GHEA21 builds on the work of the Open Society University Network (OSUN), established in 2020, which successfully developed a new model of global higher education that has provided unrivaled opportunities for undergraduate students to pursue global learning with faculty from around the world. These opportunities bring together students from a diversity of geographies and backgrounds and fully integrate displaced and other marginalized students into partner institutions. The GHEA21 model is grounded in reciprocal relationships with a shared commitment among partners to build resilient institutions that cherish academic freedom and prepare students to address fundamental global challenges, such as climate change, inequalities, and human rights, as thoughtful and engaged citizens.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • All opportunities are open to students, faculty, and staff from partner institutions. There are also many public events available and open to anyone that would like to join. You can find them on the Events page.

  • GHEA21 courses are open to all students registered at partner institutions. Not all campuses recognize GHEA21 courses on transcripts, so it's best to check with your advisor before registering for a course.

  • Students at GHEA21 partners can apply for a certificate program through the GHEA21 portal during select application periods. While all Certificate Programs require students to take at least one Network Course, some are designed to be completed primarily online, while others are designed to take advantage of courses offered in-person on participating campuses. Because we want students on all campuses to be able to participate in all Certificate Programs, each Program is currently working to develop Online Course options that allow students without an in-person option to complete program requirements. This is a work in progress; students without in-person course options are encouraged to consult with program directors to discuss online alternatives. Learn more about Academic Certificates.

  • GHEA21 doesn’t offer scholarships to help cover the cost of tuition at partner institutions or at other locations. GHEA21 is a network and not a funder. 

  • GHEA21 is not expanding its base of partner institutions at this time.

  • Yes, students may apply to study abroad at a partner institution. Several GHEA21 institutions have partnered to host one another's students on exchange. In this model, eligible students pay tuition to their home institution, minus any scholarships they receive, and self-pay the cost of accommodations, meals, visa, and travel at the host institution. Students interested in studying at an GHEA21 partner institution are encouraged to speak with their study abroad or international office. Students must have the permission of their home institution to study abroad, and must apply to the partner institution for an exchange spot - the process will vary from campus to campus. GHEA21 does not have scholarship funds to assist with the cost of travel or living while abroad as an exchange student.

  • Except where otherwise noted, content on this site is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (Or Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial  4.0 License, if that is the preference). This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format, so long as attribution is given to the creator. The license allows for commercial use.

  • GHEA21 began as OSUN in January 2020 with the aim of educating students to address tomorrow’s global challenges and to strengthen the foundations of open society amid the current authoritarian resurgence. GHEA21 unites higher education institutions around the world through collaborative courses and projects that encourage students and faculty to examine issues from different perspectives and to expand educational access to marginalized and displaced populations.

  • Sign up for the weekly GHEA21 newsletter.

  • Please send your inquiries to [email protected].

For more information, please contact

[email protected]