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International Academic Partnerships

The William States Lee College of Engineering at UNC Charlotte connects students and researchers with global academic partners, especially in Germany and Spain, offering study, internship and research experiences that expand technical expertise and cultural perspectives while strengthening career opportunities in engineering and technology.

Through a growing network of international partnerships with leading universities worldwide, the W.S. Lee College of Engineering at UNC Charlotte provides students and researchers with distinctive global learning and research opportunities. Many of these collaborations are rooted in Germany, renowned for its leadership in engineering, innovation, precision, and advanced technology. With nearly 240 German companies operating in the Charlotte region, students who participate in these programs gain a competitive edge and access to meaningful career opportunities.

Germany

Engineering Student posing for a photo at HKA in Germany
Hochschule Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA)

HKA is known for its industry partnerships which produce internships and job opportunities. The W.S. Lee College of Engineering exchange program with HKA includes an internship program with German-based Bürkert Fluid Controls Systems, a world leader in regulation, measurement and control technology. 

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

KIT is one of only a handful of German Universities of Excellence. KIT emphasizes faculty expertise and active research investigating novel energy storage systems of increased performance. With students from both KIT and UNC Charlotte focused on energy research, the partnership serves as a strategic collaboration for both universities.

Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences

Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences is one of the largest and most efficient universities of applied sciences in Germany. The partnership is designed to enhance academic knowledge and research expertise in the key growth areas of advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and transformational energy. 

Metrology Focused Program

Germany invests over 3% of its GDP in research and development, with a strong focus on measurement science. Due to this strength, W.S. Lee College of Engineering offers a faculty-led metrology focused program, leading students to visit scientists and engineers working in metrology labs across Germany, and to learn about the industrial application of metrology equipment. 

Spain

Universitat Politecnica de Valencia
Universitat Politecnica de Valencia

As one of Spain’s leading technological universities, the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) Alcoi Campus has partnered with UNC Charlotte’s Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science to create a dynamic, cross-institutional learning experience that connects students from both universities through collaborative academics and global engagement.

International Partnerships

The W.S. Lee College of Engineering at UNC Charlotte continues to expand its global network of partnerships with leading universities and industry partners, creating new opportunities for Niner Engineers to study, research and work around the world. For more information about the College’s international partnerships, please contact Dr. Cricket Bonnetaud, who oversees and manages the College’s international exchange programs.

Cricket Bonnetaud, Ph.D.