Global Horizons: The Vision of the University of Wolverhampton

Vision & Strategic Direction

The University of Wolverhampton is a very ambitious organisation with correspondingly ambitious plans and aspirations, including extended global outreach and engagement.

Our Strategy 2035, titled Creating Opportunity, Transforming Futures sets our course and the university’s mission to deliver a more inclusive society and sustainable society through purposeful and collaborative international engagement.

This strategic outlook is underpinned by five strategic pillars and each guide and inform the university’s global approach and engagement:

– Student Success: Our teams have co-created a dynamic student experience to foster high levels of engagement, satisfaction, and equitable outcomes. International students are supported through tailored services, scholarships, and virtual events that ensure a smooth transition and enriching experience.

– People and Culture: We attract and retain talent by embedding an inclusive and empowering culture. Student facing staff are encouraged to engage in international research, teaching exchanges, and global networks that enhance their professional growth and outlook.

– Operational Excellence: The University of Wolverhampton operates as one of the most agile and sustainable universities in the UK. Our investments are tailored to ensure that our global operations—from admissions to alumni relations—are efficient, student-focused and flexible.

– Research and Knowledge Exchange: High-quality, impactful research is a cornerstone of our global approach and strategy. We collaborate with many international institutions and partners to address pressing global challenges, from healthcare innovation to climate resilience.

– Transformative Global Engagement: We are determined to shape future ideas, influence policy, and support inclusive growth. Our global alumni network includes leaders in government, business, and civil society who exemplify the university’s transformative ethos and approach to global engagement and partnership building.

This dual focus, of local roots and global ambition, helps position the university as an important strategic partner and collaborator.

Global Outlook & Engagement

Our experience informs and guides us, and we know that we can achieve so much more when we work with others. Working in partnership creates the best conditions to help raise aspiration and drive social mobility in our communities locally and globally. It is an approach that we passionately believe in and one that has consistently delivered results.

Importantly, our international outlook and approach to engagement is matched by action and delivery. We operate across 130 countries, creating a vibrant, multicultural academic community and we see repeatedly that this diversity enriches the learning environment for all our students and prepares them to succeed and thrive in a global economy.

Our approach is one that is recognised. We are on course to achieve the maximum 5 QS Stars for internationalisation, employability, teaching, facilities, and inclusiveness—an accolade that underscores our commitment to excellence on the world stage.

We are committed to championing diversity in all its forms. Our inclusive ethos is reflected across our student body, our academic and professional services teams and our leadership. The university actively supports underrepresented groups and fosters a culture of respect, equity, and belonging. International students are celebrated at the University of Wolverhampton where their contribution to promoting cross-cultural understanding and global citizenship is much valued.

The University of Wolverhampton prioritises sustainability and responsibility. In that sense we walk-the walk and we are committed to making a socially responsible contribution to the world, aligning its operations with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our research portfolio includes projects on environmental sustainability, social justice, and economic development. Through international collaborations, Wolverhampton addresses global challenges with local solutions, ensuring that its impact is both meaningful and measurable.

But we know that we cannot stand still, so our global vision and approach continue to evolve. Our TNE partnership arrangements are growing steadily, and we have plans to develop collaborative international branch campuses, deepen our international research partnership engagement and impact, and are working to enhance our digital learning platforms to reach students worldwide; in doing so make a positive difference for students, staff, and communities.

Our international strategy is not simply just about attracting students—it’s about building a globally connected institution that contributes meaningfully to education, research, and societal development worldwide. Our approach is guided by values of inclusivity, ambition, accountability, and resilience, ensuring that internationalisation is both impactful and sustainable.

Nepal – A Valued Strategic Partner

I am very proud of the long-standing relationship that the University of Wolverhampton has with our Nepalese partners and students. Each year we welcome students from Nepal to our campuses, who we support through their academic journeys with tailored admissions guidance, scholarships, and student services. Currently we have almost 1,000 Nepalese students enrolled on our undergraduate programmes, and another 500 on postgraduate courses. We also have an in-country presence where we can offer support and advice to students interested in undertaking their learning journey with us. In fact, this time last year the University partnered with Bizz Education to host a very successful UK Admission Day 2024 in Kathmandu to help Nepali students understand the UK admission process and explore opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate study at Wolverhampton. This is in addition to a range of other roadshows and open days we offer in Nepal through our regional representatives.

Our collaboration with partners in Nepal reflects our strategic commitment to global engagement, educational access, and cultural exchange. Through events, partnerships, and regional representation, the university continues to strengthen its ties with Nepal, empowering students to pursue transformative academic and career opportunities.

One of the University of Wolverhampton’s prominent alumni hails from Nepal. Debendra ‘Dave’ Koirala graduated in 2008 with a Masters Degree in Public Health and today he is senior lead clinical scientist in a pharmaceutical company in the United States. Debendra’s story is an inspiring one and you can read more about it at Debendra Koirala – University of Wolverhampton

Create Opportunity, Transform Lives

The University of Wolverhampton has come a very long way since its inception as a Tradesman and Mechanics’ Institute in 1827. Today, I see the University of Wolverhampton as more than an educational institution. It is a global community of learners, leaders, and changemakers. And through our strategy we have set out a bold and ambitious course for international engagement, grounded in values of inclusivity, accountability, ambition, and resilience. Whether through international partnerships, global alumni success, or transformative research, the University Wolverhampton will continue to deliver on its promise: to create opportunity, transform lives, and shape a better future for all.