NELS - Next Level Skills for Student Leaders

Next Level Skills for Student Leaders (NELS) is a dynamic virtual training programme designed to elevate the capabilities of student leaders across Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa. 

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What is NELS?

Whether you're representing your student union, leading a campus initiative, or simply passionate about making a difference, NELS empowers you to lead with confidence, creativity, and compassion.

NELS brings together student leaders from Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa for virtual, small-group sessions that foster leadership, critical thinking, and intercultural exchange. Participants gain practical tools to drive positive change and build lasting international networks while exploring key values like democracy, inclusion, and sustainability.

The NELS course offers one Welcome session and five Thematic sessions per semester, all delivered online to ensure accessibility and inclusion. Sessions run twice per semester to allow flexible participation and are led by experienced facilitators and student organisation representatives from across Africa and Europe.

Each session will combine expert inputs, as well as group-based assignments, real-world case discussions and action-based learning and reflection

Over 10 interactive sessions per semester, students engage deeply in each theme and can earn micro-credentials (ECTS) for their participation.

How to Register

The Registration form starts on 1st August 2025, after completing it, wait for confirmation via email with details on how to join the Moodle platform.

Why Should You Register?

Learn from peers across Africa and Europe
Gain leadership experience grounded in real-world challenges
Earn micro-credentials that count towards your academic or career journey
Be part of a global network of student leaders
Participate in interactive, engaging sessions and coffee talks

Future Skills and Megatrends

Examines global shifts like digitalisation, climate change, and demographic change, and how these impact higher education and leadership.

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Digitalisation and Digital Transformation

Focuses on the implications of digital technology in education, activism, and governance, offering tools for digital leadership and innovation.

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Sustainability and SDGs

Explores the role of student leaders in promoting sustainable practices aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals within their institutions and communities.

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Leadership for Student Leaders: Self and Team Leadership

Builds essential leadership capabilities including ethical decision-making, time management, and goal setting within student governance contexts.

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Communication for Student Leaders in the Virtual Space

Strengthens students' ability to communicate effectively and inclusively in online environments, with a focus on collaboration and clarity.

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Conflict Resolution for Student Leaders

Trains participants to manage opposition, resolve conflicts, and maintain unity within diverse student-led initiatives.

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Effective Communication Between Student Leaders and Decision Makers

Provides tools for advocacy, negotiation, and strategic dialogue with university officials and policymakers.

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Cross-Sector Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement for Student Leaders

Enhances intercultural fluency and the ability to engage across regional, institutional, and cultural boundaries.

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New Ways of Student Organising I

Discusses emerging models of student mobilisation, focusing on digital activism, decentralised leadership, and participatory governance.

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New Ways of Student Organising II

Deepens practical skills through global examples and collaborative projects, helping students co-create the future of student representation.

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Session First Offer Second Offer
Welcome Session 17th October 2025 10:00 GMT 3rd November 2025 12:00 GMT
Future Skills and Megatrends 20th October 2025 10:00 GMT 5th November 2025 12:00 GMT
Digitalisation and Digital Transformation 22th October 2025 10:00 GMT 7th November 2025 12:00 GMT
Leadership for Student Leaders 24th October 2025 10:00 GMT 12th November 2025 12:00 GMT
Communication for Student Leaders - Virtual Space 28th October 2025 10:00 GMT 13th November 2025 12:00 GMT
New Ways of Student Organizing 1 30th October 2025 10:00 GMT 14th November 2025 12:00 GMT

Modes of Participation & Recognition

Students can choose to:

  • Attend selected individual sessions
  • Participate in the full course (1 Welcome session + 5 sessions)

Those who complete the full course and submit a personal skills portfolio are eligible to receive micro-credentials (European-standard ECTS credits) issued by FH OOE. Participants not submitting portfolios will still receive a certificate of participation.

The image shows a group of four students with different appearance that represent the diversity of the programme as well as the Higher education participants that will attend. It has a blue filter that aligns with the NELS logo as well as a red background to contrast the image.

Technical Information & Support

Platform: All sessions will be hosted on Moodle and conducted via Teams

Support: AASU, GSF, and ESU teams are available for technical and administrative guidance

Tools Used: Breakout rooms, collaborative whiteboards (Padlet, Miro), and gamified learning methods

NELS Project Team

Backed by a consortium of HEIs and representative student unions, NELS draws on extensive expertise in fostering student engagement and civic involvement. The project runs from 1 February 2025 to 31 January 2028. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
The image shows the Co-funded project European Union Logo