Date:
Event location: Universiteit Leiden Campus in The Hague
The Una Europa Student Congress is an annual event bringing together students from the 11 partner universities of the Una Europa alliance to discuss themes that matter for the future of higher education and European society.
Each year a different partner university hosts the Congress, contributing its academic expertise and cultural perspective. In 2026, the Congress will be hosted by Universiteit Leiden, with most sessions taking place at its campus in The Hague and additional activities in Leiden.
The event combines critical discussion, collaborative learning and intercultural exchange, offering students the opportunity to actively shape ideas for the university of the future.
The 2026 Congress will focus on sustainability, approached through a hands-on methodology known as Challenge-Based Learning. Participants will work in interdisciplinary teams to address real-world challenges, test ideas and develop practical solutions.
During the Congress, students will:
Three sub-themes will guide the discussions and workshops:
Beyond the academic programme, the Congress will also include cultural and social moments. Delegates will experience The Hague — internationally known as the city of peace and justice — and visit Leiden, the historic base of the university. Informal networking activities, including a traditional Dutch borrel, will complement plenary sessions and workshops.
Founded in 1575, Universiteit Leiden is the oldest university in the Netherlands and one of Europe’s leading international research institutions. Its motto, praesidium libertatis – bastion of freedom – reflects a strong commitment to academic freedom and social responsibility.
Alongside Leiden, the university has a second home in The Hague, a global hub for international organisations, governance and policy. The Hague will serve as the main location of the 2026 Student Congress.
The University of Bologna will select 6 students to participate in the Congress: priority will be given to the Una Europa Local Task Force members. Applicants must complete the online application form by 1 March. Selection results will be notified locally by 20 March.
Travel and accommodation expenses will be covered by the University of Bologna. Applications may close early, therefore early submission is strongly recommended.
For full details on the programme and the hosting institutions, please visit the official Una Europa Student Congress webpage.