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.

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
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.

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

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