To strengthen their internationalization, German universities enhance their international profile by building strategic partnerships and thematic networks with universities abroad. Within the framework of the programme ‘Strategic Partnerships and thematic networks’, financed by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and launched in 2012, the DAAD supports long-term cooperation of German higher education institutions with international partners. Out of the 89 applications received, 28 projects were selected for funding in a competitive review process, including ten strategic partnerships and 18 thematic networks. Each of them will receive up to EUR 1 000 000 in the coming four years. German universities will cooperate with partner institutions from 39 countries in total. The regional focus of the partnerships lies on cooperation with institutions based in the United States and China.