International Deans’ Course for Southeast Asia 2026

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK), the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences and the Centre for Higher Education (CHE) are jointly organising the International Deans’ Course for Southeast Asia 2026.

This intensive Training Course is part of the DIES programme (Dialogue on Innovative Higher Education Strategies), which is jointly coordinated by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) since 2001 and funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Course Objectives

Professional Higher Education and Research Management – universities around the world are facing challenges from rapid changes in demographics, technology, politics, and funding. Because of this, higher education institutions need managers who are well-prepared and skilled.

To address this need, the DIES International Deans’ Course offers training in higher education management in an international setting. It is designed to support newly appointed Deans and Heads of Departments by equipping them with the essential skills needed to manage their responsibilities effectively.

The DIES International Deans’ Course is a joint initiative by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK), the Centre for Higher Education (CHE), Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, and several international partner institutions in Africa and Southeast Asia.

The DIES International Deans’ Course is implemented in three main stages over a period of approximately ten months. The program acknowledges that managing higher education institutions requires a set of complex skills that are developed over time, requiring continuous engagement and reflection.

Implementation of the DIES International DEAN’s Course

Part I: Workshop series in Germany

The first stage is a two-week workshop series in Germany, introducing key concepts in higher education management. Participants learn about current issues and solutions. By the end of this stage, each participant decides on a specific topic to address in their own Project Action Plan (PAP). A team of international experts advises participants on the feasibility of their projects, ensuring that the topics are both relevant and achievable. This helps participants apply their newly acquired knowledge directly to their work environment. From the very beginning, international experts provide continuous support, guiding participants in the development and execution of their PAPs. Progress on these projects is shared regularly with all participants.

Part II: Intermediate Meeting

The second stage is a sequence of online meetings held a few months later, again supervised by a team of international experts from the region and their colleagues from Germany. Participants discuss their ongoing projects, share experiences, and reflect on challenges faced in implementing changes. These meetings fosters discussions and collective problem-solving, benefiting from the trust built among participants. The international experts continue to offer support, ensuring that participants remain on track with their PAPs.

Part III: The Final Workshop

The final stage is a one-week workshop in either Africa or Southeast Asia. Participants review successful projects and address remaining challenges. Ideally, by the end of the course, the PAPs should be completed, though this is not mandatory. Participants also have an opportunity to tap into expert resources and build a professional network. The workshop includes new information and collective reflections on the change processes, preparing participants for future efforts. The international expert team remains available to provide final guidance and support.

Follow-up and Alumni Networking

An essential part of the DIES International Deans’ Course is networking. The DAAD supports initiatives that connect participants with other activities related to higher education management. Many participants use these connections to start joint projects, exchange information, and establish various forms of cooperation. DAAD helps alumni stay connected with each other and with scholars in Germany.

Participants’ Profiles

• Up to 30 participants will be selected.
• Participants should be deans, vice-deans aiming at taking over a dean’s position in the future or heads of department. In case that applicants come from specialised, decentralised universities (e.g. University of Natural Sciences, Regional Colleges) applications from newly appointed Vice-Presidents/ -Rectors are also highly welcomed. Participants should be preferably between 40 and 50 years old (+/- 2 years is tolerable).
• Eligible countries are: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Timor Leste and Vietnam.
• Fluency in English is required and mandatory in order to be admitted to the course.
• A gender balance and a good national mix is aimed at, given that qualifications and other criteria are fulfilled.

Application Requirements and Process

The application includes:

• application form (incl. curriculum vitae)
• letter of motivation (incl. draft of the PAP)
• organisational chart of the institution showing the section where the candidates are working in
• letter of support from the university leadership indicating that the applicant will receive financial support from his/her university
• one additional letter of recommendation e.g. of a DAAD alumni will be appreciated.

Application can be submitted until November 30th, 2025. For detailed information about this program and application process,

Detailed information can be read the website here.

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