Saarland University (UdS) invites applications for the SUUN Training Course (SUUN-TC) 2026, an intensive professional development program for Vice-Rectors, Deans, and Vice-Deans from Ukrainian universities.

This program is part of the Saar-Ukraine University Network (SUUN): Overcoming Borders for a EUropean Future, supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR). The initiative aims to strengthen strategic leadership in Ukrainian higher education through international knowledge exchange and bilateral cooperation.

Program Objectives

The SUUN Training Course empowers academic leaders to:

• Develop and implement a Strategic Action Plan (SAP) tailored to their institution
• Enhance leadership, communication, and intercultural management skills
• Learn best practices in university internationalization and governance aligned with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA)

Course Structure

The program includes three online phases and one on-site training phase:

• Phase 1 | Jan–Feb 2026 | Online – Orientation webinar, SAP introduction
• Phase 2 | Apr 2026 | Saarbrücken, Germany – 6-day on-site training: Internationalization, HR, Quality Management
• Phase 3 | Jun–Jul 2026 | Online – Thematic webinars and SAP coaching
• Phase 4 | Oct–Nov 2026 | Online – SAP presentations and soft skills workshops

Language: English (with some sessions in Ukrainian)
Trainers: Experts from UdS, Ukrainian HEIs, DAAD alumni, and leadership professionals

Who Can Apply?

Applicants should:

• Hold a strategic academic leadership role (Vice-Rector, Dean, Vice-Dean, or equivalent)
• Be employed at a Ukrainian university accredited by the Ministry of Education
• Demonstrate motivation for international collaboration and institutional reform

Scholarships & Funding

Selected participants will receive:

• Full tuition and registration fee waiver
• DAAD scholarship covering travel, accommodation, insurance, and local expenses for the on-site phase in Saarbrücken

How to Apply

Applicants must submit the following documents in PDF format:

• Completed Application Form
• Motivation Letter (up to 500 words)
• Organigram showing your role within your institution
• Letter of Support from your university leadership (Rector)
• English proficiency certificate (optional, recommended)

Deadline: October 25, 2025

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an online interview to verify language skills and motivation.

Information Day

An online Information Day will be held on 16 September 2025 at 13:00 Kyiv time / 12:00 Berlin time.
Join the Information Day

Contact

• Eva Nossem, Institutional Coordinator
• Dr. Olha Polishchuk, Project Coordinator
• Saarland University, Campus A 5.3, Room 2.01.2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
• Tel.: (+49) 681 302 2793
• Email: project-suun@uni-saarland.de

Empowering Ukrainian academic leadership for a European future.

SUUN TC 2026 Call