The European Commission, in partnership with the OECD, has officially launched applications for the 2026 HEInnovate Train the Trainers Programme. If you are a professional working inside a higher education institution looking to drive institutional change, innovation, and entrepreneurial strategy, this fully funded opportunity allows you to learn the core HEInnovate self-assessment framework in Europe.
Taking place from October 8–9, 2026, in Budapest, Hungary, this exclusive initiative selects only 30 professionals globally. The best part? There are absolutely zero registration fees or hidden charges.
Core Deadlines & Timeline
- Application Closing Date: June 30, 2026
- Phase 1 (Online Setup): Mandatory online preparatory meeting (September 2026)
- Phase 2 (In-Person Event): Two-day workshop at ELTE PPK in Budapest (October 8–9, 2026)
- Phase 3 (Follow-Up): Mandatory online evaluation session (January 2027)
Fully Funded Benefits
Selected trainers receive a comprehensive institutional funding package from the European Commission:
- 100% Free Registration: Zero entry or processing fees.
- Full Travel Coverage: Round-trip flights/trains to Budapest, Hungary are fully arranged and paid for by the organizers.
- Hotel Accommodation: All lodging and hotel stays during the workshop duration are completely covered.
Eligible Countries: Who Can Participate?
While the programme technically welcomes professional applications worldwide, the selection committee works under strict structural mandates backed by EU funding. Clear preference and priority weights are given to candidates who fit into specific geographical and institutional circles:
- EU Member States: Applicants based within any of the 27 European Union Member States.
- European Universities Alliances: Any staff or faculty associated with one of the 65 European Universities Alliances.
📊 Official Lists for Review:
To check if your institution belongs to an eligible network, review the officialEuropean Universities Alliances List.
To view the wider participation frameworks, check the standard Erasmus+ Eligible Countries Directory.
Targeted Participant Profiles
This capacity-building framework is built strictly for active higher education professionals. You can apply if your current career role maps to:
- Academic Leadership: Deans, directors, and institutional administrators.
- Innovation Ecosystem Managers: Professionals working in campus incubation centres or entrepreneurship hubs.
- Strategic Planners: Project managers focused on university internationalisation, R&D, or institutional transformation.
- Note: To maximize regional diversity, the organizers apply a strict one-person-per-institution limit.
Official Portals & Application Link
- Official Event Hub: Read the comprehensive guidelines and itinerary details on the HEInnovate Train the Trainers Programme Announcement Page.
- Application Submission: Ready to apply? Access the official registration system directly via the HEInnovate Portal.
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