantage are better supported directly and onsite. Current partners include Artsy Africa, CASBI, HI2, Mully Children’s Family, TooShare, NIfA and RLAbs. For more information, visit www.study-access-alliance.org.

About IU International University of Applied Sciences (part of IU Group)

With over 130,000 students, IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is the largest university in Germany. The private, state-recognised educational institution with its headquarters in Erfurt began operations in 2000 and is now represented in more than 35 German cities. Students from over 190 nations design their studies according to their needs: whether practice-integrated dual studies, flexible distance learning or individual “myStudium”, which combines online self-study and campus life. IU wants to give people worldwide access to personalised education for a fulfilled and self-determined life. In more than 250 bachelor's, master's and MBA programmes, including over 50 in English, IU teaches students key skills relevant to the future. A digitally supported learning environment and the use of AI solutions help students to achieve optimal learning results and experiences. IU is one of the first universities in the world to have developed and deployed its own AI-supported learning buddy. IU cooperates with over 15,000 companies and supports them in the academic training of professionals. Partners include Motel One, Vodafone, AWO and Deutsche Bahn. Further information at: iu.org

The AI-supported learning buddy "Syntea" is now available as a public demo version in the ChatGPT store at the following link: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-P5olqoCPc-syntea 

Munich, 3 August 2023. The Study Access Alliance (SAA) is a scholarship provider for disadvantaged students in African countries. In 2022, Study Access Alliance was initiated as a non-profit limited liability company (gGmbH) by IU Group. Through cooperations with NGOs, companies, universities and educational institutions in Africa and beyond, financially deprived students are supported directly and locally. In order to make higher education possible for even more people in African countries, further education and financing partners are being sought. 

SAA has already awarded the first scholarships. Currently, the initiative is working with IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) as an academic partner to offer scholarship holders a wide range of online bachelor's and master's degree programmes. Furthermore, the African partners provide additional support to local students, including soft skills training, mentoring and internship opportunities. 

SAA currently works with partners in Kenya, Uganda, Senegal and Cameroon: Artsy Africa Academy (Uganda), HI2 (Germany), HoteliersGuild (Switzerland), Mully Children's Family (Kenya), Sompon Socialservices BW e.V. (Cameroon, Germany) and TooShare (Senegal). 

The initiative's academic partner, IU, offers online scholarships for less than 10 per cent of regular tuition fees through the Study Access Alliance. The remaining amount for each scholarship is covered by SAA's funding partners. 

The Study Access Alliance is always looking for new sponsors and partners to join the Alliance. There is particular interest in finding new funding partners and partner organisations that can provide students with training and internship opportunities to ensure a smooth transition into the job market after graduation. 

Feel free to get in touch if you are interested! 
 

Further information and contact: 

Luise Wittmann 
info@study-access-alliance.org 
https://www.study-access-alliance.org/for-partners

ABOUT IU INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
(PART OF IU GROUP)

With over 130,000 students, IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is the largest university in Germany. The private, state-approved educational institution with its main campus in Erfurt brings together more than 250 bachelor's and master's programmes under one roof, which are offered in German or English. Students can choose between dual studies, distance learning and myStudies, which combines online and face-to-face events, and design their studies independently with the help of a digitally supported learning environment. In addition, IU enables further training and promotes the idea of lifelong learning. The aim of the university is to give as many people as possible worldwide access to personalised education. IU started operations in 2000 and is now represented in more than 35 German cities. It cooperates with over 15,000 companies and actively supports them in the development of their employees. The partners include Motel One, VW Financial Services and Deutsche Bahn. Further information at: www.iu.org. 
 

Erfurt, Germany, 1 December 2022. Effective immediately, students at IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) can take part in its new Study Abroad Alliance. Through IU’s new study alliances, students will be able to begin their studies online with IU in their home countries and finish their degree on campus at one of its nine partner universities worldwide. This new study model will help students save money on tuition fees and living expenses and facilitate a post-study residency in the host country. Students can choose between universities in North America, Europe – including the UK – and Australia, with additional study locations being added over time.

Prof. Dr. Florian Hummel, Vice-Rector International, IU International University of Applied Sciences, said:

“By collaborating with universities on a global level, students benefit from an open-border approach where everybody has access to education regardless of their country of residence. IU’s new Study Abroad Alliance offers opportunities to save money on a high qualitative education and facilitates relocation to a desired country to help adult learners succeed on a pathway to international employability and career success.”

The new Study Abroad Alliance combines both online and on-campus learning, offering a flexible approach to students. Depending on the partner university, students participating in IU’s Study Abroad Alliance must complete a given number of online semesters at IU before transferring to their selected partner university for their final semesters. Due to IU’s unique partnerships, all credits are transferable, and students will be awarded a globally recognised, top-rated university degree from the partner university after graduation. Upon completion of their studies, students interested in seeking employment in their host country benefit from an easier process of acquiring post-study residency thanks to their prior study visa.

Carolina Fromm, Head of International Expansion at IU, said:

“We are excited to launch IU’s new Study Abroad Alliance, enabling even more students to pursue their dreams and access state-of-the-art knowledge through an innovative study model in the country of their choice. The tailor-made study alliance underscores the strength of IU’s global academic partnerships and helps shape our students into world-class talent.”

IU’s Study Abroad Alliance collaborates with higher education institutions to provide internationally recognised, top-quality education to its students. Students can study online at IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU), Germany’s largest private university which offers some 60 customisable online bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English before selecting their study destination abroad. The partner universities include:
 

• Australia:
  International College of Management Sydney
   
• Canada:
  Acsenda School of Management (Vancouver)
  British Columbia Institute of Technology (Vancouver & Burnaby)
   
• Czech Republic:
  University of New York in Prague
   
• Greece:
  Hellenic American University (Athens)
   
• Ireland:
  Dublin Business School
   
• Italy:
  American University of Rome
   
• UK:
  London Institute of Banking and Finance
   
• US:
  St. Francis College (Brooklyn, NY)
   

In addition to the partner universities around the world, students also have the option to fully complete their degree at IU in Germany (Berlin or Bad Honnef) under its hybrid study model. For more information on IU’s Study Abroad Alliance, click: https://www.iu.org/lp/study-abroad-alliance/.
 

Images

• Prof. Dr. Florian Hummel, Prorector International, IU Internationalen Hochschule (IU)
• Carolina Fromm, Head of International Expansion an der IU Internationalen Hochschule (IU)

ABOUT IU INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES (PART OF IU GROUP)

With more than 130,000 students, IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is the largest university in Germany. The private, state-approved educational institution with its main campus in Erfurt brings together more than 250 bachelor's and master's programmes under one roof, which are offered in German or English. Students can choose between dual studies, distance learning and myStudies, which combines online and face-to-face events, and design their studies independently with the help of a digitally supported learning environment. In addition, IU enables further training and promotes the idea of lifelong learning. The aim of the university is to give as many people as possible worldwide access to personalised education. IU started operations in 2000 and is now represented in more than 35 German cities. It cooperates with over 15,000 companies and actively supports them in the development of their employees. The partners include Motel One, VW Financial Services and Deutsche Bahn. Further information at:  www.iu.org. 
 

Erfurt, Germany, 29 November 2022. IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is the first German university and latest member to join the Association of African Universities (AAU). IU joins AAU pursuant to its mission that everybody can access education to grow. Through its AAU membership, IU can exchange knowledge and experience with other institutions in a diversity of areas and specialisations, such as personalised and hybrid learning – a core approach to IU’s success. As Germany’s largest and fastest growing university with more than 100,000 students, its learners will be able to access the Database of African Theses and Dissertations (DATAD), as well as scholarship grants and student exchange opportunities.
 

Dr. Sven Schuett, CEO, IU International University of Applied Sciences, said: 

“We are excited to be the first German university to obtain membership into the Association of African Universities. IU’s strong connection to Africa, including our thousands of students from countries like South Africa, Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria make it a perfect fit for us. As an AAU member, our students will benefit from an intercontinental approach, allowing them to not only be better global students, but world-class talent.”

With roughly 18% of its students being non-nationals, an international approach to education is at the core of IU International University of Applied Sciences. Membership into the Association of African Universities will allow IU to collaborate with African institutions and create academic connections and exchange, while improving the quality of and access to higher education. For more information on the Association of African Universities, visit: www.aau.org, or join their mailing list to receive regular updates: http://eepurl.com/bqysav.
 

Bursaries for African students

Earlier this year, IU announced that it is partnering with Study Access Alliance – a financial need-based scholarship (bursary) programme offering 100% tuition reduction for African students to study online at IU International University of Applied Sciences. Applicants will be able to apply the bursary toward an online bachelor's or master’s degree in a variety of study programmes at IU. The bursary programme – which offers African students the opportunity to study at a globally recognised, top-rated university online – will be distributed by local partners in select African countries. Students interested in applying for a bursary, or higher education institutions interested in becoming an SAA partner can visit: https://www.study-access-alliance.org.

ABOUT IU INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES (PART OF IU GROUP)

With more than 130,000 students, IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is the largest university in Germany. The private, state-approved educational institution with its main campus in Erfurt brings together more than 250 bachelor's and master's programmes under one roof, which are offered in German or English. Students can choose between dual studies, distance learning and myStudies, which combines online and face-to-face events, and design their studies independently with the help of a digitally supported learning environment. In addition, IU enables further training and promotes the idea of lifelong learning. The aim of the university is to give as many people as possible worldwide access to personalised education. IU started operations in 2000 and is now represented in more than 35 German cities. It cooperates with over 15,000 companies and actively supports them in the development of their employees. The partners include Motel One, VW Financial Services and Deutsche Bahn. Further information at:  www.iu.org. 
 

Our thoughts and solidarity are with the children, women and men in Ukraine who are suffering from military aggression.

IU is committed to supporting its students from Ukraine in the best possible way. Contact persons from the student administration are available to help them find solutions together.

Statement of the German Rectors' Conference

Statement of the German Academic Exchange Service

ABOUT IU INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES 
(PART OF IU GROUP)

With more than 130,000 students, IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is the largest university in Germany. The private, state-approved educational institution with its main campus in Erfurt brings together more than 250 bachelor's and master's programmes under one roof, which are offered in German or English. Students can choose between dual studies, distance learning and myStudies, which combines online and face-to-face events, and design their studies independently with the help of a digitally supported learning environment. In addition, IU enables further training and promotes the idea of lifelong learning. The aim of the university is to give as many people as possible worldwide access to personalised education. IU started operations in 2000 and is now represented in more than 35 German cities. It cooperates with over 15,000 companies and actively supports them in the development of their employees. The partners include Motel One, VW Financial Services and Deutsche Bahn. Further information at: iu.org.