Stand for Election: Represent Leiden University in the Una Europa alliance
Want to represent Leiden University on the European stage? Interested in working with students from across Europe and helping shape the future of higher education?
Leiden University is looking for students or PhD candidates to run for two positions on the Una Europa Student Board for the 2026-2027 academic year.
This is a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, gain international experience, and represent the student voice within one of Europe's leading university alliances.
Archie
Former Student Board Member
'Definitely apply! It's such a wonderful opportunity. This role has allowed me to be present and engaged with students, and to develop ideas with them. I’ve worked with university staff on many levels. I’ve learned how the university functions, and how Una Europa fits into the wider university. The Student Board also collaborates with universities and regions like Africa and Latin America, so it’s much more than just focusing on Europe.'
Gaia Sterre Mirotti
Former Student Board Member
At university you learn a lot of theoretical things. This role was where I actually got to apply those skills. There was a lot of diplomacy and negotiation, and we worked with many people from different cultures and backgrounds. Through the Local Task Force, I engaged with students from all faculties and many fields of study. The Student Engagement team helped us to create events. We connected with Una 'Europa teams at each university and with members of the Board of Directors. It was great to work with, and be heard by, so many people. Even with kilometres of space between us, the Student Board really backed each other up. Together we accomplished so much. I felt like we were taken seriously, and it was wonderful to be part of something bigger.'
What's in it for you?
If elected, you will:
- Build an international network by collaborating with students, university leaders, and staff from 11 European universities.
- Be invited to travel to key meetings and events at Una Europa partner universities (all travel costs covered);
- Make an impact on the future of higher education by contributing to discussions and decisions, and ensuring student voices are heard.
- Develop valuable skills in leadership, communication, teamwork, and governance.
Available positions
There are two positions available.
- Executive Member: focuses primarily on governance and decision-making within the alliance.
- Deputy Member: focuses on strengthening the local Una Europa student community at Leiden University.
Undergraduate and master’s students, and PhD candidates, can be elected to serve on the Student Board. You must be a full-time student or PhD candidate, be based in the Netherlands, and be (or willing to become) a member of our LTF. These eligibility requirements must be met for the entire 2026-27 academic year.
Key dates
- 27 September: deadline to register your interest.
- 1 October: online meeting for all candidates (drop in between 14:00-17:00)*
- 5-11 October: Election campaign week
- 12-13 October: Voting
*To ensure a good understanding of the election process and the role, we ask all candidates to join an online walk-in session at a time that suits them. During this session, our Una Europa Project Team will ask candidates to pitch their candidacy in a short (max. 3-minute) presentation. The Project Team will share information about the election process and answer any questions candidates might have.
Interested?
Start by reading the Student Board Elections-Information and Guidelines. This explains the election process, as well as the roles and responsibilities of Student Board members, in more detail.
Apply now
Ready to submit your candidacy? Apply before by 27 September at 23.59 CET.
Send us your application