Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is a profile of University West, both in education and in research. Since 2020, the University has initiated a new and unique PhD programme in WIL. University West is given the task and responsibility by the Swedish government to develop WIL into a new research subject. Hence, University West is the only University that provide this PhD programme in WIL, nationally and internationally. The presentation initially provide a presentation of the PhD programme, discussing the field of research and the organisational structure. Being a unique PhD programme, University West aim to make it attractive in the international landscape of higher education and research. In so doing, the presentation discuss the development of international collaboration of WIL research, illustrated by a new agreement and collaboration of PhD education in WIL with Central University of Technology (CUT) in South Africa. In this respect, the presentation also highlight the opportunities of international long-term research cooperation in WIL, as a research field/subject, and there to connected collaborations with the surrounding society at local, national and international levels.