Is an international leadership programme designed for female Vice Presidents Presidents—or women in equivalent senior management positions from higher education institutions. The programme empowers participants to drive institutional transformation through inclusive and collaborative leadership. Through five modules in a blended learning format, participants develop their leadership skills, implement Change Initiatives, and engage in international peer exchange.

DIES LEADx is implemented by the University of Potsdam, under the Dialogue on Innovative Higher Education Strategies (DIES) programme, which is jointly coordinated by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK), and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

I. Structure and Contents - What to Expect?

The DIES LEADx course is a structured blended-learning programme for 25 participants that combines two in-person workshops with synchronous and asynchronous online sessions, interactive, applied learning experiences, and hands-on change initiatives that participants implement with support from experts in a group mentoring setting. The course consists of five modules, each offering practical insights and interactive learning opportunities. The modules are delivered by a core team of five experts—two from Europe and one each from the three target regions—and are detailed below:

• Module 1: Strategy, Leadership and Governance
• Module 2: Leading Change and Organisational Development
• Module 3 : Managing People, Conflict and Communication
• Module 4: Strategic Stakeholder Engagement and Institutional Alliances
• Module 5: Empowered Leadership and Personal Growth

Before the first in-person workshop, a virtual kick-off session (to be held in early September, exact date TBD) will be held to introduce participants to the programme, outline expectations, and facilitate initial networking. The two in-person workshops will take place at the University of Potsdam, Germany, close to Berlin, the capital of Germany. During the in-person workshops, participants will visit German universities, research organisations, and higher education policy institutions, gaining first-hand insights into the German academic and governance landscape. The in-person workshops will be held on the following dates which applicants should fully block to participate:

• 6-10 October 2025 (expected arrival on 5 October and departure on 11 October)
• 9-14 March 2026 (expected arrival on 8 March and departure on 15 March)

II. From Challenge to Change - Institutional Change Initiatives

Participants are required to outline an institutional challenge in their application and provide initial strategies to address it. Throughout the course, these Change Initiatives will be further developed and implemented with guidance and mentoring from experts and peers. The initiatives should address key challenges at their home institutions, align with strategic development goals, and be relevant to each applicant’s area of senior management.

Applicants must submit their application with a nominated Change Mentee, a mid-level institutional leader at their home institution, who plays a key role in supporting the Change Initiative. The Change Mentee should demonstrate a strong interest in leadership development and be well-positioned to contribute to both the analysis and implementation of the initiative

III. Eligibility and Selection

Applicants must be female Vice Presidents at a higher education institution in the partner countries. Eligible roles also include female leaders in equivalent positions who are part of the executive senior management team (e.g. Vice Rector, Deputy Vice-Chancellor or Pro Vice-Chancellor, depending on institutional naming conventions) with responsibility for a specific academic domain or institutional theme—excluding top-level leadership positions such as Rector. A high proficiency in English is required, as the course is conducted entirely in English.

IV. Programme Funding and Participation Fee

The DIES LEADx programme costs will be covered mainly by the DAAD through funds of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

The following expenses will be covered according to DAAD regulations:

• General course costs
• Flight costs for the participants (economy class) for both in-person workshops in Germany
• Local group transportation in Germany to the workshop venue and visits etc.
• Accommodation, breakfast, catering and selected group meals during the in-person workshops in Germany as indicated in the agendas
• Emergency health insurance during the in-person workshops in Germany

Participants' home faculty are expected to cover a fee of 500 EUR, along with national transportation costs (e.g., travel to and from the airport), visa fees and airport taxes, etc., and potential additional per diems if applicable.

V. Application Documents

The following supporting documents must be included in the application in PDF format and sent to [email protected], in order to proceed with the submission of the application link:

• CV with their personal information
• A motivation statement
• An analytical description of the Challenge and Change Initiative
• The nomination of the Change Mentee (name, position, role etc.)
• Letter of Interest from the Change Mentee, confirming acceptance of the nomination and commitment to supporting the Change Initiative
• Letter of Interest from the Change Mentee, confirming acceptance of the nomination and commitment to supporting the Change Initiative
• Letter of Commitment (PDF) signed by top institutional leadership, including o Confirmation of the candidate’s participation and institutional support o Explanation of the candidate’s role and responsibilities in senior leadership o Endorsement of the Change Initiative’s alignment with the institutional strategy o A statement on the Change Initiative’s relevance and expected institutional impact o Commitment to cover the 500 EUR contribution, national transportation costs, visa fees, airport taxes, etc., and potential additional per diems if applicable. (A draft letter should be prepared for review by the DRI and signed by the rector)

IMPORTANT: Please note that the 500 EUR will be covered by the Faculty in which you work or by the person interested.

VI. Deadline

The closing date of the call for applications is April 21th, at 11:00 am. 

VII.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