From Hof to Kasserine, from Kairouan to Gabès – Professor Dr.-Ing. Valentin Plenk is building a dense network of academic partnerships and industry contacts. His most recent visit demonstrates that the collaboration between Hof University of Applied Sciences and Tunisia is gaining momentum.
When Prof. Dr.-Ing. Valentin Plenk travels to Tunisia at the end of March 2026, it will by no means be his first mission to the North African country. The goal is not only to maintain existing contacts but also to systematically expand an international network between Hof University of Applied Sciences and key players in the Tunisian higher education landscape: “We see enormous potential in Tunisia for long-term collaborations—both in teaching and in applied research,” says Prof. Plenk, describing his motivation. The focus is on student exchanges, dual degrees, and joint projects with an industrial focus.
Universities in Dialogue: From Tunis to the South
A key role in this is played by the Direction Générale des Études Technologiques (DGET), which coordinates the network of 26 Instituts Supérieurs des Études Technologiques (ISET). These institutions form the backbone of practice-oriented engineering education in Tunisia. Plenk is visiting several of these ISETs—including those in Kasserine, Radès, Ksar-Hellal, and Kairouan. The program is complemented by discussions at the École Nationale des Sciences de l’Informatique (ENSI), part of the Université de Manouba, the Université de Gabès, including the Institut Supérieur de Gestion de Gabès (ISG Gabès), as well as through contacts with the Université de Tunis El Manar.
Similar topics are the focus everywhere: English-language degree programs from Hof, Erasmus funding opportunities, and new formats for collaboration.
Mobility as the key—but with hurdles
Tunisian students are particularly interested in spending time in Germany. Two models are under discussion: traditional exchange semesters and so-called PFE stays (“Projet de Fin d’Études”), i.e., final theses with binational supervision.
“The PFE model in particular is attractive to our partners because it integrates well into the Tunisian academic structure. While the organizational effort is higher, recognition is significantly easier.”
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Valentin Plenk
However, financing remains a central problem: without funding programs like Erasmus, longer stays are hardly feasible for many students. Alternative funding models are therefore being discussed intensively.
New teaching formats: Short programs with a big impact
In addition to traditional exchange formats, short-term programs are gaining importance. Following the model of Blended Intensive Programs (BIP), German-Tunisian student groups could work together on projects for one to two weeks.
Particularly concrete ideas are emerging in Ksar-Hellal: “Topics such as textile technology and intercultural design could take center stage there. Such compact programs are ideal for gaining initial international experience while simultaneously achieving concrete results,” says Prof. Nicole Mallek, who accompanied the visit to Ksar-Hellal.
Research Meets Practice: Industry as a Partner
A central element of the trip is the exchange with companies. Among others, the group will visit the Société des Arts Textiles (SARTEX), the Société Nationale de Cellulose et de papier Alfa (SNCPA), and SONAM. Here, it becomes clear how closely university cooperation and industrial application can be intertwined. Exciting opportunities for joint research projects are opening up, particularly in the fields of manufacturing and energy. Many Tunisian universities have expressed interest in joint doctoral projects involving stays in Germany. At the same time, larger programs are being prepared, though they are not yet finalized and details will be shared at a later date. “The key now is to translate these many ideas into viable structures,” summarizes Prof. Plenk.
A Network with a Future
For Hof University of Applied Sciences, Tunisia not only opens the door to new partnerships but also provides access to a growing educational and innovation hub in the Mediterranean region. Or, as Prof. Dr.-Ing. Plenk puts it: “These collaborations are not a one-way street—they thrive on mutual learning and the joint development of new ideas.”
