Summer School 2026 in Germany (Fully Funded by Hanns Seidel Foundation – Passau & Munich)

The Hanns Seidel Foundation, in collaboration with University of Passau, has announced the Summer School 2026 on Decentralization, Good Governance and Geopolitical Shifts.

This fully funded international summer program will take place from 3–14 August 2026 in Passau and Munich, bringing together young leaders, professionals, and researchers from around the world.

About the Program

The Summer School focuses on how global transformations—such as geopolitical shifts, conflicts, and governance challenges—are reshaping state institutions and public trust.

Participants will explore:

• The role of decentralization in governance
• Institutional reforms and state capacity
• Global political transformations

The program combines academic learning with practical exposure, including:

• Group work and discussions
• Country presentations
• Expert-led sessions
• Institutional visits and simulation exercises

Key Topics Covered

Participants will engage in a wide range of critical global themes:

• Good governance in an uncertain world
• Geopolitical shifts and global order changes
• Decentralization and local governance reforms
• Practical simulation exercises and peer exchange
• Impact of global change on political institutions
• Comparative perspectives from Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East

Programme Locations

The Summer School will be held in:

• Passau
• Munich

Participants will also visit:

• Hanns Seidel Foundation headquarters
• Bavarian State Parliament

This provides a real-world understanding of governance systems in Germany.

What the Program Covers (Fully Funded Benefits)

Selected participants will receive:

• International and domestic flight tickets
• Free accommodation throughout the program
• Travel health insurance
• Visa support
• Meals for the entire duration

This makes it a fully funded short-term program in Europe.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should be:

• Young professionals, researchers, or emerging leaders (ideally aged 25–35)
• Having basic knowledge or experience in decentralization or governance
• Interested in global political and economic issues
• Actively engaged in social, political, or economic initiatives
• Fluent in English (no interpretation provided)

Important: This program is only open to Thai nationals.

Application Requirements

Applicants must prepare:

• Updated CV highlighting experience and interests
• Current position/profession details
• Motivation letter (maximum 1 page) explaining interest and goals
• All documents combined into one PDF file (max 10MB)

Application Deadline

• Deadline: 10 May 2026

How to Apply

Applicants need to submit their application via email to:

📧 [email protected]

Important Note

• Only ONE participant will be selected for this prestigious program
• Selection is highly competitive and conducted by the academic team and University of Passau

Why You Should Apply

This program is a rare opportunity to:

• Study governance in a European context
• Engage with global experts and policymakers
• Build international networks
• Gain practical insights into political systems

With full funding, global exposure, and high-level academic engagement, it stands out as a top short-term program in Europe for 2026.

Final Thoughts

The Summer School 2026 in Germany is more than just a training—it is a platform for future leaders to understand and shape governance in a rapidly changing world. If you meet the eligibility criteria, this is a highly valuable opportunity to grow your global perspective.