The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the C3L - Center for Lifelong Learning at the University of Oldenburg (Germany) are jointly organising the DIES University Leadership and Management Training Course UNILEAD in Oldenburg, enabling young managers at higher education institutions in selected countries of the Global South to successfully tackle every-day challenges. In order to do so, the training course brings together the topics Project Management, Strategic Management & Academic Leadership and Human Resource Management with individual and practice-oriented change projects of each participant.

I. Course and Methodology

UNILEAD focuses on three key areas: 

1. Project Management: This includes courses on Methodology of Project Management and Financial Management in projects.
2. Strategic Management & Academic Leadership: This includes courses of theoretical basics and practical tools for the development and implementation of Strategic Management and acquisition of competences in the area of Leadership.
3. Human Resource Management: This includes courses on instruments of Human Resource Development, Conflict Management and Communication.

In order to complement these three modules, additional topics, such as Strategic Story Telling, Team and Key Competences, and Resilience are touched upon. In addition to a web seminar on the topic of “Digital Transformation in Higher Education”, excursions to other higher education institutions are also integrated into the curriculum.

The core of the entire course is an individual and practice-oriented change project that participants are required to propose already in their application. The project should explicitly be linked to the strategic objectives of their universities and the field they are working in. The course content will always reflect on and relate to these change projects.

II. Learning Approah / Schedule

Using a blended learning approach, UNILEAD is structured in two on-site contact phases at the University of Oldenburg, and mentor guided online phases.

As the modules of the programme are interconnected, participants are expected to take part in the online and contact phases and the web seminar.

• Online Phase 1: January – February 2026
• Contact Phase 1 in Oldenburg: 08. – 28. March 2026
• Webseminar: April – June 2026
• Online Phase 2: April – September 2026
• Contact Phase 2 in Oldenburg: 06. – 19. September 2026

A written statement from the higher education management, that confirms a strong commitment to attend all parts of the course is an entry requirement for being admitted.

III. Participants' Profile

UNILEAD is targeting higher education managers from selected countries of the Global South who have just been promoted to a position with management responsibilities.The greatest benefit and success are therefore enjoyed by participants who are still at the beginning of their management career.

The two key criteria for applicants are:

• Applicants have been holding a university management position with administrative, managerial, operational or personnel function that contributes to institutional sustainability, student success, and innovation. The management responsibility should not exceed 4 years: o Managers of central university departments (Planning, Quality Management, Human Resources, Continuing Education; excluding academic units such as Deans, Vice Deans, Head of Department). o Task force managers for university change projects.
• Active and excellent English language skills (speaking and writing) are indispensable. Phone interviews will be organised with short listed candidates to guarantee the requested proficiency.

Further criteria are:

• Applicants are university leaders preferably between 30 and 40 years.
• Applicants hold at least a Master’s degree.
• The provision of international experience will be an asset.

IV. Application Requirements and Process

Candidates must submit their complete application in digital format to the email address [email protected], including all the requested information, with the corresponding signatures and stamps. This should be send before September 23th, 2025 at 11:00a.m.

Once received, the documentation will be reviewed by the corresponding team, and subsequently forwarded for consideration and approval by the Rector, Dr. Ángela Laguna.

The documents to be submitted are as follows:

• Letter of Motivation including date and signature (The following questions need to be answered: What is the reason for you applying for the UNILEAD 2026 training course and which role do you think will it play for your professional career?; In which way do you think that your participation in the UNILEAD 2026 training course could help you to implement your project and to overcome existing or foreseen challenges, obstacles or problems?; What will be the benefit for your institution?
• Proof of excellent English proficiency (e.g. TOEFL, Cambridge Certificate) will be an asset
• Document were you answer the following point: Extensive description of managerial and leadership tasks performed in your position. The description should not be longer than 1000 characters.
• Project Proposal: The training course pursues a practice-oriented approach. During the course, participants are expected to work on an  individual and practice-oriented reform project, which they are currently implementing or planning to implement at their university. Therefore, the project should be explicitly linked to the strategic objectives of the university.

   Please outline a concrete project with relation to the topics of the course which you are currently implementing or planning to implement at your university. Do not forget to include the overlapping with the strategic goals of your institution. The description should not be longer than 4000 characters

V. Funding

During the contact phases the participants will be guests of the University of Oldenburg.

Following expenses will be covered:

• Course costs for participation in UNILEAD.
• Travel costs: Flights to and from Germany (Economy class) and ground travel to and from Oldenburg (2. class train). We kindly ask the participants to make their own travel arrangements – they will then be reimbursed in cash upon arrival in Oldenburg.
• Accommodation (including breakfast) and Welcome and Farewell Dinner at the two contact phases in Germany.
• Emergency health insurance during the contact phases.

IMPORTANT: Please note that the 300 EUR will be covered by the Faculty in which you work or by the person interested.

VI. Contact

• Interested students may contact o[email protected]
• Phone: 560-3201
• Attention in person at the International Relations Office from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm.
• Find us on social networks as @dri_utp