UW and South Africa
UW and South Africa
UW–Madison’s ties with South Africa have contributed to history-changing discoveries. Just as important are the relationships behind this work.
Through research, education, exchange, and engagement, students, faculty, alumni, and partners have shared knowledge and perspectives, building partnerships and greater understanding between Wisconsin and South Africa while working together to address challenges with implications far beyond either place.
Explore some of the connections between UW–Madison and South Africa.
Featured Country Initiative
South Africa is one of six countries selected for the Featured Country Initiative (FCI). The FCI celebrates the university’s international collaborations in specific locations around the globe. These collaborations include joint research and publications, student and faculty exchanges, community engagement, and creative endeavors.
By the Numbers
6
Students enrolled from South Africa during AY 25-26
7
UW-Madison faculty and staff are known to be from South Africa
600+
Number of publication collaborations between UW and South African entities
15
Registered alumni living in South Africa
African Studies Program
The African Studies Program, established in 1961, fosters a strong environment for research, teaching, and outreach dedicated to Africa. The program’s intellectual commitment to interdisciplinary learning elevates a rich diversity of viewpoints about the African continent. Located within the Institute for Regional and International Studies—a unit of the International Division—the African Studies Program also facilitates public programs for K-12 schools, community colleges, community organizations, and libraries across the state.
The African Studies Program is the focal point connecting Africa to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is dedicated to all related aspects of research, education, and outreach.
Featured Stories
UW Excellence
Origins Series
The quest to understand our beginnings — of our universe, of life on Earth, of our species — inspires people all over the world. At the University of Wisconsin–Madison, researchers have forged partnerships with colleagues in South Africa and are uncovering answers and opening new scientific frontiers.
Wisconsin idea
UW Vet Med Outreach Program Shares Knowledge in South Africa
The Dairyland Initiative, which delivers research-driven strategies to enhance dairy cow health and productivity, continues to be a resource to dairy farmers around the world.
Historic Discovery
Chamber of Discovery
An international team of scientists, undertook a remarkable task, bringing to light an unprecedented trove of fossils that represent the largest, most complex set of such remains found to date on the continent.
Students
UW Wildlife Conservation in South Africa
This signature study abroad program focuses on the ecology and management of South African wildlife at a research station located in the Makalali Game Reserve in Limpopo Province.
Research
Summer 2025 was an exciting time for the Nature’s Valley Baboon Project!
Primate Nutrition Lab co-directors brought four undergraduates to work with researchers to learn behavioral data collection and conduct independent projects.
South Africa Connections
The Wisconsin Directory of Global Engagement (WiDGE) captures international activity across the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. This directory currently includes 8 formally signed, active agreements between UW-Madison and institutions in South Africa.
