This short learning programme is designed for leaders navigating globalisation, digital transformation, and complex international partnerships.
- Dates: 29 June – 3 July 2026
- Venue: Ascenso Academy, Palma de Mallorca
- Format: Online prep · 4 days face-to-face · Online assessment
- Fee: EUR 2 750
If you do not have a Google account, please send an email to aneugeba@hs-mittweida.de and we will send you the application instructions.
Why Sustainable North–South Collaboration Remains a Challenge
Geopolitical volatility, globalisation, rapid digital transformation, and political uncertainty are reshaping higher education, demanding agile and forward-thinking leadership. While collaboration between the Global North and South is essential to address challenges such as inequality and climate change, many partnerships remain fragile, often ending with funding cycles or lacking strategic alignment. To build sustainable, long-term collaboration, higher education professionals need a deeper understanding of internationalisation dynamics and their broader context.
Leading Sustainable, Mutually Beneficial Partnerships
Designed for higher education leaders and key stakeholders across the Global North and South, this programme addresses the urgent need for agile, ethical leadership in North–South collaboration. It responds to persistent challenges such as short-term funding cycles, weak strategic alignment, and limited professional development opportunities.
Grounded in systems theory and comprehensive internationalisation, the course equips you to design and lead sustainable, mutually beneficial partnerships. You will strengthen your ability to navigate complex systems, enhance intercultural and digital competencies, and apply inclusive, strategic leadership practices.
Combining online preparation, an intensive face-to-face component, and a final assessment phase, the programme integrates expert input, peer learning, and practical group work. You will develop concrete partnership concepts and gain tools to embed North–South collaboration into long-term internationalisation strategies.
Learning Approach
The programme views universities and their partnerships as interconnected systems rather than isolated initiatives. You will explore how policies, governance, funding, digital infrastructures, and power dynamics interact — and learn to identify the key leverage points for building effective and sustainable North–South collaboration.
Embedding Collaboration in Long-Term Strategy
The course equips you to design and lead global engagement within a rigorous and ethically grounded internationalisation framework. It enables you to embed North–South collaboration into long-term strategies across teaching, research, and institutional development.
What You Will Be Able to Do
Analyse the Ecosystem
Use systems theory concepts to examine the higher education internationalisation ecosystem at various levels, identifying factors that influence North–South engagements — particularly opportunities and risks.
Develop Equitable Strategies
Develop or improve strategies that support mutually beneficial, equitable North–South partnerships rooted in shared value and long-term commitment.
Design Long-Term Collaboration
Design and manage sustainable, long-term collaborations between diverse universities and organisations across regions and contexts.
Strengthen Resilience
Strengthen the structural, financial, and political resilience of North–South engagements in times of rapid global change and digital transformation.
Three Integrated Phases
The programme is structured in three integrated phases, combining online learning, in-person exchange, and applied practice.
1 · Preparatory Phase
Online · 1 month prior
Participants receive a curated reading list and complete an individual assignment to prepare for the programme.
2 · Face-to-Face Phase
4 days in Palma de Mallorca
Participants present their assignments, engage in plenary discussions, and learn through expert-led sessions and peer exchange. In groups, they design North–South partnerships, consortia, or networks grounded in sustainable internationalisation strategies — refined through expert feedback.
3 · Assessment Phase
Online · 1 month
Participants complete a final assignment, supported by group sessions and individual consultations with facilitators.
Upon successful completion, a certificate will be issued.
EUR 2 750
Includes all three phases of the programme and the certificate on successful completion.
Apply NowIf you do not have a Google account, please send an email to aneugeba@hs-mittweida.de and we will send you the application instructions.
Programme Partners
